Dr. Fang Meng and PhD student Pei (Allison) Zhang
attended the 2nd World Research Summit for Tourism and Hospitality and
presented their paper.
The Richardson Family SmartState Center of Economic Excellence in Tourism and Economic Development was established in 2010 with a specific goal to encourage research directly applicable to tourism in South Carolina.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Congratulations to the Center's Dr. Fang Meng!
Dr. Meng has been named as an Expert Committee Member to the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF). The distinguished honor is given to only 15 individuals who serve a 5 year term each. For more information please click on the link below:
http://www.hrsm.sc.edu/PressReleases/2013/meng_fang.html
http://www.hrsm.sc.edu/PressReleases/2013/meng_fang.html
Speaking at the Ministry of Truth!
On August 8th, Simon Hudson
presented a paper in Senate House at the University of London. The buildings
use by the Ministry of Information during the Second
World War
inspired George Orwell's description
of the Ministry of Truth in his novel Nineteen Eighty-Four. Dr. Hudson was speaking at the 2013
International Conference on Business Tourism and Applied Sciences, and the
title of his paper was Knowledge Transfer in Tourism.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Simon Hudson presenting
at the 6th World Medical Tourism & Global Healthcare Congress yesterday in
Las Vegas. Dr. Hudson gave two
talks: one called "Health and Wellness Tourism: What Do Consumers
Want?"; and the other titled "Understanding Domestic Medical
Travel". The conference was attended by over 2,000 delegates from all over
the world and was held in Caesars Palace.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Great Professor on the Great Wall!
Dr. David Cardenas, Assistant Professor with the SmartState Center for Economic Excellence in Tourism and Economic development is representing the Center, the college and USC in China. Dr. Cardenas is a visiting scholar at Shandong University in the city of Jinan.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Guest Scholar Visits Center
Dr. Rhodri Thomas, professor of
tourism and events at Leeds Metropolitan University, UK, visited the
Center from September 16th-27th, 2013. During his visit,
Dr. Thomas offered valuable consultation and provided guest
lectures at several classes. It was a delight to host such a wonderful
and impressive visiting scholar!
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
When Work Resembles Play!
Monday, September 30, 2013
New Award!
The
Center has just won a $45,000 grant from the Department of Commerce. The
team will be establishing a brand identity and tourism marketing strategy for
the 10-county region of the Pee Dee, a region of South Carolina plagued by high
poverty and unemployment, low educational levels, and a high number of
dislocated workers. The team will undertake a brand-building exercise, create a
strong unified tourism brand for the Pee Dee region, and provide a strategy for
promoting this brand through innovative digital marketing strategies, whilst
creating economic indices to measure the effectiveness of these initiatives.
The ultimate goal is job creation.
Simon
Hudson will be speaking at the 5th Annual Ignite! Event in November. Speakers
names were released by the Free Times
on September 18. Sponsored by the public-private collaborative effort
EngenuitySC, Ignite! is described as an “annual celebration of the Midlands’
knowledge economy.” Pictured above is USC President Harris Pastides and
Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin at the 2012 Ignite! event. The Free Times article can be seen at:
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Study finds music festivals increasingly engaging with consumers using social media
A study just published in the International Journal of Event and Festival Management, found a high degree of sophistication in the implementation of social media by music festival marketers. For example, the Bonnaroo festival in the U.S. uses radio frequency identification (R.F.I.D) technology to foster engagement with visitors, creating millions of impressions (see picture above). They also successfully employ geo-location software, using Foursquare to reward fans with a unique festival experience. When the festival ends they encouraged visitors to continue the conversation, asking them to tag themselves in the picture where they camped. The paper, written by Dr. Hudson and his son Rupert, a student in the Moore School of Business, can be accessed at: http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=17093140&show=html
Friday, September 6, 2013
Congratulations to Simon Hudson!
It was just
announced today that Simon Hudson is an inaugural recipient of the Breakthrough
Leadership in Research Award presented by the Office of the Vice President for
Research. This new award seeks to honor those faculty members who are not
only outstanding researchers, but also go above and beyond their normal
academic responsibilities to have a significant impact on USC and the
community. Dr. Hudson will be featured in the fall Breakthrough special
publication, and featured on the USC home page to be recognized for his service
and accomplishments.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
China’s ‘Hawaii’: Climbing the Curve of Customer Service
Ritz-Carlton is known worldwide as a leader in customer
service. Its quaintly old-fashioned credo is 'we are ladies and gentleman
serving ladies and gentlemen'. But how does this translate to a remote island
in the South China Sea? This article just published in Hotel Business Review
looks at the Ritz-Carlton Sanya on Hainan Island and focuses on General Manager
Michel Goget’s efforts to keep the hotel at the number one position on the
island. Training is key, but the hotel’s policy is to do considerable
groundwork before the guests’ arrival – even to the extent of providing a
‘romanceologist’ to orchestrate romantic evenings, proposals and engagements to
create the perfect environment for couples.
To read the article, click here:
Monday, August 26, 2013
More reasons to encourage youth travel!
