The Programs

Testimonials From PDP 2005

Monica Araico

"First time to be participating and definitely won't be the last one! The whole experience gave me the tools and inspiration I need to develop myself within the industry. I found it to be completely rewarding!"

Valérie De Corte

"An incredibly valuable experience that I could implement among the staff members as an incentive in their current tasks. New ideas leading to new challenges for the whole team!"

Hein Demyttenaere

"The PDP courses grow in quality every year - finally professionals from all over the world start speaking a similar language which improves the whole hotel industry! Thank you for the opportunity."

Martijn Dresen

"PDP is a truly impressive experience. The international aspect to this program and the in-depth studies into different fields of interest are both amazing. It enabled me to set new objectives in my current role and develop a clear understanding of current and future trends within the (global) hospitality industry which will be useful throughout my whole career. I will be back next year."

João Freitas

"PDP is the best tool we can have in order to always be on top of what is new. Courses are perfectly shaped and on the right pace, exactly what we need to take one step forward. Great value for the money."

Jeff Karlson

"There is no easy way to accurately measure the true value of participation in the Cornell PDP programs. What most stands out in my mind is the high caliber of the instructors and the participants, the global application of the key takeaways, and the networking amongst participants that make PDP a must for the hungry mind. It is always an amazing experience and this year was no different."

Fady Abi Khalil

"I was impressed by the quality of courses, as well as the organization, and the competence of the professors. I gained a great deal of experience and increased my network of fellow hoteliers. After my experience, it became a policy in the company to have managers join PDP every year. Thank you to the great team."

Helen McDonagh

"I have completed three courses with Cornell and each of the courses has been outstanding. The lecturers are extremely knowledgeable and professional but at the same time very easy to comprehend. I will return again to Brussels next year to complete another course. Excellent value for the money!"

Clyde Min

"This was my second PDP experience at Cornell and I am impressed each time with the content and presentations by the professors, and just as importantly with my fellow industry participants who add invaluable richness with their personal experiences and real life examples. This is a combination of quality class work with practical application on a worldwide basis!"

Llewellyn Price

"Since 2000 I have regularly attended PDP. It has provided me the opportunity to take a step back from my day-to-day and reflect on various aspects of my organization. In a short period of time, many exciting ideas are born both through the class work and discussion with other participants. Cornell has been a source of many positive changes in my hotel and I will definitely be returning."

Thomas Sanders

"An excellent educational opportunity. The PDP Program has skyrocketed my basic managerial skills and provided me with cutting-edge industry strategies to succeed in my job."

Andreas Spove

"I was very impressed by the organization, the very knowledgeable teachers and most importantly the discussions and interactions in class. The most invaluable experience was to hear the questions, problems, and experiences from all the participants. I look forward to coming back in the future!"

Henrik Wingard

"Best learning experience ever - theory and hands-on tips and tools for immediate use at home."

Qi Zhang

"Training at Cornell was impressive. Very beautiful and relaxed learning environment, first class studying conditions and wonderful facilitators and training assistants. Cornell deserves the reputation of one of the best Hoteliers' training ground. Thanks, Cornell for a life time memory."

Testimonials From PDP 2004

Andy Au

"Professors are unique and the PDP courses are comprehensive and challenging. Cornell develops a platform for us to enrich our knowledge, and provides us an invaluable experience exchanging with worldwide friends. I do highly recommend PDP to everyone."

Clement Butler

"What a tremendous experience, I can't wait until next year. The two courses I took were extremely enlightening. In addition, the class interaction with all the international flavor was also one of the high points. The PDP staff was extremely helpful and provided what we call here at the hotel "A BLOW AWAY EXPERIENCE.""

Christopher Chea

"The PDP courses I have taken are a valuable asset to my personal development as a hotelier."

Giuseppe Crapanzano

"This is my third year attending PDP and now more than ever before I'm convinced that, besides the valuable content of the subjects taught, THE very valuable experience is the network activated enabling participants from all over the globe to exchange their views and practices within their own environment. Such combination of positive elements could not be easily found elsewhere."

Matthieu Daurces

"The PDP course I attended was simply outstanding. The organization, material provided and knowledge of the professor were beyond my high expectations. To me, Cornell University is the top of the range education for demanding managers."

Joshua K. Desmond

"I had a fantastic experience. I went into the program not knowing what to expect; only knowing the excellent reputation of the Cornell Hospitality program. My expectations were greatly exceeded. I made contacts that will be invaluable in the future; I found the programs to be specific to my needs and up to date with current trends and future needs. The PDP program will be a part of my schedule for many years to come. Thank you."

Monica Mascaros Ferrer

"I had heard so much about the PDP program at Cornell University before I attended this summer for the first time, and I can definitely say that it won't be the last. It's been a continuous source of inspiration from both the content of the interactive lessons, and from the enriching experiences of my great colleagues."

