Marta Soligo

Director of Tourism Research, UNLV Office of Economic Development
Assistant Professor, William F. Harrah College of Hospitality
Expertise: Sociology of tourism and leisure, Tourism development and social justice, Sustainable travel, Health tourism, Film-induced tourism, Dark tourism and thrillertainment, Cultural tourism, Agritourism, Festival tourism, Sports tourism, Tourist attractions

Biography

Marta Soligo is a sociologist and hospitality professor who serves as the director of tourism research with UNLV's Office of Economic Development. Her work examines various facets of travel and tourism — including culture, sports, and entertainment — through a sociological, social justice, and environmental sustainability lens. 

Soligo is the academic lead for the UNLV Tourism Development, Diversification, and Resiliency Initiative — a project that aims to diversify Las Vegas’ tourism economy and its beneficiaries. In particular, the initiative centers around cultural, sports, and medical tourism in Southern Nevada, with a focus on support programs for disadvantaged businesses.

In addition to educating UNLV students as an assistant professor with the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, the Italy native teaches a University of Bergamo master’s course in Planning and Management of Tourism Systems. She has also offered "Sociology of Leisure," a UNLV course part of the UN World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) “Tourism for the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030” program.

Soligo’s interests include tourism and social justice, community development, and immigrant labor within the hospitality industry. Additionally, her sociological research has focused on a wide range of themes, such as film-induced tourism, dark tourism (travel to places historically associated with death and tragedy), and gambling studies. She has presented her works at several conferences hosted by professional associations and international institutions, such as the UNWTO and the American Sociological Association.

Education

  • Ph.D., UNLV
  • M.A., Planning and Management of Tourism Systems, Università degli Studi di BergamoUniversità degli Studi di Bergamo
  • B.A., Foreign Languages and Literatures, Università degli Studi di BergamoUniversità degli Studi di Bergamo

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Marta Soligo In The News

K.N.P.R. News
The Tropicana will be no more by the time you wake up on Wednesday. The implosion of what was once called the "Tiffany of the Strip" is scheduled for 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday. There will be no public viewing areas, but local TV news stations will air live coverage beginning at 1 and 2 a.m. on Oct. 9. (If you won't be awake then, check back here in the morning.)
U.S.A. Today
Travelers eager to explore ancient ruins and relax on beaches with some of the bluest waters in the world will now face a new tax in Greece. Unlike a visa fee or general excise tax, this charge is specifically aimed at addressing climate change.
HKTKWW
Hong Kong Wen Wei Po reported that cultural tourism has become a craze in many places around the world in recent years, especially visits to popular culture-related attractions such as film, television, music, and sports, which are very popular among multinational tourists. Experience from many countries shows that the promotion of cultural tourism cannot be limited to the introduction of attractions. It must also improve supporting services by launching exploration guides, providing souvenirs, increasing interaction with local residents, etc., so that tourists can immerse themselves in the pilgrimage experience.
Travel and Tour World
In the Las Vegas Valley, local neighborhoods such as Chinatown and the Arts District have transitioned into prominent tourism hotspots. Recently, the Historic Westside has begun to experience a similar influx of tourists, particularly after an unexpected visit by Usher, the halftime performer at the Super Bowl with a successful Las Vegas residency. Katie Duncan from the Harrison House noted a significant increase in interest and inquiries about the Westside following Usher’s visit, demonstrating the profound impact that celebrity associations can have on local tourism.

Articles Featuring Marta Soligo

woman lying on couch next to piece of luggage
People | May 13, 2024

The hospitality researcher uncovers human interaction in the context of tourist attractions.