100+ Tourism Research Topics: Trends and Future Directions
Tourism research stands at the crossroads of exploration and understanding, dissecting the intricacies of an industry that transcends geographical boundaries. In this blog, we delve into the realm of tourism research topics, examining their importance, trends, popular areas of study, challenges faced by researchers, and the future directions that the field is poised to take.
Key Trends in Tourism Research
Table of Contents
- Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable tourism has become a cornerstone of research in recent years, reflecting the global shift towards eco-conscious travel. Researchers are delving into the intricate balance between satisfying the wanderlust of tourists and preserving the environment.
Initiatives such as wildlife conservation, eco-friendly accommodations, and community engagement are key focus areas.
Technology in Tourism
The pervasive influence of technology on tourism cannot be overstated. From online booking platforms to virtual reality experiences, researchers are exploring the impact of technology on travel behavior.
Emerging areas of study include the use of artificial intelligence in personalized travel recommendations and the implications of augmented reality for enhancing tourist attractions.
What is the Importance of Tourism Research for Students?
Tourism research holds significant importance for students pursuing studies in various disciplines, including tourism management, hospitality, business, sociology, and environmental studies. Here are some key reasons why tourism research is valuable for students:
Academic Enrichment
- Increases Understanding: By conducting study on the tourist business, students may increase their comprehension of the intricate relationships between the economic, social, cultural, and environmental facets of the sector.
- Application of Theoretical information: This increases the practical relevance of their education by giving them the chance to apply the theoretical information they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations.
Skill Development
- Research Skills: Gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data are just a few of the vital research skills that come from conducting tourist research. These abilities are adaptable and useful in a range of work environments.
- Communication abilities: Through research papers, presentations, and conversations, students learn how to effectively express their results, which improves both their writing and spoken communication abilities.
Industry Insights
- Current Trends and Issues: Research allows students to stay abreast of current trends, challenges, and emerging issues in the tourism industry. This awareness is crucial for adapting to the dynamic nature of the field.
- In-Depth Knowledge: By delving into specific tourism research topics, students gain in-depth knowledge of particular sectors within the industry, positioning themselves as experts in specialized areas.
Career Opportunities
- Competitive Advantage: Having experience in tourism research can provide students with a competitive advantage in the job market. Employers value candidates who can bring a research-driven perspective to decision-making.
- Diverse Career Paths: Whether in academia, policy-making, destination management, or market analysis, a background in tourism research opens doors to a variety of career paths within the broader field of tourism and hospitality.
Contributions to Sustainable Practices
- Environmental and Social Responsibility: Tourism research often focuses on sustainable practices. Students, through their research, can contribute ideas and solutions for promoting responsible tourism, minimizing negative impacts on the environment and local communities.
Global Perspective
- Cultural Awareness: Researching diverse tourism topics exposes students to various cultures, traditions, and perspectives. This global perspective is crucial in an industry where interactions with people from different backgrounds are common.
Problem-Solving Skills
- Analytical Thinking: Research involves analyzing complex issues and developing solutions. This cultivates students’ analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, valuable attributes in any professional setting.
Personal Growth
- Confidence Building: Successfully conducting research and presenting findings builds students’ confidence in their abilities. It empowers them to tackle challenges and approach tasks with a systematic mindset.
In summary, tourism research is a multifaceted learning experience that goes beyond textbooks, providing students with the skills, knowledge, and perspectives needed for a successful and impactful career in the tourism industry or related fields.
100+ Tourism Research Topics: Category Wise
- Impact of Technology on Travel
- Cultural Tourism and Heritage Preservation
- Dark Tourism: Ethics and Motivations
- Community-Based Tourism for Socioeconomic Development
- Wildlife Tourism and Conservation
- Gastronomic Tourism: Culinary Experiences
- Adventure Tourism: Risk and Reward
- Medical Tourism: Trends and Implications
- Religious Tourism and Pilgrimages
- LGBTQ+ Tourism: Diversity in Travel
- Film Tourism: Influence on Destination Choice
- Cruise Tourism: Environmental Impact
- Rural Tourism: Exploring Off-the-Beaten-Path
- Urban Tourism and City Planning
- Educational Tourism: Learning Journeys
- Wellness Tourism: Mind and Body Retreats
- Space Tourism: Future Frontiers
- Luxury Tourism and Experiential Travel
- Sports Tourism: Events and Impact
- Volunteer Tourism: Traveling for a Cause
- Accessible Tourism: Inclusive Travel
- Niche Tourism: Unusual Destinations
- The Psychology of Tourist Behavior
- Destination Marketing and Branding
- Over-tourism: Challenges and Solutions
- Impacts of Climate Change on Tourism
- Cruise Tourism: Cultural Interactions
- Heritage Tourism Management
- Tourism and Globalization
- Impact of Political Instability on Tourism
- COVID-19 and Tourism: Recovery Strategies
- Solo Travel: Trends and Safety Concerns
- E-Tourism: Online Booking Trends
- Responsible Tourism Practices
- Agritourism: Farm and Rural Experiences
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: Balancing Conservation and Tourism
- Backpacking Culture: Trends and Challenges
- Tourism Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Social Media Influencers in Tourism
- Geotourism: Exploring Geological Wonders
- Virtual Reality in Tourism Experiences
- Tourism Policy and Regulation
- Sustainable Transportation in Tourism
- Wellness Retreats: Trends and Impacts
- Coastal and Marine Tourism
- Historical Tourism and Interpretation
- Space-Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Tourism
- Cross-Cultural Communication in Tourism
- Slow Tourism: Embracing the Journey
- Geopolitics and Tourism
- Adventure Sports Tourism: Risk Management
- Wellness Tourism: The Spa Industry
- Religious Festivals and Tourism
- Volunteer Tourism: Cultural Exchange
- Impacts of Terrorism on Tourism
- Tourism and Gender Equality
- Dark Sky Tourism: Stargazing Adventures
- Social Justice in Tourism
- Music Tourism: Festivals and Events
- Cruise Tourism: Port Infrastructure
- Urban Regeneration through Tourism
- Wellness Tourism: Mindful Travel
- Cultural Appropriation in Tourism
- Sports Mega-Events and Tourism
- Virtual Tourism: Exploring from Home
- Tourism Education and Training
- Destination Resilience to Crises
- Adventure Tourism: Environmental Stewardship
- Slow Food Movement and Culinary Tourism
- Accessible Tourism: Technology Solutions
- Adventure Tourism: Cultural Immersion
- Experiential Learning in Tourism
- Tourism and Biodiversity Conservation
- Indigenous Tourism: Empowerment and Challenges
- Film-Induced Tourism: Pop Culture Impact
- Ephemeral Tourism Events
- Adventure Tourism: Cultural Sensitivity
- Slum Tourism: Ethical Considerations
- Tourism and Water Conservation
- Space Tourism: Ethical Considerations
- Rural Tourism: Community Engagement
- Wellness Tourism: Mind-Body Connection
- Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Adventure Tourism: Extreme Sports
- The Role of Festivals in Tourism
- Cultural Tourism and Social Inclusion
- Wellness Tourism: Alternative Therapies
- Tourism and Human Rights
- Heritage Conservation and Tourism
- Adventure Tourism: Risk Perception
- Virtual Reality Museums and Tourism
- Responsible Wildlife Tourism
- Tourism and Disaster Management
- Festivals as Cultural Tourism Attractions
- Adventure Tourism: Psychological Benefits
- Wellness Tourism: Eco-Friendly Retreats
- Tourism and Aging Population
- Culinary Tourism: Fusion Cuisine
- Adventure Tourism: Cross-Cultural Interactions
Challenges and Opportunities in Tourism Research
Data collection and analysis.
While technology has streamlined data collection, challenges persist in ensuring data accuracy and relevance. Researchers are exploring advanced methodologies, such as big data analytics and machine learning, to overcome these hurdles and derive meaningful insights.
Globalization and Tourism
The globalization of the tourism industry poses both challenges and opportunities. Researchers are scrutinizing the impact of global trends on local economies, cultural identities, and the environment. Striking a balance between global and local interests is a complex task that requires careful consideration.
Future Directions in Tourism Research
Emerging tourism destinations.
The landscape of tourist destinations is ever-evolving. Researchers are turning their attention to emerging destinations, investigating the factors that contribute to their rise and the implications for the broader tourism industry.
This includes understanding the appeal of off-the-beaten-path locations and the potential challenges associated with their sudden popularity.
Post-Pandemic Tourism
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the tourism industry in unprecedented ways. Researchers are exploring the long-term effects of the pandemic on travel behavior, destination preferences, and the overall structure of the tourism sector.
Strategies for recovery and resilience are also under the microscope as the industry adapts to the new normal.
Resources for Tourism Research Topics
- Academic Journals and Publications: Leading academic journals in tourism research, such as the “Journal of Sustainable Tourism” and the “Annals of Tourism Research,” provide a wealth of knowledge for researchers. These publications cover a wide array of topics, from sustainable practices to cultural tourism.
- Conferences and Events: Attending conferences and events, such as the “International Conference on Tourism Research” and the “World Tourism Forum,” offers researchers the opportunity to engage with peers, present their work, and stay abreast of the latest developments in the field.
- Online Databases and Research Platforms: Online databases, including Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Tourism Management Database , provide access to a vast repository of research articles, theses, and reports. These platforms facilitate collaboration and information exchange among researchers.
In conclusion, the landscape of tourism research topics is vast and dynamic, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the tourism industry. As researchers continue to explore sustainable practices, emerging trends, and the post-pandemic landscape, the importance of their work cannot be overstated.
By navigating the challenges and embracing the opportunities presented, tourism researchers contribute to a more informed and resilient industry, ensuring that the joy of travel remains accessible for generations to come.
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Tourism and Hospitality Dissertation Topics
Published by Grace Graffin at January 10th, 2023 , Revised On May 17, 2024
Introduction
As a tourism student, you will be required to study the basics of tourism, hospitality, and event management. Some important issues surrounding tourism include but are not limited to medicine, finance, culture, geography, and more.
We understand that choosing the right dissertation topic can be a bit overwhelming for you. Therefore, our writers have provided a comprehensive list of topics for the tourism dissertation. These topics are recent, relevant, and exploratory enough for you to conduct a comprehensive research study.
We can even customise topics according to your needs. So, go through our list of dissertation topics, choose the one that interests you, and let us know if you would like any help from our writers.
Check our dissertation example to get an idea of how to structure your dissertation .
You can review step by step guide on how to write your dissertation here.
Latest Tourism Research Topics
Investigating how the tourism industry has taken green and sustainable measures- a case study of uk.
Research Aim: This study will investigate the various aspects of the UK tourism industry geared towards making green and sustainable measures for environmental benefits. It will also look into the consumer’s perspective towards green tourism and its positive and negative impacts on the tourism industry and the tourists. It also helps you better understand the concept of a green environment and its influence on the tourism industry.
Environmental Management Systems and their Implementation in the UK- A Systematic Review.
Research Aim: This study will explore the quality of environmental management systems, environmental performance, improvements, and implementation in the UK. We will focus on different companies with high environmental impacts and how they have improved the environment and the use of environmental management systems (EMS). This study will also look into how it has changed or influenced the hospitality industry.
Investigating the impact of Social Media Recommendations on Hotel Booking in the UK.
Research Aim: Social media is a part of every aspect of our daily life. This research will investigate the influence of social media on tourism and specifically on choosing a hotel; it will also help you evaluate if consumers perceive social media-based recommendations differently than more traditional sources of internet-based marketing. Qualitative research will be used in this, followed by thematic analysis to find the role of social media in recommendations and influencing consumers’ searches. This will help us better understand how VR makes decisions and hotel bookings.
Assessing the Impact of Virtual Reality on Tourism.
Research Aim: Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology in tourism. This study will find the impact of virtual reality on the tourism industry. It will also investigate consumer behaviour towards it. We will better understand how VR has affected the tourism industry and significantly influenced the results. TAM research model will be developed to describe the nature of the 3D virtual world. It will also cover some psychological aspects to understand the consumer perspective.
Role of Social Media Marketing in deciding a Travel Destination- A Systematic Review.
Research Aim: This study investigates the role of social media marketing in deciding a travel destination. This study aims to find and understand how social media can achieve marketing objectives. Taking a quantitative approach, we will find the role of social media marketing and its effect on making travel choices through interviews and surveys. It will further explore the tourist’s perception, expectations, and experiences.
Investigating the Negative Impact of Travel Bans
Research Aim: This study explores the negative effects of travel bans on social, economic, cultural, and public health aspects. The study aims to analyse the repercussions of travel restrictions to inform policymaking. It will further investigate ways to avoid adverse consequences while promoting global mobility and cooperation.
An Exploration of the Hospitality Industry Wages
Research Aim: To investigate the wage structures in the hospitality industry. This study explores factors influencing disparities and evaluates their implications. Insights will be provided on wage fairness, workplace satisfaction, gender discrimination, and industry competitiveness. It will also cover policies and practices to improve employee well-being and organisational performance.
Effects of Covid-19 on Tourism and Hospitality Dissertation Topics
Topic 1: tourism after coronavirus pandemic - way forward for tourism and hospitality industry in the uk or any other country of your choice.
