In addition to degree programs offered by the Department of Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management, the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute offers on-line certificate programs. Currently, new online certification programs are offered by the Tourism Crisis Management Institute. The Institute was established in 2007 to assist the tourism industry with comprehensive tourism crisis management initiatives. The Institute is housed within the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute and is affiliated with other allied academic disciplines at the University of Florida.
To address the critical need to prepare tourism industry professionals for crises, the Institute has developed and offered comprehensive online Tourism Crisis Management certificates for three major sectors: Destination Management Organization (DMO), Lodging, and Attractions. Additional certification courses for Cruises and Travel Intermediaries are in development. These certificates focus on crisis reduction, readiness, response and recovery efforts from natural and human-induced disasters that affect tourism destinations or businesses. The online certification programs are administered in partnership with UF Division of Continuing Education.
The certificates are designed for individuals who are in a leadership position within tourism organizations, and wish to build skills related to crisis reduction, readiness, response, and recovery from natural and human-induced disasters that affect their destination or business.