John Salazar

John Salazar is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics at the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. He earned his PhD from Auburn University, MS from the University of South Alabama, and BS from Northeastern University. Salazar serves as Coordinator of the University of Georgia Hospitality and Food Industry Management Major and has held faculty roles at institutions including the University of South Carolina Beaufort, University of Tennessee, Southern Illinois University, and University of South Alabama.

• Education: PhD in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Auburn University, MS in Hospitality Administration from University of South Alabama, BS in Business Administration from Northeastern University

His research focuses on hospitality human resource dynamics, destination marketing, event management, and pandemic-related travel behavior. Key themes include job satisfaction, learning transfer, cross-cultural tourism, and risk perception analysis. His recent work examines disaster recovery, emotional solidarity, and post-pandemic travel adaptations.

With over 80 peer-reviewed publications and $1.2M in grants, Salazar has advised numerous tourism agencies and hospitality firms. He has held leadership roles in academic associations, including Chapter President of the Southeast Travel and Tourism Research Association and Director of Research for the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (Southeast/Central/South America Federation).

His technical work includes food safety protocols, travel motivation theory, and empirical studies on tipping behavior. Notable collaborations include research partnerships with Marriott Hotels, Sea Pines Resort, and the US Department of Transportation.