Florida Atlantic University was founded in 1961, in Boca Raton on an 850-acre site located near the Atlantic Ocean. The campus is conveniently located halfway between Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale and offers a broad range of academic programs, activities, and services.

The Boca Raton campus provides an exciting and supportive learning environment for students. The Student Union hosts student activities and meetings. In addition, its 2,500-seat Carole and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium enables students to enjoy performances ranging from rock bands to the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra. The campus supports two cafeterias and has an attractive array of accommodations for its residential students. The Boca Raton campus is also home to FAU's Division I Intercollegiate Athletics program and facilities. Its recreation complex includes an aquatic center, gymnasium, tennis courts, wellness center, track, and a variety of fields for club and intramural sports competition.

The five-story S.E. Wimberly Library houses a large collection of monographs, serials, and other academic resources. Computer labs, study lounges, a media center, and tutoring services also provide valuable academic support for students. The Boca Raton campus hosts art exhibits, theatre productions, and concerts in its two galleries and theatre. Visiting performers and speakers add to the artistic and intellectual vibrancy of the campus.

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University of Florida, College of Health & Human Performance, Dept. of Tourism, Recreation, and Sport

Distinguished Alumnus Award

Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International

Lifetime Achievement Award

Context-Based Leisure Travel Facilitation among People with Mobility Challenges: A Self-Determination Theory Approach

Hotel guest preferences of in-room technology amenities

Creation of a Professionalism Scale for Hospitality Students: An Exploratory Study

Do lodging managers expect more from hospitality graduates? A comparison of job competency expectations

Peter Ricci is a hospitality industry veteran with over 20 years of managerial experience in segments including: food service, lodging, incentive travel, and destination marketing. While filling the role of hotel general manager for almost a decade, Ricci served as a part-time educator before entering academia full time as both a clinical associate professor and administrator.

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whats-the-true-story-on-the-state-of-tourism-in-florida

Clinical  Professor and Director

Tourism is one of the key economic drivers in Florida. The sector is responsible for approximately 10 percent of the Gross State Product (GSP), employs millions, and contributes billions to the state's economy.

But how are things in the sector? It depends on the day, what you're reading or what you're watching: the industry in Florida is either booming or in a vulnerable situation.

Here are two examples:

Rising tariffs, visa delays, and shifting global travel trends have created a perfect storm, leading to a sharp drop in tourist numbers across Florida and several other U.S. states. The U.S. tourism industry is facing unprecedented challenges as international visitors choose alternative destinations amid political and economic shifts. According to recent data from the U.S. Travel Association, international visits to the U.S. saw a 14% decline in March, reflecting a broader global trend. However, the most significant impact has been felt among Canadian travelers, with a staggering 20.2% decrease in the number of Canadians visiting the U.S. This marks a troubling shift for the U.S., which has long relied on its neighboring country as a key source of international tourism.   Florida, which has seen a decrease in tourism since the pandemic, is now facing a compounded crisis. The state, which historically attracted millions of international visitors, is seeing fewer long-term snowbirds, as well as a general decline in international arrivals. The state’s tourism sector, once a booming economic engine, is facing significant challenges. With both fewer foreign visitors and changes in local tourism trends, the state’s economy is under increasing strain. According to the World Travel & Journalism Council, the U.S. is on track to lose more than \$12 billion in international travel spending this year alone due to the decline in visitor numbers. June 06 - Travel and Tour World  Whereas government officials are painting a very different picture.

Florida welcomed 143 million visitors in 2024, setting a new tourism record for the state. State officials said this is the most visitors in a single year in Florida's history. The trend isn't slowing down, as more than 41 million people visited Florida in just the first three months of this year. May 21 - ABC News   So there are questions that need to be answered:

What is the current state of tourism in Florida? Have tariffs impacted visits from abroad? Does the high US dollar have anything to do with fewer people coming to the Sunshine State from outside of America? Has domestic travel increased with more Americans choosing Florida as a destination? If the sector is suffering from a decline in visitors, how can it adapt to be more attractive to tourists?  If you are a reporter following the tourism industry  - we're here to help.