The Center is excited to announce that it has recently been awarded funds from the US Travel Association to study the educational impact of travel on youth. Check out the links below that support the hypothesis that travel has a positive impact on educational outcomes for young people:
http://thumbnails.visually.netdna-cdn.com/TheBenefitsofEducationalTravel_503b9d2546583.png
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20111005005188/en/Survey-Finds-Youth-Educational-Travel-Career-Advantages
http://thumbnails.visually.netdna-cdn.com/TheBenefitsofEducationalTravel_503b9d2546583.png
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20111005005188/en/Survey-Finds-Youth-Educational-Travel-Career-Advantages
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Banner month for Dr. Hudson!
Congratulations are in order! Dr. Hudson celebrated an extra special birthday this year because his 50th peer-reviewed article was accepted for publication this month. Look for "Knowledge Exchange: A Destination Perspective" to be published in the Journal of Destination Marketing and Management , Vol 2 No. 3. This article details Dr. Hudson's experiences in South Carolina managing a research center and emphasizing the importance of transferring knowledge from academia to industry. Congratulations and Happy Birthday to Dr. Hudson!
Friday, August 9, 2013
Speaking at the Ministry of Truth!
Monday, July 22, 2013
Jah Roots using Hydroponics to Promote Agri-Tourism
HRSM student, Scott Harriford IV, is using an innovative idea and hard work to build agri-tourism in South Carolina. See full article below:
Friday, July 19, 2013
Watch Dr. Hudson's Interview to learn more about the Bluffton Branding Project
Simon Hudson being interviewed by WHHI TV
on Hilton Head Island about the Bluffton Branding project. See the full
interview at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=jIB0QSqBU4M
Dr. Hudson presents at the Making Waves International Conference on Events 2013
Simon Hudson presenting at the Making Waves International Conference on
Events 2013 in Bournemouth, U.K. 3-5 July. The paper he presented was
co-written with Fang Meng and David Cardenas, and was called “Gauging potential
demand for new events.”
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Governor's School Intern Contributes to the Center and the Bluffton Branding Project
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
USC Partnering with USCB and Rawl Murday on Branding Charrettes
Dr. Fang Meng facilitates branding exercise on July 9th, 2013 in Bluffton, SC. |
In conjunction with Rawle Murdy, and USC-B our Center is conducting research in Bluffton, SC to help them develop and identify their town unique brand/image. The first stage of the research consists of administering 4 Charrettes and conducting over 35 key stakeholder interviews.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
USC SmartSate Center of Excellence in Tourism and Economic Development well represented at the Travel and Tourism Research Association's annual meeting held in Kansas City
Monday, July 8, 2013
Dr. Hudson Weighs in on the Bluffton Today Opinion Page
See Dr. Simon Hudson's comments below:
http://www.blufftontoday.com/bluffton-opinion/2013-06-30/making-bluffton-place-live-work-and-play-priority#.UdRkg-0YI05
http://www.blufftontoday.com/bluffton-opinion/2013-06-30/making-bluffton-place-live-work-and-play-priority#.UdRkg-0YI05
Guest Columnist, Dr. Simon Hudson asks: "If Bluffton was a celebrity, then who would it be?"
See the full article at the link below:
http://www.blufftontoday.com/bluffton-opinion/2013-07-03/if-bluffton-was-celebrity-then-who-would-it-be#.Udr8nPn2aCl
Measuring the Impact of Product Placement on Children Using Digital Brand Integration
Check Out Dr. Simon Hudson's Recent Publication: Hudson, S., &
Elliott, C. (2013). “Measuring the Impact of Product Placement on Children
Using Digital Brand Integration,” Journal
of Food Products Marketing, 19(3), 1-25.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Dr. Simon Hudson leads a team of researchers in developing an identity brand for the the town of Bluffton, SC.
http://www.wtoc.com/story/22673560/bluffton-seeks-input-to-brand-its-identity
http://www.wtoc.com/story/22673560/bluffton-seeks-input-to-brand-its-identity
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Simon Hudson, Director of the Center of Economic Excellence in Tourism and Economic Development with the University of South Carolina, speaks with Cherod Webber, left, president and CEO of Innovative Global Supply, LLC, at InnoVenture 2013 on Wednesday, May 8, 2013. / Heidi Heilbrun
For full article:http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20130509/BUSINESS/305090014/InnoVenture-10-years-old-still-putting-startups-front-investors?nclick_check=1
Simon
Hudson was in Greenville yesterday at the 2013 Innoventure conference, and was
honored to accept the 2013 Chris Przirembel Award on behalf of the Smart
State Program. The Przirembel Prize recognizes collaborations in the
southeastern United States which are recognized as significant by those outside
the region. More details about the prize are at http://innoventureconference.com/2013/przirembel-prize-2013/
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
The Service Recovery Paradox. Does It Really Exist?