Arne Fischer

"The experience and knowledge I gained as well as the people I met during the three weeks of the PDP at Cornell University will certainly lead me into the right direction in the hospitality industry. Changes are chances. I took the chance and will change a lot."

Paola Gualandi

"It has been a very enriching and valuable experience that I will share with my staff. The program exceeded my expectations as a first-time PDP student."

Brad Hays

"PDP has made me more aware and prepared to compete in today's competitive environment. I recommend challenging your assumptions about the hospitality industry by taking one of the comprehensive PDP courses. I'll be back."

Norma J. Holder

"The PDP experience to me is like the satisfaction you get when your thirst is quenched. It is a great resource during times when continuing education is no longer an option but a critical item in order for professionals to handle the ever changing times of the industry. This is my third time attending PDP and I'm already checking my calendar to put in the dates for 2005! I highly recommend PDP for all my colleagues in the industry it's great to sit with your counterparts from all over the world and be taught by extremely knowledgeable professors!"

Elena Masciadri

"It's an outstanding professional experience. Professors opened my mind looking into the future. I met colleagues from all over the world sharing our experiences there and on. Now I know I am moving in the right direction. PDP is unique!"

Kaido Ojaperv

"Cornell PDP courses are like a pilgrimage for the hotelier. By the end of the courses I was loaded with new ideas to implement of which will keep me busy for the rest of the year or more. Absolutely a superb value!"

James Shonkwiler

"The total experience was amazing. From the core coursework and interactive discussions to the relationships established with hospitality and development professionals from around the globe, the PDP 2004 session was enriching and worthwhile."

Bernard Tan

"It is absolutely the most rewarding international learning experience that I ever had. The PDP courses offer a universal approach to challenges and opportunities in every part of the world. I'll definitely come back next year."

Laura Visconti

"My participation at Cornell's PDP 2004 was outstanding! I found the entire experience extremely worthwhile, and I highly recommend the program to others. The Professors were all very passionate about the industry, and their extensive knowledge and enthusiasm has already made a positive contribution to me in my current role. I look forward to participating in future courses at Cornell. Thanks again!"

Testimonials From PDP 2003

Maike Bongartz

"Very challenging, I really enjoyed the courses. Interesting, informative and a good experience."

Giuliana Carniel

"It is a great experience to learn and to meet other professionals from the industry. I do recommend this to everybody."

Robert Johann Herold

"I'm joining this PDP session for the third year. I'm always amazed about the instructors it's very energizing and it is very valuable no matter where your business is to sustain your competition!"

Nawabzada Omer Bin Jung

"PDP ensures modern-day insight into hospitality trends providing the platform for an all encompassing international learning experience."

Julie Leclerc

"I feel very privileged to attend the PDP courses. This is the top tier of the hospitality schools."

Paul Okoji Okereke

"This is my fifth year attending PDP. PDP has helped us manage our property to apply scientific methods in solving problems instead of rule-of-thumb. I recommend it to all hospitality managers in developing countries."

Murat Ozdemir

"PDP staff was outstanding. Professors were unique and gave us first-class knowledge and experience to use in our real life. Everything was very well organized and planned. I will definitely try to come back to get this priceless experience again."

Guillermo Pantoja

"When I first arrived at Cornell I had a myriad of expectations. Now, I am about to leave with all of them not only reached, but exceeded! The courses represent the perfect opportunity to take ones understanding of the industry to the next level."

Andres E. Sanhueza

"Great experience."

Susan E. Shufelt

"The class was great, I really learned a great deal!"

Rafael Alberto Smith

"The PDP has become an important part of my yearly schedule. It allows me to have a better understanding of the hotel industry worldwide, as well as being an invaluable experience exchanging thoughts with my peers and instructors."

Testimonials From PDP 2002

Resana Aleksi

"I'll see you next year!! Sure that I'll come back!"

Verda Guniz Atis

"Very happy that I joined PDP. Very beneficial, informative, and fun. Certainly plan to return next year."

Efren Pineda Belarmino

"This is my third year and my fifth course and I am always excited to get back to my property to show what I have learned in F&B. Hope to come back again next year."

Marina Bliznyuknova

"Simply - I just loved it! I really wish to be back next year for more knowledge."

Annibale Bonarelli

"I've wanted to take this course for years. Now that I finally made it, I will be back every single year to come. Furthermore, I will send some of my managers next year. It's a life changing professional experience!!!"

Stephanie Jo-Ann Boyce

"The course provided much needed interaction with players in various aspects in the conference center arena."

Mark A. Cauthers

"Fantastic, wonderful, exceptional experience. Instruction was superb and class diversity a real plus. I look forward to next year with great anticipation."

Johan M. Cornelis

"Strategic Marketing: Wow! What an "avalanche" of new ideas and concepts. Very useful and "straight-to-the-point!" Many thanks to your professional instructors. Management Simulation: great exchange of ideas/experiences in a multicultural environment. Shoot for the moon and you will land among the stars! Thanks!"

