Travel & Tourism SIG

The primary purpose of the Travel and Tourism SIG is to encourage, discuss, and promote interest in Travel and Tourism education, research, pedagogy, industry partnerships, and professional development among interested members of ICHRIE.

Chair Jennifer Forney Jamestown Community College jenniferforney@mail.sunyjcc.edu

Vice Chair Stanley Li-Ming Chiang East Stroudsburg University  hiang@esu.edu

UPCOMING EVENT

Join the Travel & Tourism SIG at the 2025 ICHRIE Global Conference for “We Are Not Alone: The Challenge of Connecting Tourism & Hospitality Industry and Academia” with special guest, Dr Reneé Minnaar, Owner, Consult Renee (Hospitality, Academic & Tourism Solutions).

Dr Reneé Minnaar's career spans 21+ years, of which 14 years of lecturing experience (both tourism and hospitality management) in both private and higher education institutions in South Africa. Reneé has a year of rooms division manager experience at one of the best hotels in the world, The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa. Reneé also spent 6 years at and Beyond Travel, an award-winning luxury experiential travel company, as a trainer to travel specialists, nationally and internationally.

Reneé started Consult Renee in 2017 and offers hospitality, academic and tourism solutions. Reneé also serves on hospitality and tourism advisory boards nationally, as well as Hospitality Internships internationally.  Reneé is involved in various industry and academic projects, such as: industry research, programme reviews, research paper reviews, training material and curriculum updates, assessment, moderation, guest lectures, online training, customer service/experience related projects, webinars/podcasts and several other custom projects in learning and development.

Reneé is one of the few PhD graduates in the field of tourism in South Africa, graduating from North West University, and specialising in the field of econometrics. She also obtained an MTech in Tourism & Hospitality Management, a BTech Degree in Hospitality Management (Cum Laude) and a NDip Degree in Hospitality Management (Cum Laude) - all from Central University of Technology, Free State. 

Reneé believes in lifelong learning and is also a Certified Hospitality Department Trainer CHDT (from American Hotel & Lodging Association). She also volunteers time on HoteliersGuild, is a registered speaker at Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance, a member of Weraizup, and is a Hospitality Ambassador at OVC Work & Travel.

SAVE THE DATE

Bring your ideas, your questions, and your passion for bridging the gap. Let’s collaborate, connect, and create stronger partnerships across our field!

See you in Indy!