Niagara University Airbnb Offers Summer Accommodations for Tourists, Experience for Students
An online search for overnight accommodations in Western New York this summer may result in a somewhat surprising result: Niagara University.
The Lewiston-based institution has made available three apartment units through Airbnbfrom June 5-July 28, 2018. A four-bedroom apartment, which features four single beds, a full kitchen with cookware and dishes, two bathrooms, and a living room area with a cable television, is listed for $129 per night.
Along with serving as a potential revenue generator for Niagara during a time when most students have returned home, the new venture is also helping undergraduates enrolled in the university’s acclaimed College of Hospitality and Tourism Management gain experience running a small business.
Rising NU seniors Morgan Mathews, Ryan Mathews and Heather Cirrito are participating in an Airbnb Operations course that offers them an opportunity to administer the business. With supervision from the university’s Center for Conferences and Events staff, Mathews, Mathews and Cirrito are responsible for room preparation, check-in and checkout processes and concierge services, which makes for a comprehensive experiential learning opportunity.