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. He previously served as the Dwight D. Eisenhower Professor of Tourism Policy and was Professor Emeritus of Management and Tourism Studies in the School of Business and Professor Emeritus of International Affairs in the Elliott School of International Affairs at GW.
Professor Hawkins was a larger-than-life presence in the global tourism community and a foundational figure at GW. Over more than five decades, he helped shape tourism as a serious field of academic inquiry, public policy, and practice. At GW, he played a pivotal role in building the Master of Tourism Administration program, establishing and elevating the university’s International Institute of Tourism Studies, one of the first UN Tourism education and training centers in the world, and mentoring generations of students who now serve as leaders across tourism, hospitality, sustainability, and international development worldwide.
Beyond academia, Professor Hawkins was a globally respected practitioner and advisor. As Chairman and Principal of Solimar International, he worked with governments, development banks, international organizations, and destination authorities across every region of the world. His work consistently emphasized that tourism must serve communities, protect cultural and natural heritage, and deliver long-term value. Long before sustainability became a common industry refrain, Don championed ethical governance, education, and inclusive development as core principles of tourism.
Professor Hawkins’ contributions were recognized internationally, including receipt of the first UN World Tourism Organization Ulysses Prize in 2003 for his leadership in tourism policy and strategic management. He also served in senior advisory roles within the UN tourism system, represented GW as the Vice Chairman of the UN Tourism Affiliated Council, and was deeply involved in numerous global initiatives advancing sustainable and responsible travel.
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, a bridge-builder, and a moral compass for the tourism field.
Memorial Service
A Celebration of Don’s life will be held on Saturday, January 10, at 11:00 a.m. at Don’s residence: 11824 Danville Dr., North Bethesda, MD 20852. We encourage members of the GW community who wish to attend or learn more to consult the family’s announcement directly here.
Looking ahead, the GW tourism faculty will host a formal remembrance and an inaugural Distinguished Lecture in Professor Hawkins’ honor in April. This lecture series will celebrate Don’s enduring legacy and his lifelong commitment to scholarship, practice, and service. Details will be shared with the community in the coming weeks.
We extend our deepest condolences to Professor Hawkins’ family, friends, colleagues, and former students around the world. He will be profoundly missed, but his legacy will continue to shape our work, our students, and the global tourism community for generations to come.
George Washington University Tourism Faculty