Research Aim: Tourism is a reason for most of the human mobility in the modern world. According to the World Tourism Organisation (2020), international tourism has indicated continuous growth for the tenth consecutive year, reporting 1.5 billion international tourist arrivals in 2019 and an estimated 1.8 billion international tourist arrivals by 2030 )people are forecasted to be. This particular research will focus on the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak on the tourism and hospitality industry in the United Kingdom or any other country of your choice.
Topic 2: Investigating the Long Term Effects of Prolonged and New Travel Restrictions on the UK Tourism Industry
Research Aim: Britain will require anyone entering the country to self-quarantine for two weeks, and other European countries are pondering similar measures, but the prospects of prolonged and even new travel restrictions are destroying what hopes the continent’s airlines and tourist industry have been harbouring of at least a partial coronavirus rebound. Can the tourism sector of the UK overcome these challenges?
Topic 3: Coronavirus: Dubai Tourism Insists Emirate's Hotel Sector is Healthy, Rejects Bloomberg Report but Is It Really the Case?
Research Aim: Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) has denied a Bloomberg report about the emirate’s hospitality businesses adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. This research will employ primary research methodology to gather data from the key stakeholders of the Emirates hotel industry to assess whether or not the ongoing COVID-19 crisis is causing panic and financial damage to the hotel industry.
Topic 4: Will Easing the Travel Restrictions Benefit the UK Tourism Sector in the Short Term?
Research Aim: Many European countries, including the UK, are easing lockdown measures, including tourist destinations preparing for the summer. Cafes and restaurants in London and other cities hardest hit by the virus in the UK have opened two weeks behind the rest of the country. However, with most travellers preferring to stay home in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, how effective are these measures going to be?
Topic 5: Coronavirus outbreak: Caribbean Tourism Struggles as Visitors Stay Home
Research Aim: In the Caribbean, the government plans to require all visitors to undergo rapid Covid-19 testing upon entry. They hope provisions such as virus tests for all industry workers and socially distanced resort dining will make people feel comfortable travelling. This research study will explore whether the measures taken by the Caribbean government will actually encourage the visitors to leave the comfort of their home and travel in the midst of the Covid-19 Crisis.
Ecotourism and Community Participation Dissertation Topics
Topic 1: online tourism agents and websites.
Research Aim: This research aims to study online tourism websites and travelling agents
Topic 2: Advances in Tourism and Hospitality Post-pandemic
Research Aim: This research aims to assess the advances in Tourism and Hospitality post-pandemic
Topic 3: Impacts of Social Distancing on Tourism Managements
Research Aim: This research aims to study the impacts of social distancing on tourism managements
Topic 4: Advances in Hotel Management Post-pandemic
Research Aim: This research aims to assess advances in Hotel management post-pandemic
Topic 5: The Linguistic Roots of the Word “Hospitality” across Different Languages
Research Aim: This research investigates the linguistic roots of the word hospitality across different languages and the semantic shifts over time.
Topic 6: The Relationship Between the Host and the Guest
Research Aim: This research explores the relationship between the host and the guest and how both need to act under laws and regulations.
Economic Conditions and Local Tourism Dissertation Topics
Topic 1: factors impacting destination selection for medical tourism.
Research Aim: Medical tourism is a growing trend. An increasing number of people travel to another country, seeking medical treatment which is expensive or unavailable on their own. Various factors impact the destination selection process for medical treatment purposes. The destination can be local or international. With limited evidence on the factors that impact destination selection for medical tourism, there is a need for a comprehensive study exploring these factors in detail.
Topic 2: Impact of Low budget Airline Services on Boosting International Tourism in Europe: A Case Study of Ryanair.
Research Aim: With increasing costs of air travelling, the demand for low-budget airline services is on the rise. Ryanair is one of the leading low-budget airline services based in the UK. Its cheap air tickets attract many regular travellers. Given this, the main aim of this research will be to explore whether or not low-budget airlines are actually helping to increase international tourism in Europe or not. This research will be conducted based on quantitative data which will be collected from a sample of Ryanair international tourism travellers.
Topic 3: Eco-friendly Practices and Their Effect on Hotel Selection Decision: A Case Study of UK Hospitality Industry.
Research Aim: Various technologies can be implemented to achieve eco-friendliness, such as; internet of things, automation technology, bamboo industrialisation, and sustainable building construction. On the other hand, eco-friendly practices include; water and energy conservation, renewable energy use, waste recycling and management, alternative plastic products, and more. Many hotels in the UK install solar panels and automated systems, which generate renewable energy and ensure complete automation for lights and water. It is worth evaluating how eco-friendly technologies and practices affect the hotel selection decision of guests in the UK hospitality industry.
Topic 4: How Economic Conditions of a Country Impact its Local Tourism: Identifying the Economic Factors Influencing the Tourism Sector.
Research Aim: Economic factors have a great impact on tourism. When a country is economically strong, it spends a great deal on tourism development. On the other hand, tourism could be adversely affected if a country is struggling with its finances. This research aims to investigate and critically analyse the economic factors which tend to affect the tourism sector of a country. The study will also weigh the economic upsides and downsides of these factors concerning local tourism.
Topic 5: Assessing the Impact of Social Media Platforms on Tourism Destination Selection.
Research Aim: These days, social media websites play a tremendous role for tourists in destination selection. The experiences and reviews that people share on online social platforms have a huge impact on making or breaking the future of any tourist destination. This research will analyze the role of different social media platforms in choosing tourism destinations among tourists. This research will also shed light on the rationale and factors people rely on social media to select their tourism destination.
Topic 6: Assessing the Impact of Government Rules, Regulations, and Policies on Tourism Development: A Case Study of Developing Countries.
Research Aim: The tourism sector of any country is greatly looked after by governmental and regulatory bodies. This research will analyze the role played by such bodies from the perspective of policymaking and regulation implementation. The study will also explore how the impact of policymaking and government regulations in developed countries might be different from that of developing countries.
Topic 7: Analysing the Impact of Natural Hazaresearch will measure the customer satisfaction of British lesbians after they have undergone gender reassignment at the Yanhee International Hospital in Bangkok.
Research Aim: Natural hazards can have a disastrous effect on the tourism industry of any country. The UK is one of the countries where the tourism industry has experienced huge success. Thus, this research will be carried out to analyze the impact of such hazards on the UK’s tourism sector.
Topic 8: Assessing the Factors and Preferences Impacting Tourist's Decisions to Travel to a Dark Tourism Site.
Research Aim: As a result of a shift in preferences of tourists and an urge to explore and learn, dark tourism has gained immense popularity and success in recent times. This research will explore the factors and reasons why tourists choose dark places as their tourism destination.
Topic 9: The Impact of Travel Bloggers and vloggers on the Tourism Industry.
Research Aim: Travel bloggers and vloggers are an important part of the tourism industry now. These people travel the world, document their experiences through their writing or videos, and influence people. Tourists throughout the world now depend on their reviews and choose their travel destinations accordingly. This research will aim to explore how these influencers have completely changed the tourism industry.
Educational Tourism Dissertation Topics
Tourism has gained tremendous popularity among academicians and researchers in recent times. Educational tourism primarily takes into consideration technical competencies and new knowledge gained outside the classroom environment.
Educational tourism brings to light the idea of travelling to learn about the cultures of other nations. Exchange student programmes are perhaps the most commonly employed educational tourism strategy, allowing students to learn about the culture of the host nation through research work and travel. Possible areas of research in this field of tourism for your dissertation are provided below;
Topic 1: Educational Tourism Programmes and the Popularity of Host Nations
Research Aim: This research will discuss the educational exchange programmes in detail and will also assess how educational tourism can add to the appeal of the host nations for prospective tourists.
Topic 2: Factors Affecting the Decision of British Students to Join International Student Exchange Programmes.
Research Aim: Even though student exchange programmes are popular throughout the world, there are certain countries where they are practised the most. This research will study one such country, the UK, concerning the factors that encourage British students to join international exchange programmes.
Topic 3: Factors Contributing Towards the Success of Work & Study Programmes in the UK
Research Aim: This research will analyse the factors that contribute towards the success of study programmes in the UK, i.e. benefits of studying in the UK and the attractiveness of the UK as a place to live and study.
Topic 4: To Analyse the Satisfaction of International Students Enrolled in Student Exchange Programmes in the UK
Research Aim: This research will cover an important topic, i.e., measure the satisfaction of international students enrolled in exchange programs in the UK – the same topic can be used for any other country such as the USA or Canada.
Topic 5: To Investigate Potential Marketing and Communication Tools to Promote “any country” as the Best Place to Pursue Higher Education.
Research Aim: This research will investigate and conclude the most successful marketing and communication tools that are used to promote exchange programmes in a particular country. The topic can be customised according to the country of your choice.
Topic 6: What are the factors Influencing British Students’ Decision to Join Academic Year Exchange Programme in Japan?
Research Aim: Japan is one of the most popular destinations when it comes to student exchange programmes. This research will assess the factors that influence a British student’s decision to go to Japan to pursue education.
Topic 7: To Examine the Popularity of Student Exchange Programmes Offered by Chinese-speaking Countries.
Research Aim: This research will explore the reasons for the popularity of student exchange programmes in countries where Chinese is the official language such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, etc.
Topic 8: To Investigate the Attitude and Perception of British Students toward Summer Camps.
Research Aim: Summer camps are extremely popular in the west. This research will explore the perceptions of British students towards summer camps and what motivates them to attend them.
Topic 9: Factors Affecting the Decision of University Students to Pursue a Placement Programme in the US?
Research Aim: This research will aim to understand the rationale of university students’ decisions to pursue placement programmes in the US,
Topic 10: To Examine the Satisfaction of University Students Returning from Cultural Exchange Programmes in the US.
Research Aim: This research will aim to understand the satisfaction of university students who are on their way back from exchange programmes in the US.
Medical Tourism Dissertation Topics
Medical tourism is a new area of study in the tourism industry. The gap in the prices of medical facilities available in developing and developed countries is significant, propelling many patients to travel to far destinations to benefit from economic, medical services.
Similarly, many financially well-off patients decide to have medical treatment in foreign countries with advanced and established medical systems that provide state-of-the-art medical facilities unavailable in their home countries.
Although there may be insufficient secondary data to analyse this tourism sub-topic, researching this area will prove to be interesting. You can choose your medical tourism dissertation topics from this list.
Topic 1: Investigating the Reasons Why British Citizens Travel to Different Countries for their Dental Procedures
Research Aim: This research will identify and discuss in detail the reasons why British citizens travel to different countries for dental treatment.
Topic 2: The efficacy of marketing and communication tools employed by Thai plastic surgery and extreme makeover service providers – An investigation into the attitude and perception of British travellers.
Research Aim: A large number of British citizens travel to Thailand for cosmetic and plastic surgeries. This research will aim to understand the attitudes and perceptions of British travellers who opt for these surgeries in a foreign country. The research will also assess the marketing and communication tools employed by Thai medical service providers.
Topic 3: To Identify and Discuss Critical Marketing Strategies to Promote a Weight Loss Centre in the UK.
Research Aim: This research will talk about the marketing strategies that are undertaken in the UK to promote weight loss centres.
Topic 4: Measuring Customer satisfaction of British Lesbians After Having Sex Reassignment at Yanhee International Hospital, Bangkok
Research Aim: This research will measure the customer satisfaction of British lesbians after they have undergone gender reassignment at the Yanhee International Hospital in Bangkok.
Topic 5: To Examine the Factors Influencing the Decisions of British Women to Buy Body Contour Tour Packages in East Asia.
Research Aim: This study will analyze the factors that influence the decision-making of British women when burying body contour tour packages in East Asia.
Topic 6: To Investigate the Extent to Which Swiss Weight Control Tour Packages Have Influenced Women in the UK.
Research Aim: This research will focus on the decision-making detriments of British Women who opt to purchase weight control tour packages in Switzerland.
Topic 7: How Young British Females Perceive Facial Lifting package Tours in East Asia?
Research Aim: This study will analyze how young British females perceive facial lifting package tours in East Asia.
Topic 8: To Understand and Discuss the Factors Affecting Buying Decisions to Benefit from Extreme Makeover Tour Packages in Eastern Europe.
Research Aim: This research will critically explore the factors that influence the buying decision of customers who purchase extreme makeover packages from Eastern Europe.
Topic 9: How Attractive are the Plastic Surgery Makeover Services to Female British Customers – A Qualitative Study
Research Aim: This research will understand and analyze the attractiveness of plastic surgery makeover services that influence British females to purchase them. The research will be descriptive in nature.
Topic 10: How Homosexual Men Choose Medical Tour Packages for Sex Reassignment.
Research Aim: This study will investigate gender reassignment tour packages that interest homosexual men and the factors influencing their decision-making process.
Tourism Management Dissertation Topics
Tourism management is perhaps the most interesting area of the tourism industry. It mainly involves travelling for the purpose of leisure and recreation. People travelling to other countries and outside their usual environment with the intent of leisure can be classified as tourists.
It should be noted that the phenomenon of tourism has grown tremendously in recent years, thanks to the impact of globalisation. There are many countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Maldives, and Fiji, whose largest source of income is tourism. In these countries, tourism generates huge revenue for the government and also provides employment opportunities for the working class as well as businesses.
