ETSU Launches New Hospitality and Tourism Degree |
The new business degree will prepare students for careers in tourism, events, travel, hospitality leadership, and the region’s growing visitor economy. |
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East Tennessee State University is adding a new degree program aimed at preparing students for careers in one of the region’s most visible industries: tourism and hospitality.
Beginning in fall 2026, ETSU will offer a Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality and Tourism Management. The program is designed for students interested in careers connected to tourism, entertainment, events, travel, destination marketing, hotels, restaurants, and hospitality leadership.
The new degree will be offered through ETSU’s business program and will be available at both the university’s main campus in Johnson City and the ETSU Sevierville Center. That dual-location approach connects the program to two important parts of the regional economy: the Appalachian Highlands and the Smoky Mountains tourism market.
For Johnson City and the wider Tri-Cities region, the program points to the growing importance of visitor-facing businesses, event planning, travel, and local tourism. From downtown events and music festivals to outdoor recreation, hotels, restaurants, and regional attractions, hospitality plays a major role in how communities welcome visitors and support local jobs.
The degree also creates a new pathway for students who want to stay in the region while building careers in tourism management, event operations, entertainment, lodging, food service, and related business fields. As tourism continues to shape communities across East Tennessee, programs like this can help prepare local graduates for leadership roles in a competitive industry. |