The School of Tourism is recognised both nationally and internationally as a leading applied research and research training centre related to Sustainable Tourism. The School supports, produces and diffuses research knowledge that is original, innovative, high quality and of practical use to tourism related industries and government. This takes place in a dynamic, collegial, supportive and well resourced research environment for both staff and research students. The School engages strategically with industry, strengthens links with government bodies and has developed strong international links with other universities and other organisations. Research takes place within four main groups outlined below.
Our consulting services are enhanced by researchers who apply rigorous and current research methods and who are informed by continued engagement and work in industry. For example:
Meeting Visitor Needs
School of Tourism Helps Rebuild Thai Tourism
A new Recipe for Recruiting Success
Click here for the 2009
School of Tourism Research Profile
Tourist Behaviour and Visitor Experieneces
This research area applies an individual psychology approach to the study of tourist behaviour and visitor experiences. It focuses on tourist characteristics and needs; educating the tourist or visitor; inducing shifts in tourist behaviour compatible with environmentally friendly travel; visitor experiences in nature-based tourism, wildlife tourism and ecotourism; and tourist decision making.
Sustainable Tourism Destinations Research
This area centres around sustainable destination management with particular emphasis on stakeholders, community and networks; tourism impacts and environmental change; destination policy and planning and destination marketing and product development.
Tourism Workforce Development
An organisational psychology approach underpins Tourism Workforce Development. Areas of concentration include ethical issues in the tourism labour management; organisational citizenship; and organisational climate. The team has interests in sustainable workforce development, human resource and service management in the hospitality and hotel sectors.
Sustainable Events and Leisure Lifestyles Research
Taking a broad social science perspective, this area focuses on tourism as a community development tool; cultural issues in tourism; volunteer experiences; sustainable events and healthy lifestyles.
Click here for the 2009 School of Tourism Research Profile
Tourist Behaviour and Visitor Experiences