The suggestions below can help you to narrow your research for your tourism dissertation.
Topic 1: How British Tourists Perceive Chinese World Heritage Tour – A Qualitative Study
Research Aim: This research will focus on how British tourists perceive Chinese heritage and what compels them to visit China.
Topic 2: Exploring the Factors that Make London the Most Popular Destination for Christmas Shopping
Research Aim: This research will analyse and explore the various factors that promote London as one of the most attractive destinations for Christmas shopping.
Topic 3: Investigating the Underlying Factors that British Citizens Consider when Choosing a Destination for Their Winter Holidays.
Research Aim: This research will analyse the various factors that British citizens consider and evaluate when choosing a destination for their winter vacations.
Topic 4: An Analysis of Factors Affecting Employees’ Motivation in Luxury Hotels of Dubai.
Research Aim: This research will study the factors influencing employee motivation in luxury and five-star hotels in Dubai. The study will make use of secondary data and primary research to establish the exact factors that motivate employees to work for luxury hotels in Dubai.
Topic 5: How the Tourism Industry of Thailand Responded to the Tsunami.
Research Aim: This study will dive into the past to establish how the Thai tourism industry responded to Tsunami.
Visit our topics database to view 100s of dissertation topics in your research area.
Topic 6: Factors Influencing British Customers’ Decisions of Purchasing Egypt Tour Packages.
Research Aim: This research will explore the factors that British citizens consider when planning their holiday to Egypt.
Topic 7: Attitude and Perception of British Tourists Toward Thailand as a Winter Holiday Destination
Research Aim: This study will research why the British choose Thailand as their winter holiday destination.
Topic 8: The Increasing Popularity of Cruise Travel in South Africa Among British Tourists
Research Aim: This research will consider the reasons why South African cruise is extremely popular amongst British tourists.
Topic 9: To Investigate the Efficacy of Integrated Marketing Communication Tools to Restore the Image of Amsterdam as the Best Tourist Destination in Europe
Research Aim: This research will explore the marketing and communication tools utilized to market Amsterdam as the best tourism destination in Europe.
Topic 10: Factors Influencing British Customers’ Decision to Choose a Particular Destination During the Summer/winter Holiday
Research Aim: This research will discuss all the factors that influence British citizens to choose a destination for their summer or winter holidays. This topic can be customized according to a country of your choosing.
Hospitality Dissertation Topics
Hospitality industry consists of casinos, resorts, restaurants, hotels, catering as well as other businesses that serve the tourists. At its core hospitality can be defined as the relationship between a guest and the hotel.
Other aspects of hospitality include but are not limited to liberality, friendliness, warm welcome, entertainment, goodwill, and reception. Modern-day businesses pride themselves on their acts of hospitality. Thus, it is an extremely interesting sub-topic to base your dissertation on. Some topics in this area of tourism are suggested below.
Topic 1: Examining How Popular Travel Agents Such as eBrooker and Opodo are Perceived by British Tourists
Research Aim: This research will evaluate some of the best and most popular travel agents such as Opodo and eBookers and how they assist British tourists with their destination planning.
Topic 2: Identifying the Factors that Influence Leisure Hotel Buying Decisions of British Customers
Research Aim: This research will identify the factors that influence British customers’ decision to opt for luxury hotels.
Topic 3: Identifying Features of a leisure hotel that attract British honeymoon couples
Research Aim: This research will identify features of a luxury hotel that attract British couples looking for a honeymoon location.
Topic 4: Investigating Hospitality Practices of Popular Leisure Hotels in Dubai
Research Aim: This study will investigate hospitality purchases of attractive luxury hotels in Dubai.
Topic 5: What are the Prime Factors Influencing Restaurant Selection Decisions of Young British Couples?
Research Aim: This research will explore the factors that influence British couples to select restaurants for their time out.
Topic 6: Investigating and Reviewing Strategies Employed by Hotel Restaurants and Pubs in London to Keep Their Employees Motivated
Research Aim: This research will study an important aspect of the tourism industry, i.e., how hotel restaurants and pubs in London keep their employees motivated.
Topic 7: Exploring the Relationship Between Culture and Leisure Hotel Buying Decisions in London.
Research Aim: This research will investigate the relationship between how customers in London choose a luxury hotel based on their culture.
Topic 8: Creating Brand Sales and Recognition Using Integrated Marketing Communication Tools.
Research Aim: This research will explore how brand sales and recognition are built using various marketing and communication tools.
Topic 9: Understanding the Relationship Between Customers’ Buying Decisions and Leisure Hotel Hospitality Features within the Context of Overseas Holidays
Research Aim: This research will explore the relationship between customers’ decision to choose a luxury hotel while visiting different countries.
Topic 10: The Impact of Hospitality Companies’ Brand Image on Tourists’ Buying Decisions.
Research Aim: This research will first talk about different hospitality companies and how their brand image impacts tourists’ buying decisions.
Black Tourism Dissertation Topics
Black tourism, also known as dark tourism and grief tourism, involves travelling to historical sites/places associated with death, casualties, and suffering.
Dark or black tourist sites such as battlefields, monuments, castles, Tsunami sites, and Ground Zero are man-made or natural. They are found commonly in Scotland, South Asia, China, and Eastern Europe.
Dark tourism may not be the ideal choice for many students. However, it is an exciting topic to explore. Possible research topics under this field of tourism are listed below:
Topic 1: How Local Communities Can Benefit Commercially and Socially from Tours to Death/Casualty Sites – A Qualitative Study
Research Aim: This research will explore the various benefits that local communities can experience from touring death or casualty sites.
Topic 2: Attitude and Perception of Tourists Towards Taj Mahal in India
Research Aim: Taj Mahal can be categorised as a dark tourism site because many people consider it a mausoleum. This research will discuss the attitude and perceptions of tourists when visiting the Taj Mahal.
Topic 3: To Investigate and Identify the Factors Influencing Tourists’ Decisions to Visit gGrief Sites in the UK
Research Aim: This research will explore the factors that influence the decisions of tourists to visit grief sites in the UK.
Topic 4: Is Mercat Tour in Scotland a Grief Tourism Site for Potential Tourists?
Research Aim: Mercat Tour in Scotland is considered a ghost site. This study will explore what makes this site a dark tourism destination.
Topic 5: Developing a Highly Effective Marketing Strategy to Promote London Dungeon Among the Tourists
Research Aim: This research will understand the various marketing strategies undertaken to promote the London Dungeon amongst tourists.
Topic 6: What are the Primary Factors Influencing British Tourists’ Decision to Choose Grief Sites?
Research Aim: This research will understand the various factors that influence British tourists’ decision to select a dark tourism site.
Topic 7: Developing a Marketing Strategy to Promote Beaumaris Prison in Wales as Another Black Tourism Site in Britain
Research Aim: This research will focus on developing a successful marketing strategy that will help promote Beaumaris Prison in Wales as a black tourism site in Britain.
Topic 8: How are Man-made Grief tourism Sites are Perceived by British Tourists?
Research Aim: This research will discover how British tourists perceive man-made dark tourism destinations.
Comparing the Man-made Black Tourism Sites with the Natural Disaster Grief Sites from the Perspective of Tourists
Research Aim: This research will compare manmade and natural dark tourism destinations with a focus on tourists’ perceptions.
Topic 10: Do the Local Communities Economically Benefit from Tourists Visiting Dark Tourism Sites?
Research Aim: This research will explore whether or not local communities are impacted in any way when dark tourist sites in their locality are visited.
Sustainability and Tourism Dissertation Topics
At its core, this field of tourism primarily focuses on the way tourists can live harmoniously with the planet earth. Ecotourist sites or sustainable tourist sites are those that promote fauna and flora and cultural heritage. Another objective of eco-tourism is to provide social and economic opportunities to local communities. Some interesting topics worth exploring, in this area, are suggested below:
Topic 1: Investigating the Impact of the Internet on the Growth of Eco-tourism in the UK
Research Aim: This research will study the impact of the internet on the rising eco-tourism trend in the UK.
Topic 2: Factors Affecting British Customers’ Decision of Choosing an Eco-tourism
Research Aim: This research will study the reason why British tourists opt for an eco-tourism site as compared to traditional destinations.
Topic 3: Establishing and Discussing Strategies to Promote Swansea as the Best Eco-tourist Spot in the UK
Research Aim: This research will discuss the various ways through which Swansea can be promoted as the best eco-tourist spot in the UK.
Topic 4: Analysing the Role of Price in the Selection of Eco-tourism Destinations
Research Aim: This research will understand the various factors that influence the tourists’ decision to choose an eco-friendly site for their next holiday destination.
Topic 5: Examining the Use of Integrated Marketing Communication Tools to Promote Eco-tourism in Great Britain
Research Aim: This research will study and analyze the different ways through which integrated marketing communication tools should be used to promote eco-tourism in the UK.
Topic 6: Comparing Developing World Eco-tourism Sites Against Western Eco-tourism Sites
Research Aim: This study will compare developing eco-tourism sites and developed or Western eco-tourism sites. The study will conclude which sites tourists prefer and what factors lead them to their decision.
Topic 7: Does Eco-tourism Develop Social and Economic Opportunities for Local Communities?
Research Aim: This research will explore whether or not eco-tourism helps develop social and economic opportunities in the local communities. If it does, the study will explore those factors as well.
Topic 8: Exploring the Factors Affecting the Buying Decisions of Customers Interested in Eco-tourism Sites
Research Aim: This research will identify and discuss the various factors that affect the buying decision of customers who are interested in eco-tourism sites. These factors will then be explored in detail in this study.
Topic 9: Analysis of the Potential of Edinburgh as an Eco-tourism Site in the UK
Research Aim: This research will compare manmade and natural dark tourism destinations and will also include tourists’ perceptions.
Topic 10: Assessing the Impact of Grass Root level Education in Promoting Sustainable Tourism in Europe – A Review of the Literature
Research Aim: This research will discuss the impact of grass root level education to promote sustainable tourism in Europe. The study will be based on the qualitative research method.
Important Notes:
As a tourism and hospitality student looking to get good grades, it is essential to develop new ideas and experiment with existing tourism and hospitality theories – i.e., to add value and interest to your research topic.
The field of tourism and hospitality is vast and interrelated with many other academic disciplines like civil engineering, construction, law, engineering management, healthcare, mental health, artificial intelligence, physiotherapy, sociology, management, marketing, and nursing . That is why it is imperative to create a project management dissertation topic that is particular and sound and actually solves a practical problem that may be rampant in the field.
We can’t stress how important it is to develop a logical research topic; it is the basis of your entire research. There are several significant downfalls to getting your topic wrong: your supervisor may not be interested in working on it, the topic has no academic creditability, the research may not make logical sense, and there is a possibility that the study is not viable.
This impacts your time and efforts in writing your dissertation as you may end up in a cycle of rejection at the very initial stage of the dissertation. That is why we recommend reviewing existing research to develop a topic, taking advice from your supervisor, and even asking for help in this particular stage of your dissertation.
While developing a research topic, keeping our advice in mind will allow you to pick one of the best tourism and hospitality dissertation topics that fulfil your requirement of writing a research paper and add to the body of knowledge.
Therefore, it is recommended that when finalizing your dissertation topic, you read recently published literature to identify gaps in the research that you may help fill.
Remember- dissertation topics need to be unique, solve an identified problem, be logical, and be practically implemented. Please take a look at some of our sample tourism and hospitality dissertation topics to get an idea for your dissertation.
How to Structure Your Tourism and Hospitality Dissertation
A well-structured dissertation can help students to achieve a high overall academic grade.
- A Title Page
- Acknowledgements
- Declaration
- Abstract: A summary of the research completed
- Table of Contents
- Introduction : This chapter includes the project rationale, research background, key research aims and objectives, and the research problems to be addressed. An outline of the structure of a dissertation can also be added to this chapter.
- Literature Review: This chapter presents relevant theories and frameworks by analyzing published and unpublished literature available on the chosen research topic in light of the research questions to be addressed. The purpose is to highlight and discuss the relative weaknesses and strengths of the selected research area while identifying any research gaps. A breakdown of the topic and key terms can have a positive impact on your dissertation and your tutor.
- Methodology: The data collection and analysis methods and techniques employed by the researcher are presented in the Methodology chapter, which usually includes research design, research philosophy, research limitations, code of conduct, ethical consideration, data collection methods, and data analysis strategy .
- Findings and Analysis: The findings of the research are analysed in detail under the Findings and Analysis chapter. All key findings/results are outlined in this chapter without interpreting the data or drawing any conclusions. It can be useful to include graphs , charts, and tables in this chapter to identify meaningful trends and relationships.
- Discussion and Conclusion: The researcher presents his interpretation of results in this chapter and states whether the research hypothesis has been verified or not. An essential aspect of this section is to establish the link between the results and evidence from the literature. Recommendations with regard to the implications of the findings and directions for the future may also be provided. Finally, a summary of the overall research, along with final judgments, opinions, and comments, must be included in the form of suggestions for improvement.
