<p>For over a decade, John Moser has been a dedicated faculty member at NYU SPS, bringing a wealth of experience from his illustrious career in the hospitality industry. His journey into teaching was a natural progression from his role as chief marketing officer of a luxury boutique hotel company, where he frequently educated leaders on marketing strategies and guest engagement. This passion for teaching and sharing knowledge eventually led him to NYU, where he has been shaping future hospitality leaders by teaching courses in the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-travel-and-tourism-management.html" title="MS in Travel and Tourism Management program">MS in Travel and Tourism Management program</a>.</p>
Moser's Path From Harvard to NYU
<p>Professor Moser came to NYU after taking graduate courses at Harvard Business School. During this time, he worked on a case study about transforming a family-owned three-star hotel into a luxury property, which he then presented to Harvard students. This challenging and rewarding experience ignited his passion for teaching. A chance suggestion from a colleague to pursue teaching led to a guest lecture invitation from NYU, and soon after, a more permanent teaching role here at the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/jonathan-m-tisch-center-of-hospitality.html" title="Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality">Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality</a>.</p>
Creating Memorable Experiences
<p>The time he spends with students is what keeps Professor Moser coming back to teach year after year. "The more you put into it, the more you get out of it," he says, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of teaching. He values the opportunity to learn alongside his students, particularly through the various projects they undertake. One such project involved pairing students with event companies across the U.S. to create significant and memorable events, a task made even more relevant in the post-COVID era.</p>
Adapting to Industry Changes
<p>Moser is keenly aware of the ways in which the hospitality industry is constantly changing. He foresees significant advancements in automation and customization, driven by the rising expectations for personalized experiences. He teaches his students to view hospitality not just as a service but as entertainment, aiming to create memorable and unique experiences for guests. </p>
Instead of placing a generic bottle of wine in a room, what if you knew the guest loved golf and placed a golf magazine instead? It costs less but shows you took the time to get to know them. Customization doesn't always have to be expensive; it just requires time and effort."
<p>It's no secret that luxury hotels have been creating customized experiences for guests for centuries, but Moser predicts that this will become the new norm for the industry as a whole, trickling down to mid-range hotels and even further down the chain.</p>
Lifelong Learning and Adaptability
<p>A strong advocate for lifelong learning, Moser encourages his students to be curious and adaptable. He believes that staying ahead in the hospitality industry requires continuous learning and a willingness to innovate. Often bringing his real-world experiences into the classroom, he discusses recent events in his own career and asks students how they would handle the situations he has faced as a high-level professional. This approach keeps his classes dynamic and engaging, offering students a peek into some of the challenges of the industry.</p>
Sustainability and the Future of Hospitality
<p>Also passionate about sustainable hospitality, Professor Moser notes that while the U.S. lags behind other parts of the world, there is a growing awareness and commitment to sustainability, particularly among younger generations.</p>
I work with a destination spa resort that collaborates with a chocolate company sourcing beans from small family farms in Africa. When guests learn about the sustainability efforts, they are deeply interested. Sustainability is becoming a key aspect of hospitality, and companies that embrace it will thrive."
<p>These real-world examples help prepare students to become leaders in sustainable hospitality.</p>
Advice for Aspiring Hospitality Professionals
<p>Moser advises prospective students to pursue what they love above all else. The hospitality industry offers numerous opportunities to excel and make meaningful connections with people. He stresses the importance of honing hospitality skills, as they are valuable throughout one's life. Additionally, he encourages students to build strong networks, learn from mentors, and remain open to new challenges and opportunities.</p>
A Bright Future for Hospitality
<p>Optimistic about the future of the hospitality industry, Moser is driven by the innovative ideas and enthusiasm of his students. He believes that NYU SPS offers a unique learning environment enriched by the expertise of industry professionals and the vivacious energy of its students. As he continues to inspire and educate future leaders, he remains committed to making a lasting impact on the industry.</p>
<p>Take your place at the center of all things sustainability and innovation in hospitality by pursuing an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-travel-and-tourism-management.html" title="MS in Travel and Tourism Management">MS in Travel and Tourism Management.</a></p>