Keywords

undergraduate research involvement, tourism education programs, university research collaboration

Abstract

This paper explores the needs and benefits for using undergraduates as a resource at tourism University Centers. The purpose of undergraduate tourism programs varies, but programs strive to combine theory with application, and research plays a role in this process. Undergraduates stand to benefit from the managerial and decision-making skills they can learn through research. The number of university tourism research centers has increased worldwide. These centers often function on small budgets and have limited research centers, yet their services and clientele · base are increasing. This paper explores how some universities have involved undergraduates in university tourism research, focusing heavily on the University of Nebraska Travel and Tourism Program and the related Nebraska Tourism Resource Center. This program utilizes NTRC projects for class projects within the tourism program. A model explains the synergistic relationship between these two university entities.

Original Publication Citation

Gibbons, Deirdre and Brian J. Hill. 1993. "Discovering the Unique Synergy Potential of Undergraduate Research and Tourism Service Needs." Visions in Leisure and Business, Spring 1993. 12(1): 4-12.