- References: Make sure to complete this in accordance with your University’s requirements
- Bibliography
- Appendices: Any additional information, diagrams, graphs that were used to complete the dissertation but not part of the dissertation should be included in the Appendices chapter. Essentially, the purpose is to expand the information/data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to find dissertation topics about tourism and hospitality.
To find tourism and hospitality dissertation topics:
- Examine industry trends and challenges.
- Explore cultural, environmental, or tech impacts.
- Research niche areas like ecotourism or event management.
- Analyse customer behaviour and satisfaction.
- Consider sustainable practices.
- Select a topic aligning with your passion and career aspirations.
What is the best research topic for tourism?
There is no one best topic, but here is a trending topic. “The Impact of Virtual Reality Technology on Tourist Experience and Destination Promotion: A Comparative Analysis.” This research topic explores how VR technology affects tourist perceptions, engagement, and decision-making and its implications for destination marketing strategies, comparing traditional methods with VR-based approaches in tourism promotion.
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101 tourism and hospitality dissertation topics and titles.
- Dissertation
Choosing the right dissertation topic in the field of tourism and hospitality can be a daunting task. Your dissertation represents a significant milestone in your academic journey, so it’s essential to select a topic that not only interests you but also contributes to the field’s knowledge. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 101 dissertation topics and titles in tourism and hospitality. Let’s explore a wide range of possibilities to inspire your research.
Sustainable Tourism:
- “Assessing the Environmental Impact of Eco-Tourism in Remote Areas.”
- “Promoting Sustainable Tourism in National Parks: A Case Study.”
- “The Role of Local Communities in Sustainable Tourism Development.”
- “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Green Certification Programs in the Hotel Industry.”
- “The Influence of Climate Change on Tourism Patterns and Adaptation Strategies.”
Cultural and Heritage Tourism:
- “Heritage Tourism’s Role in Cultural Preservation and Economic Development.”
- “The Impact of Cultural Festivals on Destination Attractiveness.”
- “Dark Tourism: Exploring the Motivations and Impacts of Visiting Sites of Tragedy.”
- “Reviving Cultural Tourism through Digital Storytelling and Augmented Reality.”
- “Cultural Appropriation and Its Effects on Indigenous Tourism.”
Hospitality and Hotel Management:
- “Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction in Luxury Hotels.”
- “The Role of Technology in Enhancing Guest Experiences in the Hospitality Industry.”
- “The Challenges of Managing a Multigenerational Workforce in the Hotel Sector.”
- “The Impact of the Sharing Economy on Traditional Hotels.”
- “Sustainable Practices in Hotel Management: A Comparative Study.”
Destination Marketing:
- “The Role of Social Media in Destination Marketing and Visitor Engagement.”
- “Crisis Management in Destination Marketing: A Comparative Analysis.”
- “Branding a Destination: Strategies and Challenges.”
- “The Impact of Film Tourism on Destination Popularity.”
- “Emerging Trends in Destination Marketing: Leveraging Virtual Reality and Gamification.”
Tourism and Technology:
- “The Influence of Augmented Reality on Museum Visitor Experiences.”
- “Blockchain Technology in Tourism: Opportunities and Challenges.”
- “The Use of Big Data Analytics in Predicting Tourist Behavior.”
- “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Personalizing Travel Recommendations.”
- “Online Travel Agencies vs. Traditional Travel Agents: A Comparative Analysis.”
Cruise Tourism:
- “Cruise Tourism and Its Economic Impact on Port Cities.”
- “Sustainability Practices in the Cruise Industry: Case Studies.”
- “Cruise Ship Safety and Emergency Preparedness: Lessons from Incidents.”
- “The Growth of Expedition Cruising and Its Impact on Ecotourism.”
- “Cruise Itinerary Planning and Destination Development.”
Culinary and Food Tourism:
- “Food Tourism and Destination Branding: The Case of Culinary Capitals.”
- “Gastronomic Tourism: Trends, Motivations, and Impacts on Local Economies.”
- “Culinary Tourism and Sustainability: Reducing Food Waste in Restaurants.”
- “The Role of Food Blogs and Social Media in Shaping Food Tourism.”
- “Authenticity in Food Tourism Experiences: A Cross-Cultural Perspective.”
Wellness Tourism:
- “The Market Potential of Medical Tourism: A Case Study of Destination.”
- “Spa Tourism and Its Impact on Mental and Physical Well-Being.”
- “Yoga and Wellness Retreats: Motivations and Experiences of Participants.”
- “Mindful Travel: The Convergence of Tourism and Wellness.”
- “Holistic Approaches in Wellness Tourism Management.”
Event Management:
- “Sport Tourism and Mega Events: Economic Impacts and Legacy Planning.”
- “Music Festivals and Destination Attractiveness: A Comparative Analysis.”
- “Sustainability Practices in Event Management: Best Practices and Challenges.”
- “The Role of Sponsorship in the Success of Sporting Events.”
- “Crisis Management in Event Tourism: Case Studies and Strategies.”
Accessibility and Inclusivity:
- “Accessible Tourism for People with Disabilities: Challenges and Solutions.”
- “LGBTQ+ Tourism: Inclusivity and Marketing Strategies.”
- “Senior Tourism: Tailoring Services to the Aging Population.”
- “The Role of Cultural Competence in Ethnic Tourism.”
- “Accessible Tourism: Improving Infrastructure and Services.”
Rural and Nature Tourism:
- “Rural Tourism and Sustainable Development in Agriculture-Based Communities.”
- “Adventure Tourism and Its Influence on Environmental Conservation.”
- “Birdwatching Tourism: A Growing Niche Market.”
- “Agritourism: Connecting Visitors to the Farming Experience.”
- “Eco-Friendly Accommodations and Their Role in Nature Tourism.”
Marketing Strategies:
- “The Impact of Social Media Influencers on Travel Decisions.”
- “Dynamic Pricing in the Airline Industry: A Comparative Analysis.”
- “The Role of Storytelling in Tourism Marketing Campaigns.”
- “The Influence of Online Reviews on Tourist Decision-Making.”
- “Emerging Markets and Their Impact on Tourism Marketing.”
Cross-Cultural Studies:
- “Tourist Perceptions of Safety: A Comparative Study of Global Destinations.”
- “Cross-Cultural Tourist Behavior: A Comparison of Asian and Western Travelers.”
- “Cultural Sensitivity in Hospitality: A Multinational Perspective.”
- “The Role of Tour Guides in Facilitating Cross-Cultural Experiences.”
- “Language Barriers and Their Impact on Tourist Satisfaction.”
Education and Training in Tourism:
- “The Effectiveness of Tourism Education in Preparing Graduates for the Industry.”
- “Tourism Training and its Impact on Service Quality in Hotels.”
- “The Role of Internships in Shaping Tourism Students’ Career Choices.”
- “E-Learning in Tourism: Benefits and Challenges for Aspiring Professionals.”
- “Soft Skills Development in Tourism Education: A Comparative Analysis.”
Ethical and Social Issues:
- “Child Exploitation in Tourism: Preventive Measures and Case Studies.”
- “Volunteer Tourism: Balancing Good Intentions and Ethical Concerns.”
- “Human Rights Violations in the Hospitality Industry: Implications for Brands.”
- “Tourism and Indigenous Rights: Case Studies and Impacts.”
- “The Role of Gender in Tourism Employment and Leadership.”
Technology and Innovation:
- “Smart Destinations: Leveraging Technology for Sustainable Tourism.”
- “Robotic Assistance in the Hospitality Sector: Enhancing Guest Experiences.”
- “Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in Tourism: Changing the Game.”
- “The Adoption of 5G Technology in Transforming Tourist Experiences.”
- “Drones in Tourism: Applications, Regulations, and Ethical Considerations.”
Economic and Policy Issues:
- “Tourism’s Role in Economic Development and Poverty Alleviation.”
- “Government Policies and Their Impact on Tourism Development.”
- “Crisis Resilience in the Tourism Industry: Strategies and Case Studies.”
- “The Role of Tourism in Post-Conflict Recovery: A Comparative Analysis.”
- “Tourism Taxation: Economic Implications and Tourist Behavior.”
Psychology and Tourist Behavior:
- “Tourist Motivation and Satisfaction: A Psychological Perspective.”
- “The Influence of Destination Image on Travel Decision-Making.”
- “Tourist Experience and the Role of Emotions: A Cross-Cultural Study.”
- “Consumer Behavior in Package Tours vs. Independent Travel.”
- “Nostalgia Tourism: Exploring the Role of Memory in Travel.”
Management and Leadership:
- “Leadership Styles in the Tourism Industry: A Comparative Study.”
- “Innovative Management Practices in Boutique Hotels.”
- “Conflict Resolution in Multinational Tourism Companies.”
- “Succession Planning in Family-Owned Tourism Businesses.”
- “Human Resource Management in Cruise Lines: Challenges and Strategies.”
Health and Wellness Tourism:
- “The Wellness Tourism Experience: A Holistic Approach to Well-Being.”
- “The Impact of Medical Tourism on Destination Health Services.”
- “Mindful Tourism: Promoting Mental Health and Stress Reduction.”
- “Wellness Retreats: The Intersection of Tourism and Self-Care.”
- “Sustainable Practices in Health and Wellness Tourism.”
- “Food Tourism and Destination Branding: Strategies and Success Stories.”
Conclusion:
Selecting a dissertation topic in the field of tourism and hospitality is a significant decision. Take your time to explore these options, narrow down your interests, and conduct thorough research before finalizing your topic. Your dissertation will not only contribute to academic knowledge but also have the potential to influence real-world practices in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of tourism and hospitality. Good luck with your research journey!
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Tourism and Hospitality Dissertation Topics Ideas
Are you ready to embark on an exhilarating academic journey delving into Tourism Dissertation Topics ? Selecting the perfect topic can seem daunting but fear not! With the boundless opportunities within the realm of tourism, crafting your dissertation can be an exciting endeavor.
Tourism research topics encompass a diverse array of captivating subjects, ranging from the exploration of distinct hospitality styles to the immersion in delectable cuisines, cultural customs, accommodations, travel services, entertainment hubs, and vibrant musical events. With such rich content, students can draw inspiration from their own travel experiences, infusing their research with personal anecdotes and insights.
Consider the staggering growth of international tourist arrivals, as evidenced by the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, which surged by an impressive 7% in 2010, reaching an astounding 940 million. This statistic underscores the undeniable relevance and immense potential for growth within the tourism industry, making it an ideal avenue for your academic exploration.
Whether you’re intrigued by the allure of exotic destinations or fascinated by the intricacies of tourism management, there’s a wealth of opportunities awaiting your exploration. Let’s transform your dissertation into an extraordinary voyage of discovery, where every topic you delve into unlocks new insights and enriches your understanding of this dynamic field. Get ready to embark on an exciting academic adventure as we explore captivating tourism research topics together!
Table of Contents
Tourism Dissertation Topics Ideas to Take You Out of Dissertation Writing Nightmare
Unlock the excitement of selecting tourism research topics, accommodation tourism dissertation topics:.
