We would like to introduce our newest BEST EN Executive committee member, Paige Viren.

Dr. Viren’s research interests revolve around consumer behavior and tourism, with a special focus on adventure travel and sustainable community-based tourism in rural areas. She has worked closely with the Adventure Travel Trade Association examining adventure industry issues and trends, and in eastern North Carolina working with rural communities in developing sustainable community-based tourism as an alternative means of diversifying the rural economy. Over 12 years of travel industry experience provides Dr. Viren with valuable insight and understanding of the importance of translating research into practical application for the tourism industry. She leads study abroad programs to Australia and Fiji, was selected as the 2012-13 Outstanding Faculty Affiliate for the Center for Sustainable Tourism, and was nominated for the University Scholarship of Engagement award for 2015. In her leisure, Dr. Viren enjoys adventures all over the world (she’s had adventures on 6 continents with Antarctica next on her adventure bucket list), hiking and running, and spending time with family and friends.