A Forbes report examines early hotel booking trends ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, noting that demand in many U.S. host cities is tracking at or below normal summer levels despite expectations of a tourism surge. The article highlights that visa barriers, high travel costs, and logistical challenges across 16 host cities may be limiting international attendance and reducing the tournament’s immediate economic impact. Alan Fyall, associate dean at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, explained that the scale and dispersion of the World Cup across North America make travel more complex and expensive compared to previous tournaments, which could suppress inbound tourism. He added that while late-stage matches may still generate stronger demand if certain teams advance, early indicators suggest the event may deliver less hotel-driven economic uplift than initially projected.

A UCF graduate student in event leadership secured a position with Omni Hotels and Resorts in Atlanta before officially walking at commencement, highlighting a growing trend of students entering the workforce with roles already lined up. The article follows Diana Manson, who credits her hands-on experiences during her graduate program for helping her stand out in the job market and secure the opportunity ahead of graduation. UCF career advisors from the Dixon Career Development Center noted that employers are increasingly prioritizing candidates who bring practical experience, AI literacy, and strong internship and networking backgrounds in addition to their degrees. The story emphasizes how students are becoming more intentional about building career pathways early through internships and employer engagement, reflecting a broader shift toward experience-driven hiring in hospitality and related industries.

A feature highlights UCF professor Amy Gregory from Rosen College of Hospitality Management and her role in advancing space-related hospitality research through student projects connected to the International Space Station. The article focuses on her work guiding experiments such as studying calcium crystal formation in microgravity and exploring how food science concepts like gelatin behave in space environments, blending hospitality with space science applications. Gregory’s background in the hospitality industry and her transition into academia are also emphasized, along with her efforts to introduce students to emerging fields like spaceport hospitality and space tourism. The story underscores how Rosen College is expanding traditional hospitality education into future-focused industries tied to space exploration and commercial space travel.

UCF’s strong showing in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Program Rankings highlighted the university’s growing investment in online education, with hospitality management among the nationally recognized programs. In the article, Kevin Murphy, professor and Darden Endowed Chair in Restaurant Management at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, explained that the online hospitality program is especially valuable for working professionals in the restaurant and lodging industries who want to continue their education while advancing their careers. Murphy noted that subjects such as management, finance, and accounting translate effectively to an online format, while industry partnerships and alumni engagement help keep the curriculum aligned with workforce needs. The story also emphasized UCF’s broader support systems, including intentional course design, faculty training, and student success coaching, which help online learners balance academics with careers, family responsibilities, and military service.

A feature highlights UCF hospitality management student Brooke Adragna’s experience serving as the Knightro mascot while studying at the university, showcasing how student involvement in campus traditions can evolve into leadership and performance roles. The article follows Adragna’s journey from lifelong UCF fan to becoming part of Team Knightro, where she contributed to game-day atmosphere, fan engagement, and spirit events while balancing the physical and emotional demands of the role. It also reflects on her development within UCF’s hospitality environment, where she plans to pursue a career in sports and live entertainment focused on fan experience. The story emphasizes how Rosen College’s student experience ecosystem connects academics with real-world entertainment and engagement opportunities.

UCF’s Rosen College is training students to design space hotels and zero-gravity dining as commercial space tourism becomes more real. Through the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program, students work on food preservation in microgravity (like tofu texture) and create hospitality models for orbital stays. They also collaborate with industry leaders like Blue Origin and Axiom Space to imagine what off-Earth living and dining could look like.

A regional feature explores the expected return of El Niño in 2026 and its potential impacts on Florida’s weather patterns, including increased rainfall, flooding risk, and shifts in hurricane activity. The article includes perspectives from UCF and climate experts explaining how weakening trade winds in the Pacific can trigger large-scale atmospheric changes that influence both seasonal weather and long-term environmental conditions. April Robertson-Ring, a doctoral student in coastal restoration and Rosen College alumna, noted that unpredictable weather patterns can affect Florida’s tourism economy by influencing traveler behavior, hotel performance, and beach-related revenue, as visitors become more selective about when they travel to the state. The story highlights how climate variability is closely tied to tourism systems and regional economic stability in Florida.

A new article co authored by UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management faculty member Bendegul Okumus offers insight into what Gen Z values most during hotel stays. Drawing on a multi year mystery shopping study of more than 900 Gen Z college students, the research points to convenience, digital ease, and operational consistency as top priorities. Participants emphasized the need for seamless mobile check in, intuitive in room technology, reliable Wi Fi, and flexible policies that support last minute travel patterns. Cleanliness and safety were described as baseline expectations rather than differentiators, while sustainability and authentic local design ranked high in shaping brand perception. The study also found missed opportunities in loyalty engagement and upselling, with fewer than one third of properties promoting programs or personalized add ons. The authors recommend that hotels strengthen service time KPIs, cross train staff for personalized interactions, and integrate feedback from younger travelers into product design and digital strategy to build loyalty for the next decade.

Houston Public Media examined the financial structure behind Hilton Americas-Houston, where workers have been on strike since Sept. 1 for higher wages. Public records revealed Hilton received more than $2.2 million in management fees in 2024, while owner Houston First Corporation reported record profits of $67 million in 2023. UCF’s Amy Gregory, associate professor at Rosen College of Hospitality Management, explained that Hilton’s fee structure tied to revenue-per-available-room is common across the industry and expected to keep rising as recovery continues post-pandemic. Her insights provided context on how hotel performance metrics drive management profits, situating Rosen College in national conversations on hospitality operations and labor dynamics.