FGCU offers a unique program in comprehensive resort management that leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Resort and Hospitality Management.  Students receive not only the traditional food, beverage and lodging hospitality education; in addition, they receive the sophisticated and complex management skills needed to operate the recreation, retail, and amenities activities associated with managing a high-end resort or private club. The Naples/Fort Myers region is home to 40 exclusive resorts and over 160 private clubs. The industry supports the program through financial contributions, curriculum development, an active advisory board, and internship placement for Resort & Hospitality Management Majors.  FGCU offers the most comprehensive resort management program in the country.

Students receive practical, resume building experience while they are in school by completing a required 1500 hours of field/internship experience. The Ritz-Carlton, LaPlaya Beach Resort, Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa, The Registry, The Trianon, The Pink Shell, Diamond Head Beach Resort, The Edgewater Beach, The Hyatt Regency and the Marco Island Marriott have demonstrated a keen interest in hiring FGCU students to work as interns in their resorts. Likewise for students interested in private club management, Bay Colony, Grey Oaks, Lexington Country Club, Mediterra and Miromar among others have internship experiences available to our students. Internships are also available with several local visitor and convention bureaus.

The program is designed to be able to be completed the Junior and Senior years at the University. Persons with industry experience who wish to improve their management potential and transfer students who want a specialized education in resort and hospitality management are encouraged to apply. Freshman and sophomore students are instructed to complete as many of their general education requirements as possible their first two years at the University. Introductory and elective RHM courses may be taken at the freshman or sophomore level.

The Resort and Hospitality Management Program is housed in the new $11.4 million, 37,000-square-foot Herbert J. Suggden Hall, the gift of Herbert and Margaret Suggden.   Included are a Wine and Food Technology laboratory equipped with light panels for visual wine evaluation, a high-end residential catering kitchen for wine pairings and expert demonstrations, built in spittoon-sinks for tasting, and video and internet technology to provide students and guests with the latest in oenological learning experiences.

The building also houses a unique, functioning prototype spa laboratory area in which students can learn about managing and operating resorts and day spas. The spa laboratory—equipped with wet and dry treatment rooms, hair and nail salons, as well as a steam and whirlpool area—is one of the first university hospitality programs in the country to have an operational spa lab on campus where students can learn the complex details of spa management. The new building will provide RHM majors with the latest technology and innovations in kitchen, restaurant, spa, meetings and golf management teaching facilities to accompany their academic learning.