- The Impact of Boutique Hotels on Tourist Experience: A Comparative Study
- Sustainable Practices in Eco-Lodges: Balancing Environmental Conservation with Guest Comfort
- Accessibility and Inclusivity in Hotel Design: Enhancing Accommodation Options for Persons with Disabilities
- The Rise of Airbnb: Disrupting Traditional Accommodation Models and its Implications for Local Communities
- Luxury Camping: Exploring the Growing Trend of Glamping and Its Influence on Tourism Experiences
Food and Beverage Services:
- Culinary Tourism: Analyzing the Influence of Local Cuisine on Tourist Destination Choices
- Farm-to-Table Dining Experiences: Evaluating the Sustainability and Authenticity of Locally Sourced Food in Tourism
- Food Tourism in Urban Settings: Exploring Food Tours and Gastronomic Adventures in Metropolitan Areas
- Food Trucks and Street Food Culture: Impact on Destination Image and Visitor Satisfaction
- Allergen Management in Hospitality: Strategies for Ensuring Safe Dining Experiences for Guests with Food Allergies
Recreation and Entertainment:
- Adventure Tourism and Risk Management: Balancing Thrills with Safety Measures in Extreme Sports Activities
- Cultural Festivals as Tourism Attractions: Assessing Their Role in Destination Marketing and Community Development
- Virtual Reality Experiences in Tourism: Examining Their Potential to Enhance Visitor Engagement and Satisfaction
- Sustainable Theme Parks: Strategies for Minimizing Environmental Footprint and Maximizing Social Benefits
- Urban Exploration Tourism: Investigating the Phenomenon of “Ruin Tourism” and Its Ethical Considerations
Transportation:
- High-Speed Rail Tourism: Assessing the Impact of Train Travel on Tourism Patterns and Destination Accessibility
- Electric Vehicles in Tourism: Exploring Sustainable Transportation Options for Tourists in Urban Areas
- Cruise Tourism and Destination Development: Analyzing the Economic and Environmental Impacts of Port Infrastructure Expansion
- Micro-Mobility Solutions for Tourists: Evaluating the Role of Scooter Sharing and Bike Rentals in Urban Tourism
- Airport Design and Passenger Experience: Enhancing Airport Facilities to Improve Tourist Satisfaction and Destination Competitiveness
Travel Services:
- Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and Destination Marketing: Investigating the Role of Digital Platforms in Tourism Promotion
- Peer-to-Peer Travel Platforms: Examining the Sharing Economy’s Impact on Traditional Travel Services
- Sustainable Tour Operator Practices: Strategies for Reducing Environmental Impact and Supporting Local Communities
- Wellness Tourism and Spa Services: Understanding Tourist Preferences for Health and Wellness Experiences
- Travel Insurance in Tourism: Assessing the Importance of Comprehensive Coverage for Tourists’ Peace of Mind
Ecotourism:
- Community-Based Ecotourism Initiatives: Evaluating Their Effectiveness in Promoting Conservation and Socio-Economic Development
- Wildlife Watching Tourism: Balancing Conservation Goals with Tourist Satisfaction in Natural Habitats
- Ecotourism Certification Programs: Assessing Their Role in Ensuring Environmental Responsibility and Quality Assurance
- Indigenous Tourism and Cultural Preservation: Exploring Indigenous-led Ecotourism Enterprises and Their Contribution to Cultural Heritage Conservation
- Marine Ecotourism: Examining Sustainable Practices for Diving and Snorkeling Activities in Coral Reefs and Marine Sanctuaries
Dark Ecotourism:
- Thana tourism: Exploring Tourist Interest in Dark Tourism Sites Related to Death and Tragedy
- Disaster Tourism: Understanding Visitor Motivations and Ethical Considerations in Visiting Areas Affected by Natural Disasters
- War Tourism: Analyzing the Heritage Tourism Potential of Battlefields and War Memorials
- Prison Tourism: Examining the Growing Interest in Visiting Historical and Active Prisons as Tourist Attractions
- Nuclear Tourism: Investigating Tourist Interest in Visiting Sites Associated with Nuclear Disasters and Energy Production
Hospitality:
- Employee Turnover in Hospitality: Exploring Causes, Consequences, and Strategies for Retention in the Hospitality Industry
- Personalization in Hospitality Services: Implementing Customized Experiences to Enhance Guest Satisfaction and Loyalty
- Hotel Revenue Management Strategies: Optimizing Pricing and Inventory to Maximize Profitability
- Service Quality in Luxury Hospitality: Assessing the Importance of Attention to Detail and Personalized Service Delivery
- Diversity and Inclusion in Hospitality Workforce: Promoting Equality and Equity in Hiring and Advancement Practices
Tourism Management:
- Crisis Management in Tourism: Developing Resilience Strategies for Coping with Unforeseen Events
- Destination Governance Models: Analyzing Public-Private Partnerships in Tourism Development and Management
- Sustainable Tourism Destination Planning: Integrating Environmental, Social, and Economic Considerations
- Tourism Carrying Capacity: Implementing Measures to Ensure Sustainable Visitor Management and Environmental Protection
- Tourism Education and Workforce Development: Addressing Skills Gaps and Training Needs in the Tourism Industry
Tourism Marketing:
- Destination Branding Strategies: Creating Unique and Memorable Brand Identities to Attract Tourists
- Digital Marketing Trends in Tourism: Leveraging Social Media, Influencer Marketing, and Content Strategies to Reach Target Audiences
- Niche Tourism Market Segmentation: Identifying and Targeting Specific Market Segments for Tailored Marketing Campaigns
- Destination Image and Perception Management: Strategies for Shaping Tourist Perceptions and Overcoming Negative Stereotypes
- Sustainable Tourism Marketing: Communicating Environmental and Social Responsibility Initiatives to Eco-Conscious Travelers
- More What are some good thesis topics in tourism marketing?
Sport Tourism Dissertation Topics:
- Mega Sporting Events and Destination Development: Assessing the Legacy Effects of Hosting Events like the Olympics or FIFA World Cup
- Adventure Sports Tourism: Exploring the Growing Popularity of Activities like Rock Climbing, Surfing, and Mountain Biking in Tourist Destinations
- Golf Tourism: Analyzing the Economic and Environmental Impacts of Golf Resorts and Tournaments on Local Communities
- Sports Event Management: Strategies for Planning and Executing Successful Sporting Events to Attract Tourists and Enhance Destination Image
- Health and Wellness Tourism: Investigating the Role of Sports and Fitness Facilities in Attracting Health-Conscious Travelers to Resorts and Spas
- More Sports Tourism Dissertation Topics Ideas
Sustainable Tourism Dissertation Topics:
- Community-Based Tourism Enterprises: Assessing Their Contribution to Sustainable Development and Poverty Alleviation in Rural Areas
- Ecological Footprint Analysis of Tourist Activities: Measuring and Mitigating Environmental Impact in Popular Tourist Destinations
- Certification Programs for Sustainable Tourism: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Labels like Green Globe and EarthCheck in Promoting Responsible Travel
- Wildlife Conservation and Tourism: Balancing Visitor Experience with Wildlife Protection in Natural Reserves and Parks
- Responsible Tourism Education and Awareness: Strategies for Engaging Tourists and Industry Stakeholders in Sustainable Practices and Ethical Behavior
- More Sustainable Tourism Dissertation Topics Ideas
Travel and Tourism Dissertation Topics:
- Cultural Heritage Tourism: Examining the Preservation and Promotion of Historical Sites, Museums, and Cultural Festivals as Tourist Attractions
- Medical Tourism: Understanding the Motivations and Experiences of Travelers Seeking Healthcare Services Abroad
- Volunteer Tourism (Voluntourism): Analyzing the Benefits and Challenges of Volunteer Programs for Local Communities and Tourists
- Culinary Tourism: Exploring Food and Wine Tours, Cooking Classes, and Culinary Festivals as Tourism Experiences
- Film Tourism: Investigating the Influence of Movies and TV Shows on Destination Choice and Visitor Behavior, and Strategies for Destination Marketing Utilizing Film Locations
- More Travel and Tourism Dissertation Topics Ideas
Tourism Research Proposal Topics Ideas for college students.
So here are some of the tourism research proposal topics and ideas that will you find a theme for your project.
- Attitude towards eco-tourism in Scotland among British tourists
- Implications of the internet in the development of ecotourism
- Is ecotourism better than Europe in other parts of the world?
- Factors that are affecting ecotourism buying behavior
- Integrated marketing communications to ecotourism in the United States of America
- Developing a marketing plan for the London dungeon
- Man-made dark tourism sites: the perception and attitude of Europeans
- All about Jack, the ripper site
- Is it socially good to visit a site of suffering and death by the local communities?
- Factors affecting the customer buying behavior of dark tourism in the United States of America
- Hospitality in religion
- The effects of globalization on the international hospitality industry
- The role of hospitality in the development of a country
- Is marketing the only thing responsible for building the international hospitality industry in New York?
- The internet revolution and hospitality
- The death of tourism and hospitality in Asia
- How tsunami affected the tourism industry of Phuket, Thailand?
- How to remove the negative and bad reputation of Amsterdam using integrated marketing communication?
- How to motivate people to visit and stay at the Marriot hotel in Dubai ?
- Is South Asia the best tourist destination in winter times?
- Bangkok as a winter holiday destination
- Educational tourism program – how to make it.
- Why do British students prefer cultural exchange programs in the US?
- Why do international students prefer the UK as the best education destination in the world?
- Comparison of the British with an American student
- International education tourist programs and the contribution of British students to promote them.
- Can a high volume of tourists have a negative effect on Switzerland’s environment?
- What can be done to revitalize the tourism industry in Pakistan?
- Tourist trap: A menace or a blessing?
- In-depth analysis of any country’s tourism industry
- Factors Influencing Visitor’s Choices to Visit Urban Destinations
- Government instability. When a place is suffering from political problems, it will drive tourists away.
- How have high prices affected tourism in London?
- Does Swansea have the potential in becoming the new ecotourism destination of the UK?
- Do British customers prefer international ecotourism rather than British ecotourism?
- Examining the implications of the Internet on the growth of ecotourism
- How to promote Beaumaris-Prison in Anglesey, Wales, as a new dark-tourism site in the UK.
- Factors affecting British customers when choosing dark-tourism sites in foreign countries.
- How to develop a marketing plan for London-Dungeon.
- How to make Mercat-Tour in Scotland a dark tourism site.
- The implications of the Tsunami on the tourism industry in Phuket, Thailand.
- Role of strategic human resource management in developing sustainable competitive advantage in contemporary budget hotel chains.
- What makes South-East Asia an attractive tourist destination during winter for British customers?
- The Role of the London Olympics in enhancing the scope of tourism to the city.
- Perception and attitude toward Beijing’s world-heritage tour among British tourists.
Hope these topics will help you come up with memorable tourism dissertations. Writing a dissertation on tourism can be fun as compared to other dissertations as you can write about any exotic place you are dying to visit.
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Tourism and hospitality PhD
Since the 1990s, the University of Brighton has taken a pioneering role in the academic study of tourism, and welcomes students undertaking PhD research across all aspects of tourism and hospitality.
The university is an affiliate member of the UN World Tourism Organisation. Our academics are well-known internationally for their critical perspective on the sector, their industry experience and their emphasis on critical thinking, public-facing, interventionist social science. Expert supervision will allow you to join researchers who undertake intellectually rigorous research that contributes towards the theoretical, methodological and applied development of travel and tourism.
Recent and current PhD students have been successful in obtaining studentships covering both fees and living costs through the University of Brighton’s involvement in the ESRC South Coast Doctoral Training Programme .
Supervisory expertise spans a range of disciplinary approaches to the PhD study of tourism, hospitality and events. These include human geography, development studies, sociology, anthropology, marketing and business, cultural studies and political science. Much of our work has real-world application and staff are well-connected to a variety of international development agencies (i.e. UNWTO, World Bank, UN), public, private and third sectors’ organisations.
Our current and recent PhD students are exploring a range of topics in relation to the role of politics in tourism, the relations between tourism and poverty alleviation, critical perspectives on travel philanthropy, the influence of the perception of risk on consumer decision-making in ocean cruising, post-conflict destination branding and national identity construction, the role of sport tourism in image destination formation in the Middle East, tourism development and community involvement in Saudi Arabia.
Many of our graduates have progressed into jobs in academia, becoming lecturers or post-doctoral researchers, while others work in commercial consultancy, international development or international travel, tourism, hospitality and events operations.
Apply to 'business and law' in the portal
Apply with us for funding from the ESRC South Coast Doctoral Training Programme
Key information
As a tourism, hospitality and events PhD student at Brighton, you can develop research plans and apply methods involving both quantitative and qualitative data, supported by appropriate research methods training. You will benefit from:
- a supervisory team comprising two or sometimes three members of academic staff. Depending on your research specialism you may also have an additional supervisor from another School, another research institution, or an external partner from government or industry.
- desk space and access to a computer in a space specifically designed for research students. There are a range of facilities on the Eastbourne campus including various catering options.
- access to a range of electronic resources via the university’s Online Library, as well as to the physical book and journal collections housed within the network of university campus libraries.
Details of specific topic areas can be located in the lists below and on the university research pages. Please contact the relevant member of staff before submitting an application through the university’s Doctoral College.
Academic environment
Based on the university’s Moulsecoomb campus, the School of Business and Law has a vibrant community of research staff, which PhD students join as active members.
Academics deliver translational research with local, regional and international benefits. PhD students form an integral part of BBS and take an active role in a range of intellectual and social activities within the school. All postgraduate students are invited to join the university's research centres and groups, including the Tourism, Hospitality and Events Research and Enterprise Group , which will provide you with opportunities to present ‘work in progress’ and network with other researchers.
The Brighton Doctoral College offer a training programme for postgraduate researchers, covering research methods and transferable (including employability) skills. Attendance at appropriate modules within this programme is encouraged, as is contribution to the school’s seminar series. Academic and technical staff also provide more subject-specific training.
We welcome approaches for PhD supervision across most aspects of tourism hospitality and events research. Fields of recent pursuit have included: investigations of human resource issues, sociology and social issues, food and consumer behaviour, digital technologies and social media. The following list of interests will serve as a guide to some of the department’s outlook and expertise:
- sustainable, responsible, ethical and community-based tourism
- tourism - policy, planning, development and management
- globalisation, migration and mobility
- sexuality and gender
- niche and special interest tourism - particularly cruise tourism; sport tourism, family tourism, rural tourism, nature based tourism
- tourism and development in developed, developing and emerging countries
- tourism and social justice
- tourism environmental justice (i.e. animal rights in tourism)
- travel philanthropy
- consumer behaviour in tourism
- destination management and marketing
- tourism impacts management
- visual and visuality; culture and media, popular films and tourism
- heritage, landscape and memorialisation
- identities and culture, embodiment, materiality and the senses
- international events and festival
- subculture, counterculture and spectacle
Some of our supervisors
Dr matthew adams.
Matt supervises PhD students addressing a range of topics including human-animal relations, more-than-human and multispecies methods, Anthropocene studies, the posthumanities, psychology and the climate crisis, climate activism, mental health and distress, social and cultural identity.
He is especially interested in supervising students adopting qualitative and creative methods. Interdisciplinary projects are especially welcome.
Dr Mandy Curtis
I am interested in supervising Post Graduate Researchers in events, public space, and identities. I am also keen to support students researching diversity in all its forms, as well as those looking at accessible and sustainable events.
