ORLANDO, Fla. – Dr. Ady Milman, a renowned expert in tourism and hospitality management, has been appointed to the Linda Chapin Endowed Chair in Tourism Management at the University of Central Florida Rosen College of Hospitality Management. The chair, one of the most distinguished positions at the college, honors Milman’s extensive career in tourism planning, tourism and destination management, and consumer behavior while recognizing his contributions to both academia and the industry.

The Linda Chapin Endowed Chair was established more than 20 years ago in honor of Linda Chapin, the first chair of the Orange County Commission and former mayor of Orange County. Chapin is celebrated for her leadership in shaping Central Florida into the top global tourist destination it is today. The chair was created to support innovative research and leadership in tourism management and planning for Central Florida, now the most visited destination in the United States. Holding this position honors Milman’s academic career and places him in a role where he will continue to influence the tourism industry on a local and global scale.

Contributions to Global Tourism Studies

Milman’s body of work spans nearly four decades. As the longest-serving faculty member at UCF Rosen College, he has been instrumental in advancing research and education in areas such as tourism marketing, theme park and attraction management, and consumer behavior. His expertise has shaped academic thought and provided valuable insights for the industry.

Since joining UCF in 1986, Milman has been actively involved in research and leadership roles, including serving as the research director of the Dick Pope Sr. Institute for Tourism Studies. He also founded and continues to lead the college’s Theme Park and Attraction Management Advisory Board, which includes key members of Central Florida’s theme park and attraction industry. Throughout his career, Milman has conducted numerous proprietary research projects for the Central Florida tourism and hospitality industry, along with global counterparts, consulted for international organizations, and collaborated with major players in the theme park and attraction industry. In addition, Milman has taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including Advanced Theme Park and Attraction Management, Tourism Product Development, Airline Management, and International Tourism Management. His global expertise is further highlighted by his Fulbright Scholar award and visiting professorships in Austria, France, Canada, and Israel, among others.

Dr. Cynthia Mejia, dean of Rosen College, praised Milman’s extensive contributions, stating: “Dr. Milman’s teaching record, scholarly contributions to the tourism discipline, and service to the local, national, and international community over the last 38 years at UCF Rosen College are commendable. As the longest-standing faculty member of our college, his research in international tourism management, tourism marketing, theme park and attractions management, airline management, event management, tourism planning, and strategic management has advanced our global understanding of the tourism discipline,” she said. Mejia continued, “At the same time, he has educated and mentored countless undergraduate and graduate students, as well as junior faculty, throughout his time at UCF Rosen College.”

Milman has published extensively in top peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of Travel Research, the International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, and the Annals of Tourism Research. His research has significantly advanced the understanding of tourism behavior, with a focus on why tourists choose specific destinations and how family and personality dynamics influence travel decisions. Furthermore, Milman’s work has provided valuable insights that continue to shape tourism marketing strategies and destination management practices around the world.

Recognition for Academic and Industry Excellence

Milman’s work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Martin Oppermann Memorial Award for Lifetime Contribution to Tourism Education, a Fulbright Scholar Award at the Management Center Innsbruck in Austria, and membership in the UCF Scroll & Quill Society for his sustained scholarly contributions. He is among the top 2% of scientists worldwide for career citations, a testament to the global impact of his research.

Beyond academia, Milman’s leadership has extended to key industry roles, including membership in the International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. His industry-focused work has included consulting with developers on new attractions and assessing the effectiveness of tourism marketing strategies, solidifying his position as a key figure in both Central Florida’s tourism industry and the global theme park and attractions sector.

Looking Ahead as the Linda Chapin Endowed Chair

As the newly appointed Linda Chapin Endowed Chair, Milman will carry forward the mission of the chair while advancing the broader goals of Rosen College. His work will continue to shape tourism management and planning, both in Central Florida and globally. With a reputation for bridging academic research and industry practice, Milman’s insights will drive the future of tourism, ensuring that the legacy of the Linda Chapin Endowed Chair remains a source of innovation and progress for the industry.