Frida Bahja
Savannah,GA
Summary
Hardworking, multi-talented researcher adept at conducting and translating tourism research to different audiences. My core strengths lie in appling various methodologies, performing advanced analyses, and delivering insightful presentations that inform data-driven decision-making. My background in tourism research, interdisciplinary education, and experience in managing research projects uniquely position me deliver high quality research outcomes. I pride myself as a team-oriented leader, who has successfully collaborated with academic and industry professionals to achieve research-specific objectives.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Manager
Visit Savannah
11.2022 - Current
- Manage a dynamic research program with internal and external research projects to provide strategic insights across the verticals of the organization.
- Support developing and maintaining the business intelligence dashboard by integrating multiple real-time data sources and visualizing them into easy-to-understand snapshots.
- Utilize the dashboard to share periodically an executive summary of the macro-level tourism indicators for the destination, such as market trends and visitation data.
- Produce comprehensive periodic reports and present the key highlights to management and leadership.
- Design and conduct primary research to provide insights about specific initiatives.
- Analyze complex data sources from multiple perspectives, various statistical techniques and software.
- Monitor and forecast tourism trends and demand fluctuations.
- Cultivate strong relationships with research vendors and continuously scan for new innovative research products.
- Participate and represent the organization at research-related industry events and conferences.
- Oversee research budget.
Research Assistant & Instructor of Record
University of Central Florida
08.2018 - 12.2018
- Exhibited proficiency in designing rigorous research studies and applying diverse data analysis techniques with methodological rigor.
- Successfully led and co-authored a total of 10 academic articles published in reputable tourism journals.
- Shared research findings at 29 national and international peer-reviewed conferences, fostering knowledge exchange and contributing to academic and practitioner discourse.
- Demonstrated the values of teamwork, collegiality, and mutual responsibility in the pursuit of a research goal
- Conducted interdisciplinary grant research for the National Center for Integrated Coastal Research at UCF and assisted in writing a grant proposal.
- Demonstrated strong organizational skills to manage data analysis projects, set timelines, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks effectively.
- Developed and successfully delivered a mix of on-campus, hybrid and online courses.
- Mentored students on academic and career goals.
Corporate Office Assistant
Anna Maria Oyster Bar Inc
12.2017 - 05.2018
- Analyzed data related to restaurant performance, customer feedback and performance metrics to provide insights for strategic decision-making.
- Collaborated with various departments, such as finance, marketing, and operations, to gather information for reports and projects.
- Developed comprehensive guides and resources for corporate office employees, outlining policies, procedures, and best practices.
Accounting & CEO Assistant
William Henry Resort
05.2017 - 09.2017
- Conducted research on industry trends, competitors, and emerging opportunities, providing insights to support strategic decision-making.
- Assisted in analyzing financial data, identifying trends, patterns, and discrepancies, and providing insights for decision-making.
- Assisted in generating financial reports, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, for management and stakeholders.
- Interacted with vendors and suppliers to address payment-related queries, resolve issues, and maintain positive working relationships.
- Entered financial data into accounting software and spreadsheets, maintaining an organized and up-to-date record of financial activities.
Graduate Assistant
University Of South Florida
08.2015 - 05.2017
- Oversaw logistics for Taiwanese students enrolled in the Hospitality Certificate Program.
- Organized cultural events, seminars, and workshops to enrich students' understanding of both the hospitality industry and the local culture.
- Addressed any issues or conflicts that arose among students, faculty, or staff, finding amicable solutions to maintain a positive program environment.
- Provided ongoing guidance and support to students throughout the program, addressing their academic, personal, and cultural needs.
Co-Founder/Executive Director
Youth Center Borderless
12.2013 - 07.2015
- Provided leadership, guidance, and support to staff and 250 volunteers for different projects.
- Oversaw budget allocation and grant applications to secure necessary funding for programs and operations.
- Organized and coordinated community outreach events and workshops.
- Partnered with local organizations to expand access to social and community services.
- Forge partnerships with corporations, nonprofits, and community groups to leverage resources, share expertise, and expand the nonprofit's reach.
- Collaborated with the board of directors, providing regular updates on organizational performance and seeking input for strategic decisions.
- Established a social business, Naturalb Soaps, as an additional stream of revenue for the organization.
- Utilized grant writing skills to secure project funding.
- Conducted non-formal educational training sessions.
