Dan Spencer

Dan Spencer is the Director and Professor of Travel Industry Management at the School of Travel Industry Management, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. He also serves as a Cooperating Graduate Faculty Member in the Department of Geography and Environment. His previous roles include Senior Research Associate at Michigan State University’s Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center.

• Tourism Policy
• Tourism Planning
• Sustainable Tourism
• Community-Based Tourism
• Recreation Management
• Cultural Heritage Tourism

Dr. Spencer's research focuses on tourism policy, planning, and sustainability, with particular emphasis on community impacts, stressors, and pro-environmental behavior. His work spans island destinations like Hawaiʻi and Indonesia, addressing socioeconomic impacts, resource management, and agritourism.

Recent publications analyze tourism policy frameworks, cultural heritage sustainability indicators, and resident-stress dynamics. His articles highlight trends in agritourism, island destination management, and stressor impacts on community well-being.

• Excellence in Teaching Award, School of Travel Industry Management
• State Award of Meritorious Service, Epsilon Sigma Phi

Dr. Spencer has conducted contract research for the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Hawaii Sea Grant, South Dakota Office of Tourism, Travel Michigan, and tribal communities. His work bridges academic inquiry with practical policy and management solutions.