Florida International University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, one of the leading programs of its kind in the world for students studying hotel, foodservice and travel-related industries, appealed to industry friends, alumni and partners, as well as consumer demand for vacation value, to successfully raise more than $55,000 from their first-ever FIU Hospitality Online Auction. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the school’s scholarship program; provide grants for students to attend industry conferences; and fund student teaching assistantships.
Sponsored by Carnival Cruise Lines, the online auction was an innovative way for the school to reach a broader audience of potential donors and raise much needed funds to help the next generation of travel and tourism professionals achieve their career goals. In addition, the auction brought attention to the School and strengthened relationships within the industry.
“We are extremely pleased with the results of our first online auction and want to thank our dedicated industry partners and the hundreds of bidders who contributed to the future of our very talented and dedicated students who represent the best and brightest for the future of the hospitality industry” said Dean Joan Remington.
The auction offered savings on a variety of travel, dining and entertainment packages. With consumer demand high for discounted and value-driven travel experiences, bidders eagerly took advantage of the reduced pricing to find a deal. For example, The Rancho La Puerta spa vacation, one of the world’s leading spa resorts normally valued at $7,500, sold for about 30 percent off. Other unique items that gained consumer interest included:
§ An InterContinental escape to China for six nights
§ Two VIP tickets to “The View” TV Show
§ Loews Miami Beach Presidential Suite Getaway
§ Two lower level seats to see the Miami Heat vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves
The first scholarships from the online auction proceeds will be awarded during the upcoming spring semester.
Founded in Florida in 2010, the FIU Hospitality Online Auction is a 501 © 3 not-for-profit organization. Visit www.biddingforgood.com/fiuhtm for more information.
Located in Miami – one of the world’s most recognized tourism-driven economic regions, providing students a unique living laboratory of unmatched experiential learning opportunities, Florida International University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management maintains a dynamic curriculum designed to meet the changing needs and demands of the industry, as well as state-of-the-art campus facilities, an exceptionally high graduate placement record, a prominent line of alumni and distinguished faculty, and one of the most extensive international reach of any leading hospitality school with its 1,000-student Tianjin, China campus.