Student Finds Passion for Sustainable Tourism

Dominic Gialdini traveled to 28 different countries over the last five years, which may be the root of his decision to begin post-baccalaureate studies in Europe with a focus on sustainable tourism development and cultural preservation. 

As a Recreation Administration major, Gialdini intended to double-major in recreation and international business, but found his passion in sustainable tourism after three semesters. In that time, courses and professors influenced his zeal for sustainability, a passion for benefitting those in financially challenging situations, and the use of tourism to positively transform communities. 

While working on a class project in the community, Gialdini learned first-hand the potential of tourism to educate. An international experience linked to course work taught him about the unique nature of bi-nationalism and the benefits and challenges of living in a border city. Understanding the cultural impact of each side of the border is a rare opportunity, but specific to students at SDSU.

Long-term, Gialdini hopes to work for an organization to preserve cultural integrity of historic and culturally significant sites and destinations. Eventually, Gialdini intends to seek a doctoral degree.

The content within this article has been edited by Lizbeth Persons.