Lisa Jane Coyle

"In terms of sharing experiences, the huge spectrum of international representation was invaluable. Many excellent ideas generated over the six weeks which I can't wait to take into the industry. Thank you."

Konstantinos Daskalantonakis

"Experience, experience, experience!!! Everyone who is a member of the hospitality industry should participate in PDP. The open-minded professors helped me to shape a vision for my job. I really thank you and I hope I will be able to participate in PDP 2003!!!"

Daniela Dolder

"Excellent, I really enjoyed the course. Was good in theory and practice. Also the teaching style and depth of knowledge was very good."

Rodman Rigobert Dunker

"Was absolutely fabulous to exchange with all the other hospitality professionals. I am returning to my country with many new ideas to implement. Thank you."

Eric Bradley Evans

"First class knowledge and experience of the instructor was quite valuable. I plan on shaking things up at work with my newfound knowledge."

Scott Matthew Farrell

"PDP has provided a unique blend of industry experiences and academic theory that can be utilized to gain a competitive edge in the hospitality industry."

Patricia Gorman

"The course, professor, and PDP staff were outstanding. I would not only recommend this program to my colleagues, I would return again. Everything was well thought out and planned. I was in the presence of very knowledgeable and friendly people and the entire experience was priceless. Thank you."

Sojiro Harada

"Cornell PDP is one of the greatest learning experiences I have had."

Philip E. Hardwick

"In the F&B industry we have to work three times as hard for three times less on our return (or you're lucky if this isn't the case). This class will help me maximize the latter. Thanks."

Usmani M. Hashemee

"I have learned solid information, which I can implement. PDP staff very helpful and very professional. Teachers were terrific. It was a great experience to exchange with other hospitality professionals. Thank you all."

Scot Blair Holliday

"I am pleased and enthused to have participated in PDP 2002, enjoyed making new friends and establishing practical foundation for the new business I am embarking on."

Dane Knight

"The world has become such a small place, the views of my colleagues have given me a worldwide perspective of how the hospitality industry has changed. Thanks PDP 2002 for the experience and knowledge, the only program to bring the world together. See you next year."

Lance Donald Krpata

"Students and staff made my PDP experience very worthwhile. I would definitely recommend PDP to others in the industry."

Marianne Larsen

"I now have lots to put into action back in the workplace."

James Lewis

"The program was successful, effective, and helpful. Not only from an academic point, but also from the new friends I have met and the experiences we shared. Participants bring different backgrounds and of course offer different perspectives, which add greatly to the material presented to all participants."

Anthonie Lodder

"No better way to teach an old fox new tricks than to take him to Cornell PDP. It was just what I needed. A short break in my routine to focus on the business from a different angle."

Deborah Mitchell

"I found the level of knowledge from my professors very high, with lots of useful relevant knowledge direct from industry. Very beneficial, worthwhile experience, would highly recommend to all executives in hospitality."

Harris Neophytou

"I really enjoyed the courses and I'm looking forward to returning in the near future."

Diego Francisco Ormachea

"The F&B course was great. I really enjoyed the professors."

Devan R. Pai

"An absolutely exhilarating experience. Will definitely be back next year."

Sagun Prasad Pradhan

"The program is designed to help participants realize the essence of the hospitality industry. Really out of the box! Thanks PDP."

Allison Vernera Price

"PDP was a great experience. The knowledge I have acquired from the courses taken will be very beneficial to myself and my company. The diversity of the different nations was astonishing. I will be looking forward to next year and even your online courses. Excellent professors. Thank you."

Gillian Simone Richardson

"The experience was splendid. The diversity within each class was magnificent. The professors made significant impacts on my life. The rewards are remarkable. It is an outstanding learning experience. Many of the material will be taken back to be implemented in my hotel department."

Felino D. Sarmiento

"It was indeed a great experience to me. My trip to America most especially to Cornell University was very educational. What I learned here really applies to my job and will be a beneficial contribution to the company at which I work. Thank you and keep up the good work!"

Ravindran Sathiamoorthy

"PDP course was excellent and I learned a lot from it. I look forward to next year."

Rafael Alberto Smith

"The interactive and participative way the course was addressed really made it very interesting and enjoyable. The experience will pay in practice right away and I can hardly wait to return next year to take the General Managers Program."

Golly De Dois Talens

"It was great! The course was very well thought-out and planned, so much to learn."

Paul Thompson

"I found the international learning experience to be intellectual food for my business in 2002."

Miles William Tucker

"A thoroughly enjoyable program. The professors were insightful and had their fingers on the pulse. I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to work with like-minded professionals on the challenges associated with working together."

Martin James Vincent

"Fantastic! Cornell and PDP were all and more than I expected. The teaching/learning experience allayed my academic fears. Tell me about PDP Europe and I'll be there!"

Tatsuya Yoshikawa

"All the PDP courses inspired me to open my mind, and gave me a different point of view. I enjoyed all the courses with excellent teachers and staff. I will share my experiences when I return to my country. Thanks."