Dr. Paige P. Viren, Executive Director of the Sustainable Hospitality Management program, recently participated in Visit California's 2024 Outlook Forum held in Palm Desert. The event, hosted by Visit Greater Palm Springs, proved to be an enlightening experience for Dr. Viren, who described it as a resounding success.

One of the highlights of the forum was the unveiling of Visit California's latest marketing campaign, dubbed the Ultimate Playground. This campaign aims to showcase the diverse array of attractions and experiences available to travelers across the state.

Discussions at the forum delved into various aspects of the future of travel and tourism, with a particular focus on sustainability and technology. Dr. Viren found particular value in presentations such as Sara Dolnicar's insights on Sustainable Travel Design and a panel discussion exploring Consumer Preference Values. Among the panelists were esteemed figures, including Mei Zhang of WildChina, Thomas Bunn of Zeno Group, and Peter Rømer Hansen of Group NAO, with facilitation by Joseph Diaz from AFAR. 

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to attend the event, Dr. Viren emphasized the importance of connecting with colleagues and friends within the travel and tourism industry. She reflected on the rewarding nature of their work, noting the profound impact they have in shaping the experiences of travelers worldwide.

In addition to the engaging discussions and networking opportunities, the forum also saw the recognition of outstanding contributions within the industry. See Monterey President and CEO, Rob O'Keefe, and the See Monterey team were honored with a prestigious Poppy Award. Dr. Viren sees this as further evidence of Monterey County's status as an ideal "living lab" for students pursuing careers in hospitality and tourism.

Dr. Paige P. Viren's participation in Visit California's Outlook Forum not only provided valuable insights into the future of tourism but also underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in shaping the industry's trajectory.