The Discipline of Tourism and Hospitality Management (DTHM) at The University of the South Pacific (USP) has earned prestigious recognition at the 18th International Panel of Experts Forum (IPoE) held in Chiang Rai, Thailand. This accomplishment marks the third consecutive year that USP has received the International Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education (THE-ICE) Etio International Student Satisfaction Global Index award, a testament to the institution’s commitment to excellence in tourism and hospitality education.
The THE-ICE Etio Global Premier Ranking, known for its competitive nature and international relevance, includes responses from over 76,000 students across 148 institutions and serves as a barometer of student satisfaction in higher education worldwide. USP’s achievement in securing the top Global Ranking in the Recommendation parameter underscores the high levels of trust and satisfaction expressed by its students, reinforcing the university’s ongoing dedication to providing quality, relevant, and student-centric education.
Dr. Vikas Gupta, the Discipline Coordinator and Senior Lecturer at DTHM, expressed pride in this achievement, stating that student satisfaction serves as the most genuine measure of the university’s impact. He emphasized that this recognition reaffirms USP’s role in developing professionals who can also act as ambassadors of Pacific hospitality and global excellence.
Furthermore, Professor Gurmeet Singh, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Vice-President (Research and Innovation) and Head of the School of Business and Management, noted that being honored three years in a row not only reflects a significant milestone but also contributes to a legacy of excellence within the institution.
This accolade secures USP’s status as a leading institution in tourism and hospitality education, showcasing the hard work of its academic and professional staff alongside the enduring confidence of its international student body. As USP prepares to open enrolments for its Tourism and Hospitality programmes for Semester 1, 2026, it continues to invite new students to join a globally recognized academic community dedicated to setting benchmarks in the field.
The recognition not only celebrates past achievements but also indicates a continued commitment to nurturing the next generation of tourism professionals who can meet global standards and expectations in the evolving landscape of the industry.