About EFTI

EFTI was created in 1992 by the tourism faculty to serve tourism destinations and industries through research in Florida. Since its establishment, the Institute has been committed to excellence in research, and has evolved to become a major institute for tourism research in Florida and beyond. The Institute facilitates interdisciplinary research projects focusing on a wide range of travel, tourism and hospitality opportunities. The Institute is dedicated to being the premier academic tourism research institute in the country with a focus on contributing to the long-term sustainability of communities in a global society. EFTI is housed within the Department of Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management at the University of Florida.

Mission

EFTI is committed to building a bridge between the tourism industry, organizations, destinations, and higher education through excellence in interdisciplinary research that provides strategic information focused on a wide array of travel, tourism and hospitality opportunities.

Vision

EFTI is recognized as a global leader responsive to the needs of industry partners and the academic process. The Institute uses interdisciplinary research teams engaged in research to solve tourism problems and expand the knowledge base for the industry and the academic world. Through a commitment to research excellence and passion for knowledge, Institute personnel and affiliates lead the nation in transforming intellectual knowledge into useable, sustainable strategies to enhance international, national, state and local tourism organizations, companies, agencies and destinations.

Goals and Objectives

EFTI aims to:

  • Research tourism-related impacts, including economic, environmental and cultural issues.
  • Develop opportunities for tourism research in the industry and communities.
  • Help formulate public- and private-sector policies that will lead to improvement in tourism planning and development.
  • Provide training for the private, public and non-profit sectors via workshops and certification programs.
  • Create best-practice guides, training manuals, and policy papers about tourism development.
  • Communicate tourism research findings to industry partners, elected officials and community organizations.
  • Network, interact and collaborate with organizations and institutions that focus on tourism issues in Florida, U.S., and globally.
  © 2010 College of Health and Human Performance | Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute
PO Box 118208 | Gainesville, FL 32611-8208 | Phone: 352.392.3992 | Fax: 352.392.7588