The world of tourism and service is built on experiences. Beyond itineraries, logistics, and polished facilities, what truly stays with people are the connections they form and the way they are made to feel. Success in this field has never been just about technical know-how. It requires the ability to communicate with clarity, connect across cultures, and approach every interaction with empathy. Professionals who embrace adaptability and continuous learning not only keep up with change—they leave an impact that lasts long after the trip ends.
April Annie Joy Homoroc, CTP has seen this truth play out in nearly a decade of teaching and engaging with practitioners. For her, the best candidates in tourism are those who blend skill with passion and heart. “Skills can be taught,” she often reminds her students, “but kindness, passion, and genuine care are what really make a difference.”
Adapting Through Career Shifts
Homoroc’s journey was not a straight path. Early in her career, she worked directly in the service industry, where daily interactions with guests shaped her understanding of what good service really means. Eventually, she made a bold pivot into academia—a move that was both exciting and intimidating. Instead of focusing on guest relations, her new role demanded research, curriculum development, and guiding students through their own professional growth.
Shifting from the fast-moving pace of operations to the methodical rhythm of teaching came with challenges. It meant developing new skills, such as patience in mentoring, structuring lessons, and bridging theory with practice. Looking back, she views that transition as proof that career pivots aren’t just about changing environments—they’re about embracing uncertainty, staying open to learning, and trusting yourself to grow through the process.
Staying Competitive in a Changing Landscape
The tourism field continues to evolve, shaped by new technologies, changing traveler expectations, and global disruptions. For Homoroc, staying competitive is not just about earning certifications or adding credentials. It’s about curiosity—constantly asking questions, listening to what industry professionals are experiencing on the ground, and drawing insights from conversations with alumni and partners.
Books and academic resources provide a foundation, but it’s the real-time dialogue with practitioners that gives her a sharp view of what’s working and what’s changing. This approach allows her to keep her students updated with knowledge that is not only relevant but also practical.
Lessons in Leadership
Over the years, Homoroc has also gained perspective on what it takes to lead effectively in a people-centered field. Leadership, she explains, is no longer about hierarchy or authority. The most effective leaders today are emotionally intelligent—they understand themselves, empathize with others, and inspire teams by creating an environment where people feel valued.
She describes her own management style as having evolved from a structured approach to a more people-centered one. Earlier in her career, she leaned toward authority and clear rules, but experience in both academia and service taught her that inspiration comes not from commands but from purpose. “Exceptional service isn’t enforced—it’s inspired,” she says. Leaders who show up, articulate a clear vision, and model passion for their work ignite the same energy in their teams.
Finding Purpose in Service
In every story she shares, one theme is constant: service is about people. Homoroc recalls receiving career advice that still guides her today—“never stop learning, and always remember the people behind the work.” The advice might sound simple, but it cuts through the complexity of an industry filled with technology, trends, and rapid shifts. At the end of the day, it’s still about how you treat people—with respect, care, and genuine attention.
For her, the qualities that make a standout candidate aren’t just technical. Passion, communication skills, adaptability, and empathy make the difference between someone who just does the job and someone who elevates it. In her classroom, she makes it clear that tourism isn’t simply about serving guests—it’s about making them feel seen, valued, and connected.
Building a Future with ITHP
As a Certified Tourism Professional through the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Professionals (ITHP), Homoroc has found both validation and growth in being part of a global network. Beyond certification, she values the institute’s role in connecting educators and practitioners, fostering collaboration, and encouraging professional integrity.
Being part of ITHP, she explains, has provided her with access to ongoing learning, insights from industry leaders, and opportunities to contribute to raising standards in the field. It has also reinforced her belief that service careers deserve respect and recognition, countering the outdated perception that they are “lesser” professions.
Leading with Heart
April Annie Joy Homoroc’s career proves that tourism isn’t just about itineraries or services—it’s about people, purpose, and passion. From her industry experience to her academic role, and now as a Certified Tourism Professional, she continues to lead with empathy and inspire others to see service as both a profession and a calling.
In her words, “Future-proofing your career isn’t about predicting the future—it’s about being willing to grow with it.” That growth, she believes, is fueled by curiosity, adaptability, and above all, a heart for people.