The doctoral project I most recently supervised, examined the application of the circular economy in waste management for toursim beach sites in Ghana.
Dr Barbara Grabher
I am interested in supervising doctoral students in their research projects linking to the field of Critical Event Studies, urban/ regional regeneration, gender/equality/diversity, ecological sustainability as well as community and identity creation. Due to my thorough education and extensive experience of ethnographic fieldwork in event settings, my supervisory interest strongly grounds in this methodological approach. If you're interested in undertaking research that examines the above mentioned themes, please feel free to contact me.
Dr Nigel Jarvis
I have successfully supervised a number of PhDs to completion, with candidates getting academic publications as part of their journey even before they defend their thesis. I am interested in supervising research projects on gender and sexuality, the cruise sector, sport tourism, sport and event sponsorship, sport event legacies, the socio-cultural impacts of tourism and events, and leisure management.
Dr Adam Jones
I am interested in supervising PhD students interested in sustainability related to tourism, marketing, and corporate social responsibility. I am also interested in those wanting to research behaviour change, especially related to the environmental crisis. Recently completed research and publications include those concerning behaviour change and travel demand management, destination planning and management and information overload on the internet. I specifically welcome projects that adopt innovative qualitative methodological approaches to creating new knowledge.
I am supervising students researching tourism and the circular economy, monitoring and evaluation of tourism development, art and the tourism economy and behaviour change as a result of environmental exposure
Dr Catherine Kelly
I welcome the opportunity to supervise PhD students with an interest in the areas of tourism and wellbeing, place and wellbeing, sustainability, nature-based tourism, coastal tourism, blue spaces, water and wellbeing, rural tourism, cultural/heritage tourism, national parks and biospheres.
Dr Rodrigo Lucena De Mello
I welcome students' research projects in the following areas: Consumer psychology and behaviour; Customer relationship marketing; Marketing for families; Gender and sexuality in marketing
For further supervisory staff including cross-disciplinary options, please visit research staff on our research website.
Making an application
You will apply to the University of Brighton through our online application portal. When you do, you will require a research proposal, references, a personal statement and a record of your education.
You will be asked whether you have discussed your research proposal and your suitability for doctoral study with a member of the University of Brighton staff. We recommend that all applications are made with the collaboration of at least one potential supervisor. Approaches to potential supervisors can be made directly through the details available online. If you are unsure, please do contact the Doctoral College for advice.
Please visit our How to apply for a PhD page for detailed information.
Sign in to our online application portal to begin.
Fees and funding
Funding
Undertaking research study will require university fees as well as support for your research activities and plans for subsistence during full or part-time study.
Funding sources include self-funding, funding by an employer or industrial partners; there are competitive funding opportunities available in most disciplines through, for example, our own university studentships or national (UK) research councils. International students may have options from either their home-based research funding organisations or may be eligible for some UK funds.
Learn more about the funding opportunities available to you.
Tuition fees academic year 2024–25
Standard fees are listed below, but may vary depending on subject area. Some subject areas may charge bench fees/consumables; this will be decided as part of any offer made. Fees for UK and international/EU students on full-time and part-time courses are likely to incur a small inflation rise each year of a research programme.
| £4,786 | £2,393 |
| £15,900 | N/A |
| £14,500 | N/A |
N/A | £2,393 |
Contact Brighton Doctoral College
To contact the Doctoral College at the University of Brighton we request an email in the first instance. Please visit our contact the Brighton Doctoral College page .
For supervisory contact, please see individual profile pages.
Students in Isenberg’s PhD program in hospitality and tourism management engage in research that furthers society’s understanding of the unique industry. From uncovering the environmental, social and economic impacts of tourism to investigating theories and models of services marketing and management, students use their time at Isenberg to make powerful connections between ideas, introduce thoughtful and provoking analysis, and contribute scholarly research.
PhD in Hospitality & Tourism Management
- Concentrations
- Newsletters
Students in Isenberg’s PhD program in hospitality and tourism management engage in research that furthers society’s understanding of the unique industry.
From uncovering the environmental, social and economic impacts of tourism to investigating theories and models of services marketing and management, students use their time at Isenberg to make powerful connections between ideas, introduce thoughtful and provoking analysis, and contribute scholarly research.
Message from the Coordinator
The hospitality and tourism industry lends itself to fascinating and revealing research about society, the economy and the marketplace. Our PhD program in Hotel and Tourism Management (HTM) gives students the time and resources to delve into the industry, to engage in rigorous research, and to publish their findings.
Our PhD graduates become top scholars, professors and researchers at the leading hospitality and tourism programs in the US and abroad. Our graduates are successful because our program offers:
- One-on-one mentoring and advising by renowned faculty. Students will work closely with faculty on multiple research projects.
- The opportunity to specialize in one focus area. Our concentrations include marketing/consumer behavior, leadership, information technology and social media, operational research and finance.
- Real-world preparation for careers in academia. All candidates teach graduate-level classes at Isenberg and have 100% responsibility in their classrooms.
Additionally, students in our program also graduate with a PhD in Management, making them more marketable in the job field and more knowledgeable in the classroom.
While our program is rigorous and highly selective, our learning environment is collaborative and supportive. We welcome applicants who are self-motivated, committed, and independent initiators and team players.
Irem Onder Neuhofer Associate Professor and PhD Coordinator
Isenberg’s PhD in hospitality and tourism management is a full-time, residential program that prepares candidates for academic careers in hospitality and tourism. The program develops strong research skills that enable graduates to conduct and publish scholarly research with competence and confidence.
Students can study any area of interest that applies to hospitality and tourism and gain real-world teaching experience that allows them to excel in university teaching in their areas of interest.
Isenberg has a strong focus on research. Faculty are working in a wide variety of research domains, investigating such areas as:
- Hotel and Destination Branding
- Service Experience Management
- Impact and Performance Studies in Tourism and Hospitality Operations
- Quality-of-Life and Tourism and Hospitality Research
- Sustainability in Tourism and Hospitality
- Strategic Management and Finance
- Revenue Management
HTM PhD Program Overview
Watch our video to hear about the program from the students and professors in this active teaching and research community.
Students generally complete a PhD in HTM within 4-5 years. Students must take core courses in theory and research methods, as well as electives and minor classes. In addition, our doctoral students must pass a qualifying and comprehensive examination. Students also teach at Isenberg. During the final years, students are responsible for creating and defending a dissertation.
Here's a sample of required HTM courses:
- Foundations of Organizational Behavior and Theory
- Research Design
- Multivariate Analysis
- Structural Equation Model
- Seminar in Tourism Theory and Research
- Seminar in Hospitality Research
- Services Marketing/Management Research
YEAR 1: Coursework, including statistics, research methods, and theory courses, and research electives; Qualifying exam
YEAR 2: Coursework, including marketing and management courses, research electives and minor area courses; Comprehensive exam
YEAR 3: Additional coursework as needed; Development of dissertation proposal; Teaching
YEAR 4-5: Dissertation research
HTM Doctoral Students
Home > USC Columbia > Hospitality, Retail and Sports Management, College of > Hospitality and Tourism Management > Hospitality and Tourism Management Theses and Dissertations
Hospitality and Tourism Management Theses and Dissertations
Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.
Platform of Growth: An Analysis of Earnings and Social Media Engagement Among Esports Athletes , Colleen Marie Dibble
Capturing Visuals in Hospitality: A Multi-Dimensional Exploration of Photographs in Interdisciplinary Research , Ningqiao Li
Employee Experience in the U.S. Casual Dining Restaurant Industry: Conceptualization, Scale Development, and Effects on Employees’ Retention , Xiao Ma
Effects of AI Voice Assistants’ Messages on Pro-environmnetal Consumer Behavior: Message Content and Voice Attributes , Somang Min
An Examination of Celebrity Product Involvement and Endorsement Effectiveness , Eric Nichols
Southeastern Conference (SEC) International Student-Athlete (ISA) Career Transitions - A Cultural Intelligence (CQ) Perspective , Tsu-Lin Yeh
The Impact of Interactivity on Information Processing for Virtual Tourist Destinations , Hongxiao Yu
Decoding Trustworthiness and Helpfulness of Online Reviews In Hospitality: A Reader-Centric Perspective , Xiaonan Zhang
Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022
Customer Touchpoint: Conceptualization, Index Development, and Nomological Validation , Hyunsu Kim
“No Tits in the Pits!”: An Exploratory Analysis of the Experiences of Female Decision Makers in Motorsports in the United States , Alexia Pedo Lopes
Affective Risk Perceptions Toward Travel in a COVID Era: Policy and State Political Influences , Chloe Riley
Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021
“The Lifeblood of College Sports”: The NCAA’s Dominant Institutional Logic and the Byproducts of an (Over)emphasis on Recruiting , Chris Corr
Customers’ Acceptance of Automated Hotel , Jianhong Feng
Effects of Information Exposure, Emotions, and Self-Efficacy On Risk Perception and Travel Intention During the COVID-19 Pandemic , Chunsheng Jin
Positioning Customer Service Through Customer Journey Mapping in Service Consumption and Recovery , Dan Jin
Does the Tendency of Loss Aversion Depend On The Level of Competition? Evidence From Multilevel Esports Tournaments , Zeqing Mao
The Impact of Social Media Account Types on Travel Intention , Nuri Seo
Technology Experience: Measurement Development and Validation , Hyejo Hailey Shin
Why Do Tourists Accept Lodging Through Accommodation Sharing Platforms? Model Development and Model Comparison , Ge Zhu
Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020
The Downside of National Team Identity: A Model to Measure Negative Outcomes of Team Identity , Fei Gao
Newcomer Student-Athlete Perceptions of Coaches’ Socialization Strategies: Scale Development , Evelyn Su Jara-Pazmino
Comparing the Success of Official Sponsors and Ambush Marketers: An Event Study Analysis of Brazil Following the 2014 Fifa World Cup and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympic Games , Timothy Koba
The Impact of Hotel Service Robot Appearance and Service Attributes on Customer Experience , Chuhan Thomsen
The Economic Impact of Tennis in South Carolina , Xue Zhang
Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019
The Importance of Twitter to Destination Marketing Organizations , Tatiana Allgeyer
Finding the Perfect Match: Dimension Analysis and Development of the External Sponsorship Congruence Scale , Kelly Evans
Premium Seating in College Athletics: Trends of Today and the Future , Kendra Holaday
“WE NEED DAWGS!”: Narrative Construction of Athletic Identity Among Black High School Football Players , Victor Dion Kidd
Measuring Long-Term Advertising Effects in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry , Rui Qi
Selling Rooms and Making Money in the Lodging Industry: Analyzing the Effects of RevPAR and GOPPAR Together , Thomas Rogers
Investigating Managerial Priority of Environmental Inputs and Outputs in Public Assembly Venues , Walker Ross
Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018
College Students and Corporate Social Responsibility: An Examination of Corporate-Social Responsible Behavior in College Athletics From the Students’ Perspective , R. Jacob Gilbert
An Analysis Of Perceptions Of Restaurant Authenticity At Food Tourism Destinations In The Southeastern U.S , Jamie A. Levitt
Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017
Motivation To Play Esports: Case of League of Legends , Yaoyao Sun
Theme Park Demand, Theme Park Attractiveness, and Visitors’ Theme Park Choices , Yingsha Zhang
Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016
An Examination Of Destination Choice Behavior Using Meme Maps, Images and Decision Making Styles , Hilmi Atahan Atadil
Memorable Dining Experiences: Formative Index And Model Development , Yang Cao
Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015
The Influence of Warmth and Competence Perceptions on Employees’ Attitudinal and Behavioral Responses in Casual Dining Restaurants , Diego Riva Humbert Bufquin
Media Effect on Resident Attitude Toward Hosting the Olympic Games: A Cross-National Study Between China and the USA , Qiulin Lu
Self-Determination Theory and Wellness Tourism: How Do Wellness Facilities Contribute to Wellbeing? , Karen I. Thal
Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014
Understanding Destination Choice from a Cultural Distance Perspective , Hongbo Liu
Revisiting Gender Constraints and Benefits in Leisure Tourism: Man-Up, It’s Time to Travel Like a Woman , Holly L. Rabin
Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013
Responding to Tripadvisor: How Hotel Responses to Negative Online Reviews Effect Hotel Image, Intent to Stay, and Intent to Return , Tiffany Avant
An Analysis of The Possibilities of Applying The North American Management Model to Most Large-Scale Sports Facilities in China , XI LI
Examining Long-Haul Chinese Outbound Tourists' Shopping Intentions , Pei Zhang
Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012
Is the Current United States Tennis Association's Adult League System Restrictive? , Edward Horne
Manager Training In the Hotel Environment and Its Effect On Employee Turnover Intentions , Kristin Marie Malek
Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011
Examining Japanese tourists' U.S.-Bound Travel Constraints , Lin He
Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010
Hotel Guests' Intentions to Choose Green Hotels , Amy Elizabeth Jackson
Green Inside and Out: Case Study On Green Events In Large Public Assembly Facilities , Peyton Jeter
Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009
Motivations and Constraints of Chinese Outbound tourists: A Case Study , Chengting Lai
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PhD in Hospitality & Tourism Management
- Concentrations
- Newsletters
Students in Isenberg’s PhD program in hospitality and tourism management engage in research that furthers society’s understanding of the unique industry.