Environmental Engineer
Bahiti Plast LLC & Alba Plast LLC
12.2013 - 06.2015
- Conducted comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments to evaluate the potential ecological and community implications of proposed projects.
- Leveraged multidisciplinary expertise to analyze data and collaborate with stakeholders to identify feasible solutions that minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable development.
- Provided instrumental technical consultation on environmental policies to maintain regulatory compliance.
- Proactively identified and addressed potential environmental risks, formulating strategic interventions for mitigation.
- Managed a diverse team of 34 professionals by promoting a collaborative work environment.
Project Manager
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
07.2011 - 05.2015
- Played a pivotal role in engaging local educational institutions, government bodies, and relevant organizations to ensure the successful execution of Qualifying Project (IQP) projects, promoting cooperation and knowledge exchange.
- Developed and executed activities and budgets for student groups, resulting in optimal resource utilization and the creation of meaningful experiences.
- Assisted travel logistics, accommodation arrangements, and other essential logistical requirements, ensuring a seamless experience throughout their cross-border educational journey.
Regional Conference Coordinator
Water Supply And Sewerage Association
06.2012 - 07.2013
- Designed and implemented creative concepts and themes for the conference activities.
- Managed conference logistics and operations.
- Evaluated and selected service providers and vendors.
- Managed conference expenditures, budgets, and timelines.
- Identified and pursued ways to attract sponsors.
- Hired, trained, and supervised volunteers and support staff required for the conference.
Front Desk Agent
Seven Hotel
10.2007 - 03.2009
- Oversaw fast-paced front desk operations and reservations.
- Prepared reports on guest satisfaction levels and other metrics.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with guests for satisfaction.
Education
Ph.D. - Hospitality & Tourism Management
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL12.2022
Master of Science - Hospitality Management
University of South Florida
Sarasota-Manatee, FL05.2017
Master of Science - Environmental Engineering
Polytechnic University of Tirana
Tirana, Albania07.2012
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Engineering
Polytechnic University of Tirana
Tirana, Albania07.2010
Skills
- Research Expertise
- Advanced Data Analysis
- Data-Driven Insights
- Leadership and Management
- Tourism Knowledge
- Presentation Skills
Certification
- Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA)| American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (2019)
- One Planet Living Action Planning | Bioregional (2020)
- Sustainable Tourism Training Program | Global Sustainable Tourism Council (2020)
Affiliations
- Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) | Research and Academics Working Group Member (2019 - Present)
- Meeting Professionals International (MPI) | Research Advisory Board Member (2022 – present)
- National Center for Integrated Coastal Research | Researcher (2018-2022)
- American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) | Member (2019 - 2022)
- Florida Hospitality Industry Association (FHIA) | Member (2018 – 2022)
- Central Florida Lodging Association (CFHLA) | Member (2019 –2020)
- The Hospitality Industry Network (NEWH) | Member (2019 - 2020)
- Free Tour Albania | Board Director (2013 - 2016)
- International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experiences Albania (IAESTE) | Board Member (2013 - 2016)
- Albanian National Youth Congress | Secretary-General (2014 - 2015)
Additional Information
- Alvarez, S., Bahja, F., & Fyall, A., (2023). Lessons learned from disruptive events: Reactive and proactive responses by tourism destinations facing shocks and stressors. Handbook on Crisis and Disaster Management in Tourism.
- Bahja, F., Fu, X., & Alvarez, S., (2022). The intellectual structure of vulnerability in tourism research (1992-2021). Anatolia. https://doi.org/10.1080/13032917.2022.2120030
- Bahja, F., Alvarez, S., & Fyall, A., (2022). A critique of (eco)guilt research in tourism. Annals of Tourism Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2021.103268
- Yan Huang, A., & Bahja, F. (2022). Complex systems in tourism. In Encyclopedia of Tourism Management and Marketing (pp. 1-3). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781800377486.anti.tourism
- Alvarez, S., Bahja, F., & Fyall, A., (2022). Identifying destination vulnerability to hazards: A framework for DMO involvement. Tourism Management. 90, 1-14.
