Richard R. Perdue

Richard R. Perdue is the R.B. Pamplin Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Virginia Tech's Pamplin College of Business. He holds leadership roles including former presidency of the International Academy for the Study of Tourism and Travel and Tourism Research Association. His research focuses on service innovation, resort development, strategic planning, and tourism management, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Education:

• PhD in Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences, Texas A&M University (1981)

Research Interests:
Dr. Perdue explores cutting-edge topics in hospitality and tourism, including:

• Technology adoption in hotel operations
• Destination strategic planning frameworks
• Customer engagement through digital platforms
• Sponsorship congruity in regional events

His work bridges academic theory with industry applications, particularly in resort environments.

Professional Recognition:

• Recipient of TTRA Lifetime Achievement Award (2015)
• Elected Fellow of International Academy for the Study of Tourism
• Charles R. Goeldner Research Excellence Award (1995)

Grants & Impact:
Secured over $200k in grants for Virginia tourism strategic planning initiatives. Notable projects include:

• Blueprint for Virginia Tourism Competitiveness ($56k, 2009)
• New River Valley Tourism Organization Feasibility Study ($50k, 2008)

Leadership Roles:
Editor of Journal of Travel Research (2000-2016), advisor to California and Colorado tourism authorities, and frequent keynote speaker at international conferences.