The University of the South Pacific (USP) has reached a significant milestone in the tourism and hospitality education sector, being awarded the International Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education (THE-ICE) Etio International Student Satisfaction Global Index for the third consecutive year. This recognition was announced at the 18th International Panel of Experts Forum held in Chiang Rai, Thailand, making USP the only institution worldwide to receive this honor three times in a row for its Discipline of Tourism and Hospitality Management.
The THE-ICE Etio Global Premier Ranking serves as a crucial measure of student satisfaction, compiling feedback from over 76,000 participants across 148 institutions. Dr. Vikas Gupta, the Coordinator of the Discipline of Tourism and Hospitality Management at USP, expressed great pride in this achievement, noting that elevated student satisfaction levels reflect the university’s significant impact on its learners.
“This recognition from THE-ICE reaffirms that USP is not only cultivating professionals but also shaping ambassadors for Pacific hospitality and global excellence,” stated Dr. Gupta. He emphasized the university’s dedication to delivering high-quality, student-centered education, thereby reinforcing its position as a leader in both regional and global tourism and hospitality.
Alongside this accolade, USP has recently made impressive strides in the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, climbing 200 positions to fall within the 801-1000 range. Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia underscored the importance of these achievements, attributing them to the relentless dedication of the staff in providing world-class education.
Moreover, USP’s advancement in the 2025 Times Higher Education impact rankings, particularly concerning the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to ocean health and partnerships, highlights its commitment to sustainability. The new Centre for Sustainable Futures established by USP aims to tackle urgent issues like climate change and foster resilient and adaptive economies.
The recognition of USP’s Discipline of Tourism and Hospitality Management, alongside the university’s notable rankings and commitment to sustainability, paints a promising picture for the future of the Pacific region in tourism, hospitality, and sustainable development. This not only emphasizes USP’s educational excellence but also represents hope and progress for the region.