College Partners with Visit St. Pete-Clearwater to Revolutionize Hospitality Education

St. Petersburg College (SPC) is redefining hospitality education through an exciting new partnership with Visit St. Pete-Clearwater (VisitSPC), aimed at transforming its Introduction to Hospitality course into a dynamic, hands-on learning experience that prepares students for thriving careers in Florida’s booming tourism and hospitality industry.

As part of SPC’s continued commitment to aligning academic offerings with industry needs, the revamped course will eliminate traditional textbooks in favor of interactive, locally driven content. Leveraging VisitSPC’s resources, including high-quality videos, images, and insights from local industry leaders, the course offers students an immersive look into the diverse segments of the hospitality sector, from hotels and resorts to event planning and tourism operations.

“Relaunching this course was about creating something timely, engaging, and grounded in the real world,” said Dr. Louise Black, SPC Hospitality and Management faculty. “With the support of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, we’ve reimagined hospitality education as something that starts in the classroom and reaches into the community. This isn’t just a textbook course — it’s a blueprint for future professionals.”

Reflecting on the course's broader academic vision and its real-world relevance, Dr. Emmanuel Hernandez-Agosto, Dean of SPC’s College of Business, shared that he is thrilled to announce the revamped Introduction to Hospitality course that was developed in collaboration with industry leaders and VisitSPC.

“This innovative course offers our students the unique opportunity to learn directly from industry partners, visit their facilities, and explore the diverse aspects of hospitality that often go unnoticed,” said Hernandez-Agosto. “We are committed to providing our students with unparalleled experiences and insights that will prepare them to excel in the dynamic world of hospitality."

Key course enhancements include:

• No Textbook Required: Reduces costs and increases accessibility.
• Industry Content from VisitSPC: Curated materials showcasing local attractions and employers.
• Misconception-Busting Modules: Breaking down barriers and reshaping perceptions of hospitality careers.
• Local Employer Spotlights: Real-world relevance through case studies of area businesses.
• Hands-On Experiences: Direct engagement with industry leaders and work environments.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Funding support through the Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association for eligible students.
• Open Enrollment: Available to both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students.

SPC’s partnership with VisitSPC also reflects the vital role the College plays in the area through its economic contributions and impact on the vitality of the local economy. The College added $3.2 billion in income into the Tampa Bay region through operations spending, student spending and alumni contributions during the 2022-23 fiscal year, according to an independent economic impact study.

The partnership also arrives at a time of significant growth in the local tourism economy. In fiscal year 2024, Pinellas County saw a record-breaking $11.2 billion in economic impact from tourism, welcoming more than 15.4 million visitors and accounting for over 6.4 million hotel room nights. Statewide, Florida attracted 142.9 million visitors in 2024, a 1.6% increase from the previous year. Also, approximately 1 in 10 jobs in Pinellas County are tourism/hospitality related.

“This collaboration with St. Petersburg College is an investment in the future of our workforce,” said Kylie Diaz, Vice President of Community Engagement at Visit St. Pete-Clearwater. “Our workforce is the backbone of tourism and hospitality, and we are excited to expose students to the many opportunities of a career in this industry. Being able to create this partnership and include FRLA is an investment in education to not just prepare students for thriving careers but also shape the future of visitor experience. This is about building a thriving, sustainable future for our industry.”

Through this innovative course design, students will explore local venues such as The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach, The Don CeSar, and local elite events that draw significant crowds like St. Pete Pride, and the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, engaging with professionals and gaining insights that extend well beyond traditional classroom instruction.

“This course is one-of-a-kind,” added Dr. Black. “It reflects what students need today: education that’s engaging, localized, and designed to create real opportunities.”