In an article just published in Hotelexecutive.com, Simon Hudson
discusses the service recovery paradox. Some researchers have suggested that
customers who are dissatisfied, but experience a high level of excellent
service recovery, may ultimately be even more satisfied and more likely to
repurchase than those who were satisfied in the first place. This idea has
become known as the service recovery paradox. Simon’s article discusses the
paradox and reports on a research study conducted in Spain, where he (in
partnership with researchers at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) found that hotel customers who had
experienced a recovery encounter, did indeed perceive a higher level of service
quality. But given the mixed opinions on the extent to which the recovery
paradox exists, Simon suggests that ‘doing it right the first time’ is still
the best and safest strategy in the long run. See the full article at:
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Due South
Simon Hudson pictured with a Canadian Mountie in New York. Simon was attending the Canadian Media Marketplace in New York this week trying to persuade Canadians to travel 'due south'. Canadian travelers are important to South Carolina – nearly a million Canadians visit South Carolina every year with over half spending one night or more in our state.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Simon Hudson in the Badlands
Simon Hudson was in the Badlands of Canada this week,
speaking at a tourism industry conference. For more about Simon’s trip read
the article: “Tourism
expert talks about bringing Badlands to the centre stage.”
Friday, March 15, 2013
Take a vacation: it’s good for your health!
In an article just published in Medical
Tourism Magazine, Simon Hudson discusses how vacations can make a significant contribution to quality of life. Even the simple act of planning a holiday can lead to increased happiness. Read more at: http://www.medicaltourismmag.com/article/travel-the-new-prescription.html
Friday, March 1, 2013
Simon Hudson, pictured with Bill Boineau, Mayor of Aspen
Snowmass, and former student at the University of South Carolina. Boineau
attended USC back in the late 70s, and has been a popular mayor of this
beautiful Colorado ski resort since 2008. Simon was in Aspen to attend the 40th
Anniversary of the National Brotherhood of Skiers, a gathering of some 2,000
African American skiers. One of Simon’s research interests is minority
participation in sport tourism, and he is looking at the ways destinations are
appealing to minority groups. His team has just submitted a grant proposal to
explore the ways of attracting African American tourists to South Carolina.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Simon discussed the keys to tourism growth in South Carolina on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at Delaney's Speakeasy at the monthly EngenuitySC Science Cafe. The article can be seen at:
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Center in the news
February 9, 2013
Simon was interviewed by Andy Burns of ABC News Columbia on Monday February 9th. In the interview, Simon discusses the potential for tourism growth in South Carolina, particularly the opportunities for cultural and historic tourism. The interview can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O5EudXxdYQ&feature=youtu.be
Simon was interviewed by Andy Burns of ABC News Columbia on Monday February 9th. In the interview, Simon discusses the potential for tourism growth in South Carolina, particularly the opportunities for cultural and historic tourism. The interview can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O5EudXxdYQ&feature=youtu.be
February 8, 2013
Simon was interviewed for a detailed article in the Business Section of The State on Sunday, February 8th. In the article called 'Love Away from Home' Simon discusses the health benefits of travel, and the initiatives that the US Travel Association are undertaking to persuade more Americans to travel in their own country. The full article can be seen at:
http://www.thestate.com/2013/02/10/2624738/love-away-from-home.html#.URj4to4lzEM
Simon was interviewed for a detailed article in the Business Section of The State on Sunday, February 8th. In the article called 'Love Away from Home' Simon discusses the health benefits of travel, and the initiatives that the US Travel Association are undertaking to persuade more Americans to travel in their own country. The full article can be seen at:
http://www.thestate.com/2013/02/10/2624738/love-away-from-home.html#.URj4to4lzEM
February 7, 2013
Simon was interviewed by Andrea Mock from WLTX News on Friday, February 7th. In the interview, Simon recommended three 'one-tank' romantic trips that viewers could take in South Carolina. His Valentine suggestions were The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island, The Wilcox in Aiken, and The Vendue Inn in Charleston.
Simon was interviewed by Andrea Mock from WLTX News on Friday, February 7th. In the interview, Simon recommended three 'one-tank' romantic trips that viewers could take in South Carolina. His Valentine suggestions were The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island, The Wilcox in Aiken, and The Vendue Inn in Charleston.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Simon’s new book – Customer Service for Hospitality and Tourism – is now out and available for purchase. The new book explains the theory behind the importance of customer service, and acts as a guidebook for those wishing to put this theory into practice. Collected from all over the world, numerous case studies throughout the book look at customer service in practice. The book is available online at Goodfellowpublishers.com.
Simon
Hudson has been asked to be a contributing editor to Hotel Business Review, an online
journal for hotel executives (http://hotelexecutive.com). Over the next 12 months, Simon
will write 6 articles on various topics for the journal, which is viewed weekly
by thousands of industry practitioners. His first article, to appear in
February, is about the service recovery paradox.
Monday, January 7, 2013
The
Center's Graduate Assistant, Karen Irene Thal, presented at the 18th
Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality
and Tourism, held January 3-5, 2013 in Seattle, Washington. The presentation,
based on the paper entitled "In Word and Deed: The Processes and Promises
of Corporate Greening" was a collaborative effort with the Center's Dr.
Cardenas and fellow doctoral student Tarik Dogru. The session was well
attended and topic well received.
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