On Friday, April 14, 2023, Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) inaugurated its bachelor’s degree program in Tourism at UPH Lippo Village Campus, Tangerang, Banten. The program’s establishment aims to nurture highly skilled professionals who can advance the future of the tourism industry, both domestically and internationally. 

The launch event was attended by UPH Rector Dr. (Hon) Ir. Jonathan L. Parapak, M.Eng.Sc.; Vice President for Marketing and Development Binsar Pandiangan; Associate Provost for Student Development Andry M. Panjaitan, S.T., M.T., CPHCM; Associate Provost for Faith and Learning Integration Hendra Thamrindinata, S.Si., M.Div., M.A. (Th.), Ph.D. (Cand.); Dean of the Faculty of Tourism Prof. Dr. Diena Mutiara Lemy, A.PAR., M.M., CHE; Head of Hospitality Management Study Program Dr. Amelda Pramezwary, A.Par., M.M.; and Head of Tourism Management Study Program Yustisia Kristiana, S.S.T., M.M. 

“The future landscape of the tourism industry will differ significantly from what we see today. To prepare for these changes, UPH is officially commencing the bachelor’s degree program in Tourism today, to contribute to the future development of tourism,” stated the UPH Rector. 

Furthermore, Prof. Diena emphasized the significance of the newly established program in instilling the idea that the younger generation plays a vital role in advancing the sustainable tourism industry. 

“Tourism needs effective management, strategic planning, preservation efforts, and collaboration with other sectors. Therefore, graduates of UPH’s bachelor’s degree program in Tourism are expected to possess the skills necessary to fulfill these requirements and contribute to the comprehensive development of Indonesian tourism, including its business aspects,” Prof. Diena stated. 

She further highlighted the vast tourism potential of Indonesia. According to her, as long as people continue to enjoy traveling, despite the influence of the industrial revolution, the human touch in tourism remains irreplaceable. Additionally, the tourism industry has a multiplier effect, capable of impacting the development of other sectors that contribute to the sustainability of the tourism sector. 

To capitalize on these opportunities, students enrolled in the bachelor’s degree program in Tourism will receive comprehensive training in the principles of sustainable tourism. This concept will empower graduates to establish tourism enterprises that prioritize environmental preservation and minimize negative impacts on the ecosystem. 

UPH’s bachelor’s degree program in Tourism ensures that students receive a well-rounded education and gain a comprehensive understanding of the tourism industry. Graduates of the program will be awarded a Bachelor in Tourism degree (Sarjana Pariwisata / S.Par.) and will be ready to contribute to the advancement of Indonesian tourism. 

“Within the bachelor’s degree program in Tourism, students will acquire a broad foundation in diverse facets of tourism, encompassing hotel management, tourism management, tourism business, and destinations. Additionally, the program provides two specialization options that students can select during their fifth semester, namely destination and hospitality,” Prof. Diena elaborated. 

National Seminar 

Concurrent with the launch of the bachelor’s degree program in Tourism, the Faculty of Tourism at UPH organized a National Seminar titled “Tourism as the Future Industry.”  

As a distinguished virtual guest speaker, I Made Andi Arsana, S.T., M.E., Ph.D., a lecturer in Geodetic Engineering at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), highlighted that tourism extends beyond leisure. It should also foster creativity and expand horizons. 

Andi expounded on ten aspects crucial to technology and the future of tourism, encompassing virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, blockchain technology, mobile applications, drones, advanced transportation technology, big data and analytics, renewable energy technologies, and the influence of social media. 

In light of these advancements, Andi expressed his hope that the bachelor’s degree program in Tourism at UPH will provide high-quality education, equip students to embrace technological advances, and foster adaptability to future developments. 

Agreeing with Andi’s insights, Prof. Dr. Diena emphasized that technological advancements would redefine the role of individuals in the tourism industry. Accordingly, the bachelor’s degree program in Tourism is committed to ensuring that graduates can navigate the dynamic tourism landscape and embrace emerging technologies. 

The Faculty of Tourism at UPH is dedicated to bringing innovation and tailoring programs to meet the needs of Indonesian society. With state-of-the-art facilities, an excellent curriculum, and competent teaching faculty, the Faculty of Tourism is ready to provide an international standard education for Diploma (D4), Bachelor’s (S1), and Master’s (S2) degree programs.