Peter Ricci is the Director of the Hospitality and Tourism Management program in Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business. He is a hospitality industry veteran with more than 20 years of managerial experience in segments including food service, lodging, incentive travel and destination marketing.

Peter is available to speak with the media about tourism in Florida and the potential for gambling. Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.


What's the True Story on the State of Tourism in Florida?

from-floridas-lovehate-relationship-with-spring-breakers-to-the-recent-expansion-of-gambling-floridas-tourism-industry-is-experiencing-a-lot-of-changes

 It used to be the go-to place for college students looking to blow off steam, escape winter or just hang out with their friends - Florida was the place to be for spring break.

However, it seems parts of Florida are now saying 'thanks but no thanks' to the annual party crowds. Meanwhile, Florida said ‘yes’ to more gambling which may attract more tourists interested in placing bets and vacationing in the state.

 These topics have received a lot of coverage lately, and there are still outstanding questions and points to consider:

What impact will spring break clampdowns and actions have on local businesses? What parts of Florida are poised to benefit the most of expanding gambling tourism? How will these developments affect Florida’s largest employer, the tourism economy? And, what else is changing in Florida’s tourism industry  Florida’s tourism industry is one of the largest in the world, and it has a major economic impact for the United States and beyond. If you are a reporter following the tourism industry and how Florida’s is changing - we're here to help.

Peter Ricci is the Director of the Hospitality and Tourism Management program in Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business. He is a hospitality industry veteran with more than 20 years of managerial experience in segments including food service, lodging, incentive travel and destination marketing.

Peter is available to speak with the media about tourism in Florida and the potential for gambling. Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.


From Florida’s love/hate relationship with Spring Breakers to the recent expansion of gambling, Florida’s tourism industry is experiencing a lot of changes

is-south-florida-soon-to-be-the-next-las-vegas-our-expert-can-tell-you-if-its-a-good-a-bet-or-not

There's a lot of buzz in Florida around gambling right now. Legal sports betting, live roulette and live craps might soon become a reality in the Sunshine State, adding to the economic bonanza and possible social consequences that comes with allowing these activities to expand.

 
Expectations are high, and it's an idea getting a lot of coverage.

In less than a month, in-person sports betting, craps and roulette will, presumably, begin at all South Florida casinos and elsewhere in the state, though that anticipated launch may hinge on a favorable ruling from the Florida Supreme Court. The launch is expected to drive tourists and businesses to South Florida and elsewhere in the state, create jobs, and bring in billions of dollars in revenue.    Though investors and hotel owners might not want to push all their chips in just yet. There are serious legal issues that still need to be overcome as well as opposition from the Seminole Tribe and the anti-casino group No Casino.

The idea though, has media contacting local experts like Florida Atlantic's Peter Ricci for perspective and insight.

Peter Ricci, a Florida Atlantic University professor who specializes in hospitality and tourism industry trends, thinks that South Florida will see an uptick heading into the Super Bowl, but most of what he hears from local businesses and hospitality employees is uncertainty rather than excitement. “What I’ve heard is questions about ‘when is it starting?'” he said. ” … ‘Are they hiring for blackjack dealers? What does this mean? Will they expand the hotel?’ All these questions but nothing specifically pro or con about actual sports betting itself.” November 13 - Sun Sentinel   Whether Florida can become the next Las Vegas is up to the courts, but if you are a reporter following this ongoing story - we're here to help.

Peter Ricci is the Director of the Hospitality and Tourism Management program in Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business. He is a hospitality industry veteran with more than 20 years of managerial experience in segments including food service, lodging, incentive travel and destination marketing.

Peter is available to speak with the media about tourism in Florida and the potential for gambling. Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.


Is South Florida soon to be the next Las Vegas? Our expert can tell you if it's a good a bet or not?

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