From uncovering the environmental, social and economic impacts of tourism to investigating theories and models of services marketing and management, students use their time at Isenberg to make powerful connections between ideas, introduce thoughtful and provoking analysis, and contribute scholarly research.
Message from the Coordinator
The hospitality and tourism industry lends itself to fascinating and revealing research about society, the economy and the marketplace. Our PhD program in Hotel and Tourism Management (HTM) gives students the time and resources to delve into the industry, to engage in rigorous research, and to publish their findings.
Our PhD graduates become top scholars, professors and researchers at the leading hospitality and tourism programs in the US and abroad. Our graduates are successful because our program offers:
- One-on-one mentoring and advising by renowned faculty. Students will work closely with faculty on multiple research projects.
- The opportunity to specialize in one focus area. Our concentrations include marketing/consumer behavior, leadership, information technology and social media, operational research and finance.
- Real-world preparation for careers in academia. All candidates teach graduate-level classes at Isenberg and have 100% responsibility in their classrooms.
Additionally, students in our program also graduate with a PhD in Management, making them more marketable in the job field and more knowledgeable in the classroom.
While our program is rigorous and highly selective, our learning environment is collaborative and supportive. We welcome applicants who are self-motivated, committed, and independent initiators and team players.
Irem Onder Neuhofer Associate Professor and PhD Coordinator
Isenberg’s PhD in hospitality and tourism management is a full-time, residential program that prepares candidates for academic careers in hospitality and tourism. The program develops strong research skills that enable graduates to conduct and publish scholarly research with competence and confidence.
Students can study any area of interest that applies to hospitality and tourism and gain real-world teaching experience that allows them to excel in university teaching in their areas of interest.
Isenberg has a strong focus on research. Faculty are working in a wide variety of research domains, investigating such areas as:
- Hotel and Destination Branding
- Service Experience Management
- Impact and Performance Studies in Tourism and Hospitality Operations
- Quality-of-Life and Tourism and Hospitality Research
- Sustainability in Tourism and Hospitality
- Strategic Management and Finance
- Revenue Management
HTM PhD Program Overview
Watch our video to hear about the program from the students and professors in this active teaching and research community.
Students generally complete a PhD in HTM within 4-5 years. Students must take core courses in theory and research methods, as well as electives and minor classes. In addition, our doctoral students must pass a qualifying and comprehensive examination. Students also teach at Isenberg. During the final years, students are responsible for creating and defending a dissertation.
Here's a sample of required HTM courses:
- Foundations of Organizational Behavior and Theory
- Research Design
- Multivariate Analysis
- Structural Equation Model
- Seminar in Tourism Theory and Research
- Seminar in Hospitality Research
- Services Marketing/Management Research
YEAR 1: Coursework, including statistics, research methods, and theory courses, and research electives; Qualifying exam
YEAR 2: Coursework, including marketing and management courses, research electives and minor area courses; Comprehensive exam
YEAR 3: Additional coursework as needed; Development of dissertation proposal; Teaching
YEAR 4-5: Dissertation research
HTM Doctoral Students
Hospitality and Tourism Dissertation Topics
It can be challenging as final year post-graduate students to find good hospitality and tourism dissertation topics. Good Dissertation topics answer a burning question based on the area of study and where the author feels ‘driven’ to explore it further. It is imperative the proposal provides a clear chart of the question asked, why it is relevant to your field of study, a conceptual outline, known academic sources and what your strategy of research is in detail. To find and develop good Hospitality and Tourism dissertation topics, students must first know and identify their question, whether there are available sources and tools of discipline and their ability to carry out the research. Current issues about particular subjects should be embedded in dissertation topics to make them interesting and up-to-date. This article gives guidance to students seeking to develop good hospitality, travel and tourism dissertation topics. Topics that could be used for your Travel and Tourism dissertation cover subjects such as travel, Ecotourism, Dark tourism, Inbound and Outbound tourism and Domestic tourism.
Ecotourism Dissertation Topics
Dark tourism dissertation topics, hospitality dissertation topics, tourism management dissertation topics, medical tourism dissertation topics, educational tourism dissertation topics.
Ecotourism or Ecological Tourism became a travel concept in the late 1980s when globally there was increasing environmental awareness and people were wishing to visit natural locations rather than man-made tourist destinations; this form of tourism grabs the attention of those interested in ecological and social concerns. Ecotourism is defined as travel to undisturbed destinations where the tourist is educated about the area and physical landscape; cultural heritage and characteristics are the main attractions and provides opportunities to help support local communities or fund economic development and conservation of sites or cultural traditions. In general, ecotourism focuses on the way tourists can live harmoniously with the planet. Topics that could be discussed within your tourism dissertation include:
- Perception and attitude toward ecotourism in Scotland among British tourists.
- How to develop Edinburgh as an ecotourism destination?
- Factors affecting ecotourism in 2018?
- Does ecotourism economically benefit local communities?
- Is ecotourism in developing countries better than in the Western world?
- Examining the benefits of integrated marketing communication to ecotourism in the UK?
- Is price the main influence for ecotourism destinations among British customers?
- Does Swansea have potential in becoming the new ecotourism destination of the UK?
- Do British customers prefer international ecotourism rather than British ecotourism?
- Examining the implications of the Internet on the growth of ecotourism
- What can be done to help the fragile ecosystems of the Hawaiian Islands’ endangered plant and animal species?
- Why is Ecotourism a growing trend and will become the top travel tourism in 2018 according to The Times UK?
- How has Ecotourism affected consumer buying behaviour globally?
Dark tourism is also known as grief tourism or black tourism. Dark tourism involves travelling to sites associated with suffering, death and atrocities such as castles and battlefields such as Culloden in Scotland, Auschwitz, nuclear disaster zones and genocide memorials. Dark tourists seek to and understand the causes behind these events and reflect on the nature of humans involved. Possible areas to research for your tourism dissertation include:
- Does visiting a site of suffering and death socially and commercially benefit local communities?
- Perception and attitude of tourists towards the Jack the Ripper site.
- Dark tourism factors affecting consumer buying in the UK.
- How to use marketing communication tools to promote infamous dark tourism sites in the UK?
- Perception and attitude of foreign tourists toward Edinburgh Dungeon.
- Are purpose built dark tourism sites more interesting than natural disaster or man-made black tourism sites?
- Perception and attitude of British customers towards man-made dark tourism sites: The case study of Ground Zero.
- How to promote Beaumaris Prison in Anglesey, Wales, as a new dark tourism site in the UK.
- Factors affecting British customers when choosing dark tourism sites in foreign countries.
- How to develop a marketing plan for London Dungeon.
- How to make Mercat Tour in Scotland a dark tourism site.
- Can Dark tourism be used as an educational tool to develop positive emotions in tourists?
- Dark Tourism, understanding the inspiration and impulse.
- Dark tourism focuses mainly on the victims affected, what is the relevance of focusing on the perpetrators instead, and how might this impact tourists differently?
Generally, hospitality refers to jobs in the hospitality industry, such as hotels and resorts, restaurants, catering and casinos alongside any hospitality positions that deal with tourists. Hospitality involves the relationship process between the hotel and a guest. It also involves the act of being hospitable, such as guest reception and entertainment with friendliness, goodwill and liberality. Hospitality is also known as the act of giving care and kind-heartedness to whomever is in need. Hospitality is important to modern day businesses, and one of the following topics could make for a good tourism dissertation:
- Why do customers choose leisure hotels when they plan overseas holidays?
- Perception and attitude of British customers toward the Hilton Hotel in London.
- Does the brand of leisure hotel matter when British customers choose accommodation?
- Buying Decisions and how it affects leisure tourism with regards to British customers.
- Examining the implications of the Internet towards online travel agents: The case study of Lastminute.com
- Investigating expectations of budget hotels: The case study of Holiday Inn Express.
- Does brand extension in hotel chains affect buying decisions of customers?
- Does brand influence the buying decision making of pubs and restaurants in the UK?
- Perception and attitude of British customers toward food ordering via the internet through Pizza Hut.
- How can small catering firms utilise integrated marketing communication to create brand recognition and sales?
- Do cultural nuances between British and French customers influence buying decisions for leisure hotels?
- How to motivate employees in pubs and restaurants in London?
- Perception and attitude towards Thai food among British customers.
- Factors affecting restaurant selections on a Friday night out.
- Factors affecting leisure tourists’ ‘buying decision making’ choices among British honeymoon couples.
- Examining perception and attitude of British customers towards two online travel agents: Opodo.com and eBooker.com.
- How have technology and more millennials travelling impacted the Hospitality Industry for Hotels?
- With more people travelling solo, what has the hospitality industry done to accommodate and attract more visitors?
- How will the upcoming Royal wedding of 2018 have positive impacts on the Hospitality Industry?
Tourism management is the discipline that deals with the generalised management along with entrepreneurial, specialised and practical skills and competencies required for effective and efficient outcomes for recreation and leisure travel. Tourism is the fastest growing industry globally that has direct and indirect implications on economic, social and political indicators. In order to maximise the advantages and minimise the disadvantages from tourism development, the discipline has also included the perspectives of social sustainability and policy makers. Traditionally, the countries that have natural comparative advantage were seen as the focal point of the tourism industry, however the economic relationship of the industry has led the countries lacking such comparative advantage to use their history, heritage, culture, festivals and mega-events to promote and develop tourism. Topic suggestions below could help you narrow your research for your tourism dissertation.
- What are the key antecedents shaping domestic and overseas tourism preferences of British tourists?
- Development of decision making framework of British tourists in selecting tourist destinations during the summer holidays.
- Perception and attitude of millennials toward cruise holidays.
- Explicit or implicit factors affecting European city break package tours among British customers.
- Critical analysis of “I Amsterdam” city branding campaign to improve the negative image of Amsterdam.
- Perception and attitude towards Bangkok as a winter holiday destination among British tourists.
- Role of global terrorism in shaping the image of tourism destinations – Case study of Egypt and Tunisia.
- The implications of the Tsunami on the tourism industry in Phuket, Thailand.
- Role of strategic human resource management in developing sustainable competitive advantage in contemporary budget hotel chains.
- What makes South East Asia an attractive tourist destination during winter for British customers?
- The Role of London Olympics in enhancing the scope of tourism to the city.
- Perception and attitude toward Beijing’s world heritage tour among British tourists.
- Use of sporting events to develop tourism branding – Analysis of Qatar with regards to the FIFA World Cup.
- What are the disadvantages of tourism development and how can policy makers minimise them?
Critical evaluation of summer festivals in the UK as a source of domestic tourism development.
The difference in cost of medical procedures in different countries combined with the lower cost of travel has led to the development of medical tourism. The price dynamics of medical procedures in developed economies is developed under stringent regulatory and legal frameworks, which is coupled with higher cost of living in these economies, therefore resulting in significantly higher costs in comparison with emerging and developing economies. This high cost differential is combined with deteriorating cost of international travel, which has resulted in the emergence of medical tourism. There may not be much literature to research in this area, but it may be an interesting area to research and discuss for your tourism dissertation.
- Perception and attitude toward extreme plastic surgery makeovers in South Asia among female British customers.
- Emergence of Poland as medical tourism destination.
- Evaluating the perception of British men towards hair transplant package tours in Turkey.
- Switzerland – a destination for spa and wellness breaks or weight loss package tours.
- How British females make buying decisions to purchase body contour tour packages in Malaysia.
- Measuring the satisfaction of British customers after having weight lost massage and spa treatments in India.
- Sex reassignment as medical tourism brand for Bangkok – Case study of Yanhee International Hospital, Bangkok.
- How to promote the Slimming Up Centre as a brand for weight control in London.
- Perception and attitude of British customers toward plastic surgery holidays and extreme makeovers in Thailand.
- How British customers choose medical tourism destinations for dental tour packages.
- India as an emerging medical tourism destination for surrogate births.
- Macro and micro business environment factors contributing to success of Eastern European countries as becoming successful medical tourism destinations.
- The impact of medical tourism on local health systems – Critical analysis of Thailand
Educational tourism involves attracting students, scholars and academics to a destination due to the perception of quality education, practical skills and career development. Although the main focus of educational tourism is to gain quality education, it also enriches cultural diversity and can shift the perceptions of individuals. A good example of this is exchange student programmes and gap year travel programmes. Educational tourism can take many shapes and forms including formal and informal educational and learning trips. Areas for research for your tourism dissertation include the following:
- Perception and attitude of international students towards work and study in the UK.
- How young British students choose cultural exchange programmes in the US.
- Does a gap year improve skills and competencies – Evaluating employability of British students after a gap year exchange student programme in Spain.
- Factors affecting the decision of young British students to take part in a one academic year student exchange programme in France.
- What are the decision making factors used by undergraduate British students in deciding on a Placement Program in developed and developing economies.
- Perception and attitude of university students towards volunteer summer camps in South Africa.
- Effectiveness in developing soft skills as a result of cultural exchange programmes.
- Emergence of China as an alternative source of international academics.
- Factors influencing British students to take an academic year student exchange programme in Japan.
