What is your belief on tourism and hospitality industry?

Most of my adult life I have worked in the tourism industry in one way or another and feel that although it took a serious hit after September 11, it is beginning to bounce back. I think more and more people are travelling and really think that travelling is a wonderful learning tool and so important for our economy as well as personal development.

I have always had an interest in tourism and hospitality. In fact I almost went to college to get an associate's degree in the field. I believe that travel is essential to learning about the world and ourselves. It expands our horizons and opens our minds.

People in the travel and hospitality industry are essential to this experience. They usually are the first contact we have with traveling. Agents arrange the trips we take, hotel managers give us safe places to sleep, and tour directors take us on adventures of a lifetime.

I will always respect workers in this industry. They really are the gateway to a better world.