April 17, 2020
Students in the International Hospitality Management (IHM) graduate program in The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies at St. John’s University are collaborating with Perillo Tours, Inc. executives to develop their new online marketing strategy.
“The students in my Marketing and Sales class gain real-world experience through their work with this iconic travel company,” said April M. Merenda, Assistant Professor and Director of the MSIHM program as well as an Industry Professional. “The Perillo family has been in the travel business for more than 75 years and succeed in offering superior tour packages to Italy. However, now the company wants to focus on millennials and offer what they want—to travel ‘their way,’ after the pandemic ends and travel restrictions are lifted.”
The students’ marketing campaign titled, “Italy My Way with Perillo Tours,” gives millennials the opportunity to help develop their own custom travel packages. The class has suggested the company offer an “Italy My Way” app so that future travelers can use their cell phones to develop their ideal itinerary.
Why is the focus on millennials? “They are the largest travel population and everyone knows millennials love their smartphones,” explained Prof. Merenda. “They are a widely diverse group united by the love of technology and favor social media to find places to travel.”
St. John’s students have partnered in the past with other well-established companies to strategize and help market new ideas and promotions, according to Prof. Merenda. “Our students benefit from these partnerships and appreciate the opportunity to network with executives in their desired field.”
Click here to see the full version of their presentation.
Anyone interested in knowing more about the CCPS MSIHM program can go to www.stjohns.edu/ihm or email Professor Merenda at [email protected].