Dave P. Evans, PhD, CHE, CHIA
Professor and Department Chair

Looking to the future, the HOST department has recently launched a series of third-year Advance Professional Certificate (APC) courses that will allow students to seamlessly transfer to UHWO and earn a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Hospitality and Tourism.  The development of these new courses are intended to meet the changing demands and expectations of the hospitality industry with topics such as: vacation ownership operation, sustainable hospitality operations, hotel analytics & revenue management, and strategic hospitality leadership.

The HOST department was especially honored to have been able to work with world-renowned tourism security expert Dr. Peter Tarlow to develop a new course for the two-year degree students on the important subject of tourism security and safety.

The HOST 270 Tourism Safety and Security class, aims to teach students new and innovative ways to face 21st-century crises ranging from pandemics and natural disasters to economic undulations, terrorism, crime and ocean safety. Developed with assistance from Peter Tarlow, an international expert on tourism risk management, the course will focus on preparing future tourism leaders to effectively manage travel risks. It’s the only one of its kind in Hawaii, and KCC’s faculty says it’s one of the few offered at tourism programs nationwide.

“KCC’s hospitality and tourism department really takes its role in providing for industry needs seriously. We strive to be nimble in creating programs and courses that are important to the industry,” said Dave Evans, professor and department chairman of the Hospitality & Tourism Education Department. “Our industry advisory council has indicated to us that this is one of their top concerns.”

Frank Haas, who will teach the inaugural class, said market research shows safety is one of the most important factors travelers look for in a destination.