As the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) projects the sector to generate 91 million new jobs by 2035¹, Mapúa University is aggressively positioning its students to lead this global expansion. At the core of this preparation is Mapúa’s strategic partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), which fortifies the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) curriculum with globally bench marked content and innovative, tech-driven learning.
To bridge the gap between academic theory and the world stage, the university recently held “Leading the Future of Tourism & Hospitality: The Mapúa STHM Experience.” The event functioned as strategic guidance for future practitioners, offering a deep dive into the realities of the modern workforce of the tourism and hospitality industry.
“At Mapúa University School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, we don’t just make it possible [for you to belong in the tourism and hospitality sector], we make it inevitable,” Dr. Lora Lee Reboton, Dean of Mapúa School of Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM), declared. “[This event] is an experience designed not just to educate, but to [also] transform you into future leaders of one of the most dynamic industries in the world—yes, not just of the Philippines but of the world,” she continued, addressing the participants.
Through Mapúa’s partnership with Arizona State University and its direct engagement with industry giants, the University is developing the adaptability and strategic leadership skills our students need to thrive in senior roles both locally and internationally. We want our students to have the confidence to not just enter the workforce, but to define the future of global tourism.
Reboton shared a breakdown of the unique factors defining the Mapuan experience including highlighting the institution’s state-of-the-art facilities, which were specifically designed to simulate real-world scenarios within the hotel and tourism industries. The Dean also emphasized the expertise of the STHM faculty, who are also industry veterans. Another factor is the school’s immersive professional practice, where students can work alongside industry professionals during internships at partner hotels and establishments, including overseas opportunities. Reboton emphasized the school’s focus on career preparation through integrated Certifications.
Rounding up the unique Mapúa STHM factors is the school’s commitment to talent development and immersive educational tours. “Through carefully designed local and international tours, you will see how tourism and hospitality operate in different cultures and crossroads, and contexts. Through our unique programs, we develop not just your skills, but also your mindset, creativity and leadership. Perhaps, one of the most powerful aspects of the Mapúa STHM experience is this: you will learn directly from the pillars of the industry,” Reboton remarked.
The event featured a confluence of industry pillars who provided a masterclass in professional leadership and sector evolution. Atty. Eugene Yap, President of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP) and General Manager of Bayview Hotel, and Dr. Marygrace Ac-ac, Executive Director of the Nayong Pilipino Foundation, shared insights on the intersection of corporate leadership and cultural identity in nation-building. Complementing these strategic views, Chef Mae Montalban of Magsaysay Center for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (MIHCA) and international cabin crew member and digital creator Tin Reyes provided modern perspectives on high-level culinary arts and the evolving travel landscape in the digital age.
“These are not just distant figures. In fact, they are here with us to share insights, give feedback, and open your minds and hearts to careers for you” Reboton said. “At Mapúa STHM, we don’t just prepare you for the future—we prepare you to build and lead the future.
This professional immersion extended to interactive “Professional Presence” zones. Global beauty leader AVON conducted grooming workshops to master the polished standards of high end hospitality, while leading universal bank RCBC introduced its digital ecosystem that will equip future hospitality leaders with the financial literacy in their career paths. Japanese-inspired brand Shigetsu further enabled students to visualize their professional personas through a curated travel activation, while Malayan Insurance also provided tokens to ensure participants of the event will have a more memorable experience.
The program concluded with an “Open Campus” showcase of Mapúa’s specialized laboratories, hotel replicas, and professional kitchen—facilities that mirror international industry standards. By combining these world-class facilities with ASU’s global repository of content, Mapúa ensures its graduates are prepared to innovate as leaders in the ever-evolving global hospitality market.
Join the next generation of international leaders at Mapúa University. Visit www.mapua.edu.ph to explore programs and scholarship opportunities.
