Marta Soligo

Director of Tourism Research, 51ԹϺ 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 51ԹϺ'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 51ԹϺ 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 51ԹϺ 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 51ԹϺ 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., 51ԹϺ
  • 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

Gioco News
The link between artificial intelligence and ethics is critical and under observation from many sectors.
Traveltext.ID
FODOR’s travel guide website has revealed 15 destinations in the world that will not be worth visiting in 2025. One of the “No List” destinations is Bali, which is at the top of the list.  
Antara News
Popularity does not always correlate positively with sustainability. This is the irony that Indonesian tourism, especially Bali, is now facing after being included in FODOR's No List 2025.
Las Vegas Sun
The average rate of a three-night stay in Las Vegas for the Formula One race weekend is $1,372, according to Vegas Insider, a website that provides gambling odds and trends. Last year, it was $2,314.

Articles Featuring Marta Soligo

51ԹϺ XMAS
Campus News | December 3, 2024

This month’s frosty headlines and highlights from the students and faculty of 51ԹϺ.

unlv pumpkins
Campus News | November 4, 2024

A monthly roundup of the top news stories at 51ԹϺ, featuring the presidential election, gaming partnerships, and much more.

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.