- Yan Huang, A., Jarhomi, M.F., Baktash, A., & Bahja, F. (2022). Agent-Based Modeling for tourism research: Best practices and future opportunities. Current Issues in Tourism. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2022.2080648
- Bahja, F., & Hancer., M., (2021). Eco-guilt in tourism: Do tourists intend to behave environmentally friendly and still revisit? Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 20, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdmm.2021.100602
- Godovykh, M., Pizam, A., & Bahja, F. (2021) Antecedents and outcomes of health risk perceptions in tourism: A conceptual model. Tourism Review,76(4), 737-748. https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-06-2020-0257
- Bahja, F., Cobanoglu, C., Berezina E. & Lusby C. (2019) Factors influencing cruise vacations: The impact of online reviews and environmental friendliness. Tourism Review, 74(3), 400-415. https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-12-2017-0207
- Pan, H., Bahja, F., & Cobanoglu, C. (2018). Analysis of US theme park selection and international implications. Journal of Transnational Management, 23(1), 22-38. https://doi.org/10.1080/15475778.2018.1426943
Conference Presentations
- Bahja, F., & Cleland, L. (13-15/06/2023). Data-Driven Marketing. 53rd Annual Travel and Tourism Research Association Annual International Conference. Oral Presentation.
- Bahja, F., & Alvarez, S. (7-8/01/2022). Investigating the effects generated by disruptive events on tourism: The case of hurricanes and islands. 27th Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism. Poster Presentation.
- Bahja, F., & Alvarez, S. (7-8/01/2022). Knowledge transfer in times of crisis for lodging industry. 27th Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism. Poster Presentation.
- Bahja, F., Alvarez, S., O'Leary, H., & Napolitano, A., (12/14-15/2021). An exploratory assessment of social media discourse on persistent localized environmental stressors in a destination. 6th World Research Summit for Tourism and Hospitality. Oral presentation.
- Alvarez, S., O'Leary, H., Bahja, F., & Brown, C.E. (10/10-15/2021). From bloom to bust: The footprint of economic and social turbulences due to Florida Red Tide (Karenia brevis). International Conference on Harmful Algae. Oral presentation.
- Bahja, F., & Alvarez, S., (07/26-30/2021), Exploring tourism resilience to shocks and stressors: A complex systems approach. 2021 ICHRIE Conference. Poster Presentation.
- Alvarez, S., Bahja, F., & Fyall, A., (05/21-23/2021) Identifying destination vulnerability to hazards: A framework for DMO involvement. 4th International Scientific Conference “TOURMAN 2021”. Oral Presentation
- Bahja, F., Boote, D. & Alvarez, S., (01/07-09/2021). Exploring the impact of Red Tide in Florida through hospitality employees’ lenses: A phenomenological approach. 26th Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism. Oral Presentation
- Li, D., Bahja, F., Wang, B., Berbekova A., & Liu, S., (02/9-12/2021). AI-enabled data innovation and value creation in customer-centric firm communities. CAUTHE 2021. Oral Presentation
- Bahja, F., & Ridderstaat, J., (01/03-05/2020). Impacts of British Petroleum Deepwater Horizon oil spill on recreational fishing: Permanent or transitory? 25th Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism. University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Oral Presentation.
- Bahja, F., & Hancer, M., (01/03-05/2020). Tourists’ self-evaluation of environmentally sustainable behaviors in the Caribbean Islands. 25th Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism. University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Oral Presentation. Best Paper Nomination.
- Bahja, F., Alvarez, S. & Baggio, J., (12/05/2019). Modeling changes in recreational fishing destination choice due to the BP/Deepwater Horizon oil spill: A networks approach. 5th World Research Summit for Tourism and Hospitality. Orlando, Florida. Oral Presentation.
- Bahja, F., & Okumus, F., (12/04-07/2019). Nudging for empathy – water conservation behaviors in hotels: A scenario-based approach. GSTC 2019 Global Conference. Azores, Portugal. Poster Presentation.
- Bahja, F., & Kizildag, M., (11/09/2019). The price momentum strategy to target better returns, or not?. AHFME RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM. New York University, NY. Oral Presentation.
- Bahja, F., Cavusoglu, M., & Birinci, H. (5/18/2019). Developing interdisciplinary modules to teach food waste management in restaurant industry. GLOCER Conference. Sarasota, Florida. Poster Presentation
- Bahja, J., Bahja, F., Ozturk, A. B., & Okumus, F. (5/03/2019). The influence of hotel’s green practices on purchasing intentions: The case of chatbots. The Smart Conference. Orlando, Florida. Poster Presentation
- Bahja, F., & Park, J.Y., (07/24-26//2019). The influence of environmental performance on tourist arrivals. Annual ICHRIE Summer Conference & Marketplace. New Orleans, Louisiana. Poster Presentation
- Bahja, F., Baggio, J., & Alvarez, S. (04/05/2019). Modeling the network changes for recreational fishing due the BP/Deepwater Horizon oil spill in Florida. UCF Graduate Research Forum. Orlando, Florida. Poster Presentation
- Bahja, F., & Cobanoglu, C. (03/01-02/2019). Environmentally friendly efforts in cruise industry. Southeastern, Central, and South America Federation 2019 Conference. Sarasota, Florida. Oral Presentation.
