Insights from a Hospitality Professional: Visit Fort Worth’s Robert Jameson
As the tourism and hospitality industry continues to expand in North Texas, so do the opportunities for students to build meaningful careers in this dynamic field. Robert L. Jameson, President and CEO of Visit Fort Worth and a UTA alumnus, has seen firsthand how vital this sector is to the local economy. In this Q&A, he shares why UTA’s new Hospitality program arrives at the perfect moment, how industry partnerships can broaden students’ career horizons, and what makes this field such a rewarding path for the next generation of service-minded leaders.
Robert Jameson
From your perspective in tourism and hospitality leadership, why does a program like this matter for the local economy?
The tourism and hospitality industry is a growing part of our local economy. In Fort Worth alone, there are 30,000+ jobs supported by businesses in this sector. With the anticipated growth overall, tourism and hospitality is sure to grow as well. There will be an increasing need for talent and awareness of this industry as an employment option.
What role do higher education institutions play in shaping the future of tourism and hospitality?
The growth of tourism and hospitality industry programs at higher education institutions has helped identify the employment options offered in the travel sector of our country’s economy.
How can partnerships with organizations like Visit Fort Worth strengthen a program like UTA’s?
There are many employment opportunities in the travel sector beyond hotels and restaurants, which are not as obvious to prospective employees. Ensuring that the diverse nature of the industry is represented through partnership with this program at UTA will be important in capturing the attention of UTA’s student body.
What advice would you give students considering a career in hospitality, tourism, or event management?
I can look back on a long career in this industry and have felt a strong connection to the service industry as one that suited my skills and innate talents. Every organization at which I have been employed has put me alongside giving and dedicated people. I have been blessed for this to have been my career.
Feeling inspired to start your hospitality journey? Applications for Fall 2026 are now open!
Interested students can learn more about admissions here: https://www.uta.edu/admissions/apply