Rosen College of Hospitality Management, College of Medicine, and College of Engineering and Computer Science within the University of Central Florida received $4.5 million in funding to research methods of mitigating the damage to small businesses, tourism, and hospitality from health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The research will be aimed at potential measures of supporting the businesses in its recovery from vulnerabilities and preparation for the future.
The three core activities are going to be:
- Creating an advance warning system based on data collection methods.
- Sharing scientific knowledge with tourists and service staff, closing the gap between fundamental and behavioral sciences.
- Creating a resource for small and medium-sized enterprises from the tourism industry to help them cope with the potential health crises in the future.
Florida is a major tourist destination and an international corridor brining other nationals to the USA. Implementing this research initiative in the Sunshine State will enhance its business community, improve safety and healthcare of travelers, and help identify the emerging threats in this area, so that nothing disrupts the stable flow of tourists to the region.