- Founda, E., Bahja, F., & Okumus, F. (03/01-02/2019). How can El Gouna in Egypt become a green destination? Southeastern, Central, and South America Federation 2019 Conference. Sarasota, Florida. Oral Presentation.
- Bahja, F., & Hancer, M., (01/03-06/2019). An examination of tourists' revisiting intentions based on their self-evaluated own environmental impacts on a destination: A study for the Caribbean islands. 24th Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism. Houston, Texas. Poster Presentation.
- Bahja, F., Park, J.Y., & Alvarez, S. (01/03-06/2019). The environmental Kuznets curve, municipal solid waste, and coastal tourism in the state of Florida. 24th Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism. Houston, Texas. Poster Present
- Bahja, F., Cobanoglu, C., Berezina E., & Lusby C. (28/08-01/09 2018). What are attributes important to cruise vacationers? 15th World Leisure Congress. Sao Paulo, Brazil. Poster Presentation.
- Bahja, F., Cobanoglu, C., Berezina E., & Lusby C. (9-14 April 2017). The market share of environmentally friendly attribute on cruise customers' decision. 2017 International Interdisciplinary Business-Economics Advancement Conference. Miami, Florida. Oral Presentation.
- Bahja, F., & Cobanoglu, C. (2017). Environmentally friendly efforts in cruise industry: Development and validation of a scale. 2017 Student Showcase for Projects, Research, & Innovation. Sarasota, Florida. Oral Presentation.
- Bahja, F., Cobanoglu, C., Berezina E. & Lusby C. (2017). Evaluating the relative importance of influencing factors on cruise vacations: A conjoint analysis. Southeastern Travel and Tourism Research Association’s Annual Conference. Knoxville, Tennessee. Poster Presentation.
- Bahja, F., Pan, H., & Cobanoglu, C. (2016). US themepark visitors’ choice –A conjoint choice model. 22nd Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism. Huston, Texas. Oral Presentation.
- Bahja, F. & Gjinali, E. (2013). Technical issues of on-site sanitation in Albania. Wasser Berlin International. Berlin, Germany. Oral Presentation.
- Bahja, F. & Gjinali, E. (2013). Impact of Durres wastewater treatment plant on pollution of Adriatic Sea. 17th Symposium on Environmental Pollution and its Impact on Life in the Mediterranean Region. Istanbul, Turkey. Poster Presentation.
Teaching Experience
University of Central Florida
- HFT4561: Destination Marketing and Management
- HFT3700: Tourism Management
- HFT3798: Fairs & Festivals
- Sustainability in Hospitality and Tourism Course | Co-developer
Hillsborough Community College
- FSS-1500: Food and Beverage Cost Control
- HFT-2530: Merchandising Techniques
- HFT-2570: Meetings, Conventions, and Expo
State College of Florida
- 21504 & 21505 : Environmental Science
Timeline
Research Manager
Visit Savannah
11.2022 - Current
Research Assistant & Instructor of Record
University of Central Florida
08.2018 - 12.2018
Corporate Office Assistant
Anna Maria Oyster Bar Inc
12.2017 - 05.2018
Accounting & CEO Assistant
William Henry Resort
05.2017 - 09.2017
Graduate Assistant
University Of South Florida
08.2015 - 05.2017
Environmental Engineer
Bahiti Plast LLC & Alba Plast LLC
12.2013 - 06.2015
Co-Founder/Executive Director
Youth Center Borderless
12.2013 - 07.2015
Regional Conference Coordinator
Water Supply And Sewerage Association
06.2012 - 07.2013
Project Manager
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
07.2011 - 05.2015
Front Desk Agent
Seven Hotel
10.2007 - 03.2009
Ph.D. - Hospitality & Tourism Management
University of Central Florida
Master of Science - Hospitality Management
University of South Florida
Master of Science - Environmental Engineering
Polytechnic University of Tirana
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Engineering
Polytechnic University of Tirana
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