80 Florida University Students Visit Bacardi
Bacardi welcomed 80 students and seven faculty members from Florida International University [FIU] to its global headquarters in Bermuda last week as part of an immersive learning experience focused on the hospitality, tourism, and beverage industries.
A spokesperson said, “The visiting students, representing top ranked FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, arrived in Bermuda via transatlantic cruise and spent the day at the Bacardi Global Headquarters as part of a full-day educational program curated by the Bacardi Bermuda team. The visit was organized in collaboration with FIU’s “Hospitality at Sea” study abroad program and is part of the university’s broader experiential learning initiative.
“The visit included a guided tour of the iconic Bacardi Global Headquarters building and art collection. The agenda featured presentations on the Company’s heritage, strategic brand acquisitions, and its global ‘Good Spirited’ corporate sustainability initiatives. The experience culminated with a curated product tasting and lunch at the Bacardi 1862 Cocktail Bar for guests, all of which were of legal drinking age.”
“This visit reflects our shared commitment to educating and inspiring the next generation of hospitality leaders by offering unique exposure to our company’s heritage, values, and vision for the future,” said Douglas Mello, Managing Director of Bacardi International Limited. “We’re proud to open our doors to students who are passionate about the industry and eager to learn from real-world examples of brand building, innovation, and sustainability.”
The spokesperson said, “The longstanding partnership between Bacardi and FIU began in 2020 with the establishment of the Bacardi Center of Excellence at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, recently ranked the No. 4 best hospitality program in the U.S. and top 1% globally by the 2025 QS World University Rankings. This initiative, supported by a $5 million gift from Bacardi U.S.A., aims to inspire and educate the hospitality community on spirits, entrepreneurship, and beyond. The collaboration has led to the development of specialized beverage curricula, financial assistance for students, and the creation of programs like Future Proof—a certified bar training program designed to equip aspiring hospitality professionals with the skills needed to excel in the industry. In Bermuda, the Future Proof program is currently offered through the Bermuda Tourism Authority, making the training accessible to local residents interested in hospitality careers.”
“Our longstanding partnership with Bacardi has always been a point of pride for the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, and this recent experience reaffirmed the strength and value of our relationship,” said Michael Cheng, dean of the Chaplin School.
The spokesperson said, “The faculty delegation was led by Professor John D. Buschman, Co-Director of the Global Sustainable Tourism Program and Hospitality at Sea Director. Other participating professors represented a range of specialties including international marketing, cuisine, leadership, and cruise line operations.”
“The visit was nothing short of world-class; From the moment our group arrived, Bacardi demonstrated the highest level of professionalism, warmth, and industry expertise,” said Buschman. “The immersive engagement and behind-the-scenes access provided our students with a real-world perspective that can only come from passionate leaders dedicated to shaping the future of hospitality,” he added.
The spokesperson said, “Bacardi has long supported education and workforce development in the hospitality industry through global initiatives such as Shake Your Future and its partnership with the Bacardi Center of Excellence at FIU. For more information, please visit hospitality.fiu.edu and look for Bacardi Center of Excellence under programs.”
