The University of the South Pacific’s Discipline of Tourism and Hospitality Management has achieved a remarkable milestone, enhancing its reputation in the region by securing the International Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education (THE-ICE) Etio International Student Satisfaction Global Index award for the third consecutive year. This accolade, announced at the 18th International Panel of Experts Forum in Chiang Rai, Thailand, distinguishes USP as the only tourism and hospitality discipline globally to attain this recognition three times in a row.
The THE-ICE Etio Global Premier Ranking is a significant benchmark in evaluating student satisfaction, with the latest survey aggregating over 76,000 responses from 148 institutions. Dr. Vikas Gupta, the Coordinator of USP’s Discipline of Tourism and Hospitality Management, expressed pride in this achievement, indicating that the satisfaction levels of their students are a true measure of the university’s impact.
“This recognition from THE-ICE reaffirms that USP is not only cultivating professionals but also shaping ambassadors for Pacific hospitality and global excellence,” Dr. Gupta noted. He emphasized that this award underscores the university’s commitment to providing high-quality, student-centered education, thus solidifying its status as a key player in the regional and global tourism and hospitality landscape.
In light of USP’s recent achievements, including a significant advancement in the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, where the university climbed 200 positions to be classified in the 801-1000 range, the institution continues to showcase its dedication to quality education and impactful research. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, highlighted the importance of these accomplishments, stating that they reflect the hard work and dedication of the university’s staff in delivering world-class education.
With additional advancements in the 2025 Times Higher Education impact rankings concerning the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to ocean health and partnerships, USP’s trajectory serves as a beacon of hope for the future. The establishment of the new Centre for Sustainable Futures further complements these efforts, focusing on addressing pressing issues like climate change and promoting resilient, adaptive economies.
Overall, the recognition bestowed upon USP’s Discipline of Tourism and Hospitality Management, along with its impressive rankings and commitment to sustainability, not only highlights the university’s educational excellence but also embodies a promising future for the Pacific region in terms of tourism, hospitality, and sustainable development.