As cruise travel surges to a record high in 2025 with 19 million Americans expected to set sail, health experts warn of a parallel rise in norovirus outbreaks aboard cruise ships. Despite the increased risk, experts like UCF’s Dr. Jessica Wickey Byrd affirm cruises remain safe and enjoyable if passengers take precautions such as regular handwashing. The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program faces staffing cuts, potentially hindering outbreak monitoring during peak season. Experts stress proper hygiene, surface disinfection, and staying home if symptomatic, while recommending trip insurance for added protection.

Dr. Cynthia Mejia, along with co-authors Hannah Crandell and Dr. Mindy Shoss, published a research-backed article in Harvard Business Review exploring how hospitality businesses can successfully integrate service robots. Supported by UCF’s Rosen College Dean’s Research Clusters Program, the study highlights key strategies for adoption, including staff training, physical space planning, and strong management support.

Dr. Alan Fyall, Visit Orlando Endowed Chair of Tourism Marketing at Rosen College, spoke with Insider about the growing challenges of overtourism. As global travel demand surges, Dr. Fyall emphasized the need for destinations to manage visitor numbers and timing to protect both natural resources and quality of life for residents, noting that without proper limits, “you will ruin the resource so much that there won’t be anything to go see.”

Universal Orlando hosted a major hiring event at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, drawing over 550 students eager to explore job and internship opportunities—including roles at the highly anticipated Epic Universe. Universal representatives conducted on-the-spot interviews and hires, showcasing their commitment to supporting student career growth through this annual partnership event.

After the financial crisis of 2008, the value of the Icelandic krona tanked, along with the Iceland Stock Exchange. Thousands lost their homes and unemployment skyrocketed. Two years later, the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano disrupted air travel to Europe and caused more problems for the already struggling country — but it also drew international awareness to Iceland. "Tourism's a quick win for many of these places," said Alan Fyall, the Visit Orlando endowed chair of tourism marketing at the University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management who studies sustainable tourism, said of countries with struggling economies. "Tourism can be a very, very powerful economic and social force for good. There's no question. However, it's like everything — it's how you do it," he said.

Dr. Robin Back, associate professor at Rosen College, joined Central Florida Public Media’s Engage to share insights on the science behind taste and why people love or dislike chocolate—just in time for Valentine’s Day. He discussed how genetics and psychology influence flavor preferences, contributing to the $2.5 billion Americans are expected to spend on candy this year.

Rosanna Maietta, President & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), recently released a heartfelt statement following the death of Harris Rosen, the visionary founder and president of Rosen Hotels & Resorts. Maietta expressed deep admiration for Rosen’s remarkable contributions to the hospitality sector, highlighting his dedication to excellence, innovation, and community service. “Harris Rosen was an inspirational figure and a shining example of the passion and drive that hoteliers need to succeed. His love for the industry made him the largest independent hotelier in Florida, but he showed us the true meaning of hospitality through his philanthropic work,” said AHLA President & CEO Rosanna Maietta. “His generous donation to the University of Central Florida built the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, which was just ranked best in the nation for the fifth consecutive year for its hospitality management and tourism program. Harris left an indelible mark on this industry and its people that will be felt for generations. We will miss him.”

Cynthia Mejia has seen the local hospitality industry grow tremendously since she joined the University of Central Florida in 2013. Mejia, dean of UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, witnessed its twice-a-year career fairs grow to more than 100 U.S. companies. The ratio of jobs to students is six-to-one and the school places as many as 98% of its students in jobs. “That’s a reason students come here, because they feel like they will have a killer job. Parents like that, too,” she told Orlando Business Journal.

The University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Rosen College of Hospitality Management has been ranked the top hospitality program in the U.S. by ShanghaiRanking for the fourth consecutive year while placing top five globally. The Rosen College holds renowned distinctions for serving as a pipeline for hospitality talent, with many graduates going on to serve in administrative or corporate roles in some of the world’s biggest entertainment and hospitality companies, like Disney and Universal. An oft-lauded feature of the college’s program is its requirement for each student to complete three internships before graduation, ensuring practical industry experience.

The Rosen College of Hospitality within the University of Central Florida has been recognized once again. The school was ranked top five worldwide in the ShanghaiRankings’ 2022 list, which includes 500 top universities. This is the third time Rosen College’s hospitality program was ranked No. 1 in the nation and among the top five in the world.

Now, the University of Central Florida (UCF) is starting a $4.5 million research project that educators believe will help the next time a pandemic strikes. The research is a collaboration of faculty members across UCF with a wide range of expertises. Their effort brings together professors from UCF’s medical school and the hospitality and engineering colleges plus other areas. “It is very difficult to prevent pandemics, but what we can do is we can help communities be better prepared,” said UCF hospitality professor Robertico Croes, who is helping lead the project.