In Memoriam: Donald E. Hawkins (1936–2025)

It is with deep sadness that the George Washington University tourism faculty share the news of the passing of Professor Donald E. Hawkins on December 31, 2025. Before his retirement in 2016, he served as the Dwight D. Eisenhower Professor of Tourism Policy in the School of Business. Upon retirement, he was appointed Professor Emeritus of Management and Tourism Studies, and Professor Emeritus of International Affairs in GWU’s Elliott School of International Affairs.

Don was a larger-than-life presence in the global tourism community and a foundational figure at GWU. Over more than five decades, he helped shape tourism as a serious field of academic inquiry, public policy, and practice. In 1974, he began building the Master of Tourism Administration program at GWU, the first university master’s degree in the world in tourism development and administration.

Don’s vision and perseverance led to:

• Establishment of the first United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Center for Tourism Education, the International Institute of Tourism Studies (1988)
• First International Assembly for the Global Assessment of Tourism Policy (1989)
• First endowed professoriate in Tourism Policy, honoring the 34th President of the United States (1992)
• First student scholarship endowed by the J. W. Marriott, Jr. Foundation (1992)
• First tourism master’s degree program delivered by distance learning in the Americas (1997)
• Master of Tourism Administration degree was first U.S. university program to achieve TedQual Certification by UNWTO through a vigorous, independent audit (2002)

Don’s perseverance in expanding tourism education and knowledge-based management practices led to his being the first recipient of the prestigious UNWTO Ulysses Prize (2003) “for excellence in the creation and dissemination of knowledge in tourism.”

Beyond academia, Don was a globally respected practitioner and advisor. As Chairman and Principal of the global tourism development firm Solimar International, he worked with governments, development banks, international organizations, and destination authorities across every region of the world.

His efforts consistently emphasized that tourism must serve communities, protect cultural and natural heritages, and deliver long-term benefits. Long before sustainability became a common industry refrain, Don championed ethical governance, education, and inclusive development as core principles of tourism.

Don was one of the founding Members of the International Academy for the Study of Tourism. He authored or contributed to more than 114 publications, including books, peer-reviewed articles, monographs, and educational materials that serve as essential references in tourism, sustainability, and destination management.

Those who knew Don remember not only his intellect and influence, but also his generosity of spirit, humility, and unwavering commitment to mentoring others. He was a trusted advisor, devoted mentor, bridge-builder, and moral compass for the tourism field.

We extend our deepest condolences to Don’s family, friends, colleagues, and former students around the world. He will be profoundly missed, but we expect his legacy will continue to shape our work, our students, and the global tourism community for generations to come.

The George Washington University Tourism Faculty