- Critical evaluation of integrated marketing use by the British Council to attract international students.
- Factors influencing international students to choose the UK as their preferred higher education destination.
- How British students make the decision to join international educational tourism programmes.
- Does the popularity of the country have an impact on decisions to join an educational tourism program?
- Economic impact of foreign students on university towns in the UK – Case of Durham
- How the relationship of the UK with Commonwealth countries have resulted in the growth of the British education sector?
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PhD: Hospitality and Tourism Management Concentration
This program will prepare you for a career in research and teaching at institutions throughout the United States and abroad.
The coursework includes several hospitality and tourism management courses as well as a group of research design and statistics courses. You will also complete courses in supporting fields of inquiry such as psychology, sociology, management, marketing, etc. The program typically requires four years to finish, including courses, a second-year paper, a comprehensive exam, and a doctoral dissertation. Applicants with strong hospitality and tourism management backgrounds are preferred. Incoming students are expected to have both good written and oral communication skills, as well as the analytical skills required to master research methods and statistics.
Admission requirements
We prefer the GMAT, but we do accept the GRE test as a substitute. In either case, the exam must have been taken within 5 years of the time of application to WSU.
Desired prerequisites
In general, you must meet the following prerequisites to be accepted into the program:
- A master’s degree (M.S., M.A. in a related discipline, or MBA), although outstanding applicants with bachelor’s degree will be considered
- A GPA higher than 3.25 on a 4.00 scale
- Hospitality and/or tourism related background (educational or professional)
- Interests and goals that complement faculty interests and the program’s goals
- Letters of recommendation supporting your candidacy for admission
- A substantial industry experience (strongly preferred)
While applicants may have diverse profiles, an educational or business background that reflects an understanding of and interest in hospitality and tourism management is advantageous. Students with an MBA or business experience, in particular, are preferred. Because the program is focused on graduating students qualified to teach at high-quality, research-oriented institutions, you should have good command of the English language, both spoken and written, and have a reasonable level of skill in mathematics to facilitate the mastery of research methods and statistics. You should also have competencies in hospitality and tourism management in addition to accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing, operations management, and computer skills. If you are deficient in any of these areas, additional coursework and preparation beyond the major course of study may be required. Your advisory committee will determine these requirements.
General Competency
The requirements for this program follow the Ph.D. Program in Business Administration Policies and Procedures and Program Requirements in the Carson College of Business. The concentration in Hospitality and Tourism takes advantage of existing course and seminar offerings in the other five business disciplines to offer a diverse and flexible high-quality program. The program requirements for the concentration in Hospitality and Tourism Management are designed to develop proficiency in the student’s major field of study with applications in hospitality business management.
Research tool requirements
A minimum of 4 research tool courses to be selected by the student with the approval from his/her Ph.D. committee.
- ANOVA (e.g., Psych 511, Stat 507, Stat 512, or Soc 522)
- Regression/Econometrics (e.g., Psych 512, Soc 521, Stat 530, Stat 533, Stat 535, EconS 511, or EconS 512)
- Psychometric Theory (e.g., Psych 514 or Stat 520)
- Multivariate Statistics (e.g., BA596, Mktg 594, Stat 519, MgtOp519, or MgtOp591) or Applied Structural Equation Modeling (Psych 516)
These suggested courses above may be substituted for other courses that treat each of the above topics in a comprehensive fashion, as approved by the student’s program committee. Although four research tool courses are required, additional research courses may be taken as part of the student’s supporting field requirements.
Major field requirements
These courses will enable you to develop proficiency in your primary area of study.
- HBM 591: Seminar in Services Management
- HBM 592: Seminar in Current Issues in Travel and Tourism
- Mktg 593: Behavioral Research Methods Seminar
- BA 598: Research and Professional Development Seminar (1 credit course)
- HBM 600: Independent Study (Second-year Research Project)
Business electives
You are required to complete at least 2 of the following graduate-level business courses:
- EconS/Fin 596 Advanced Topics in Financial Economics
- MGTOP 516 Time Series
- HBM 581 Services Management
- IBUS 580 International Business Management
- MGMT597 Seminar in Organizational Behavior
- MGMT597 Seminar in Organizational Theory
- MGMT597 Seminar in Strategic Management
- MIS 572 Database Management Systems
- MIS 574 Telecommunications and Networking in Business
- MIS 582 Systems Analysis and Design
- MKTG 590 Seminar in Consumer Behavior
- MKTG 591 Seminar in Marketing Management
- MKTG 592 Seminar in Marketing Foundations
These suggested courses above may be substituted for other courses as approved by the student’s program committee.
Supporting field requirements
Coursework in the area of specialization is intended to provide necessary skills and knowledge to conduct research in a chosen field. Courses must be related to an area of study selected by the student and approved by the doctoral student’s committee. Supporting doctoral level coursework may be selected from areas such as (but not limited to) research seminars in anthropology, psychology, sociology, economics, management, international business, information systems, marketing, communication, etc. Additional coursework in HBM may also be taken, with approval from the doctoral student’s committee.
PhD Research Credit Requirements
In addition to major field requirements, business electives, and supporting field requirements, the Ph.D. in Hospitality and Tourism Management requires additional research credits associated with the development of the final dissertation. A minimum of 32 (800 level) research credit hours is required.
Sample PhD Program in Business Administration With Concentration in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Based on 9 credits per semester in the first year of study**.
- BA 598 (1 credit course)
- Business Elective
Start preparation for 2nd Year Research Project
- Supporting Field Course
- HBM 600 (2nd Year Research Project)
Preparation for Comprehensive Exams
- Comprehensive Exams
Full-time Research (Dissertation and Other)
- Courses cannot be counted twice under any of the above-mentioned requirements.
- No more than 9 hours can be taken as independent study courses.
Annual Review and Written and Preliminary Exams
The goal of the annual reviews and the exams is to assess the candidate’s overall mastery of the core body of knowledge in the field and the degree of preparation to undertake research independently or with minimal supervision. The Ph.D. Program area coordinator and committee along with appropriate advisors will annually review the progress of the students in terms of publications and research effort. The Preliminary Exam (scheduled sometime during the third year in the program) will test the candidate’s knowledge in five areas:
- Hospitality and tourism management major field requirements: Hospitality and Tourism Management core knowledge includes a thorough understanding of hospitality and tourism, and behavioral research methods.
- Business electives: The student should be able to demonstrate an appropriate level of understanding of theories and research methods aligned with those business disciplines chosen for further study, including finance, information systems, international business, management, operations, and/or marketing.
- Hospitality and tourism research: The student should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of hospitality and tourism research, including explanatory theories and past research findings. In addition, the candidate is expected to demonstrate command over the relevant literature from his/her supporting field.
- Hospitality and tourism research methods and statistics: The student should also have an extensive knowledge of statistics and the research methodologies that can be employed to study hospitality and tourism phenomena from a behavioral standpoint.
- Oral and written communication skills: Given the program’s focus on producing hospitality and tourism scholars who can be successful at other accredited, peer or better research universities, the student is also expected to show a high level of written and oral communication skills exhibited in the written and oral comprehensive exams, research presentations at national/international conferences, and publications in hospitality & tourism journals.
Jenny Kim, PhD Professor School of Hospitality Business Management Todd Hall 331C [email protected] 509-335-4706
Program at a glance
Degree offered: Doctor of Philosophy Number of faculty working with students: 9 Number of students enrolled in program: 8 Students with assistantships/scholarships: 100% Industry experience preferred Priority application deadline: January 10
Texas A&M University Catalogs
Doctor of philosophy in hospitality, hotel management and tourism.
The PhD degree in Hospitality, Hotel Management, and Tourism prepares students for a career as a university faculty member or as a research scientist in the private sector or with a government agency. While each PhD program is customized by the student and their advisor depending on the needs of the student, all PhD students should take a minimum of 18 credits within the department , not including HMGT 691 (Research).
PhD Coursework should include:
- a minimum of 3 credits of quantitative statistics;
- a minimum of 3 credits of qualitative statistics;
- a minimum of 3 credits of research methods; and
- a minimum of 24 hours of HMGT 691.
A student's final degree plan must be approved by all members of the advisory committee and should reflect the rigor expected of a doctoral degree.
All students must pass a final comprehensive examination administered by their advisory committee. There should be no more than 6 hours of coursework remaining on the degree plan a t the conclusion of the semester when the exam is scheduled (except 681, 684, 690, 691, and 693).
Steps to Fulfill a Doctoral Program
Program Requirements
- Student's Advisory Committee
Degree Plan
Transfer of credit, research proposal, preliminary examination, preliminary examination format, preliminary examination scheduling, preliminary examination grading.
- Failure of the Preliminary Exam
Retake of Failed Preliminary Examination
Final examination, final examination grading, dissertation, student’s advisory committee.
After receiving admission to graduate studies and enrolling, the student will consult with the head of his or her major or administrative department (or chair of the intercollegiate faculty) concerning appointment of the chair of the advisory committee. The student’s advisory committee will consist of no fewer than four members of the graduate faculty representative of the student’s several fields of study and research, where the chair or co-chair must be from the student’s department (or intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), and at least one or more of the members must have an appointment to a department other than the student’s major department . The outside member for a student in an interdisciplinary degree program must be from a department different from the chair of the student’s committee.
The chair, in consultation with the student, will select the remainder of the advisory committee. Only graduate faculty members located on Texas A&M University campuses may serve as chair of a student’s advisory committee. Other Texas A&M University graduate faculty members located off-campus may serve as a member or co-chair (but not chair), with a member as the chair.
If the chair of a student’s advisory committee voluntarily leaves the University and the student is near completion of the degree and wants the chair to continue to serve in this role, the student is responsible for securing a current member of the University Graduate Faculty, from the student’s academic program and located near the Texas A&M University campus site, to serve as the co-chair of the committee. The Department Head or Chair of Intercollegiate faculty may request in writing to the Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate and Professional School that a faculty member who is on an approved leave of absence or has voluntarily separated from the university, be allowed to continue to serve in the role of chair of a student’s advisory committee without a co-chair for up to one year. The students should be near completion of the degree. Extensions beyond the one year period can be granted with additional approval of the Dean.
The committee members’ signatures on the degree plan indicate their willingness to accept the responsibility for guiding and directing the entire academic program of the student and for initiating all academic actions concerning the student. Although individual committee members may be replaced by petition for valid reasons, a committee cannot resign en masse . The chair of the committee, who usually has immediate supervision of the student’s research and dissertation or record of study, has the responsibility for calling all meetings of the committee. The duties of the committee include responsibility for the proposed degree plan, the research proposal, the preliminary examination, the dissertation or record of study and the final examination. In addition, the committee, as a group and as individual members, is responsible for counseling the student on academic matters, and, in the case of academic deficiency, initiating recommendations to the Graduate and Professional School.
The student’s advisory committee will evaluate the student’s previous education and degree objectives. The committee, in consultation with the student, will develop a proposed degree plan and outline a research problem which, when completed, as indicated by the dissertation (or its equivalent for the degree of Doctor of Education or the degree of Doctor of Engineering), will constitute the basic requirements for the degree. The degree plan must be filed with the Graduate and Professional School prior to the deadline imposed by the student’s college and no later than 90 days prior to the preliminary examination.
This proposed degree plan should be submitted through the online Document Processing Submission System located on the website http://ogsdpss.tamu.edu . A minimum of 60 hours is required on the degree plan for the Doctor of Philosophy for a student who has completed a master’s degree. A student who has completed a DDS/DMD, DVM or a MD at a U.S. institution is also required to complete a minimum of 60 hours. A student who has completed a baccalaureate degree but not a master’s degree will be required to complete a 90-hour degree plan. Completion of a DDS/DMD, DVM or MD degree at a foreign institution requires completion of a minimum of 90 hours for the Doctor of Philosophy. A field of study may be primarily in one department or in a combination of departments. A degree plan must carry a reasonable amount of 691 (research). A maximum of 9 hours of 400-level undergraduate courses may be used toward meeting credit-hour requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy.
Additional coursework may be added by petition to the approved degree plan by the student’s advisory committee if it is deemed necessary to correct deficiencies in the student’s academic preparation. No changes can be made to the degree plan once the student’s Request for Final Examination is approved by the Graduate and Professional School.
Approval to enroll in any professional course (900-level) should be obtained from the head of the department (or Chair of the intercollegiate faculty, if applicable) in which the course will be offered before including such a course on a degree plan.
No credit may be obtained by correspondence study, by extension or for any course of fewer than three weeks duration.
For non-distance degree programs, no more than 50 percent of the non-research credit hours required for the program may be completed through distance education courses.
To receive a graduate degree from Texas A&M University, students must earn one-third or more of the credits through the institution’s own direct instruction. This limitation also applies to joint degree programs.
Courses for which transfer credits are sought must have been completed with a grade of B or greater and must be approved by the student’s advisory committee and the Graduate and Professional School. These courses must not have been used previously for another degree. Except for officially approved cooperative doctoral programs, credit for thesis or dissertation research or the equivalent is not transferable. Credit for “internship” coursework in any form is not transferable. Courses taken in residence at an accredited U.S. institution or approved international institution with a final grade of B or greater will be considered for transfer credit if, at the time the courses were completed, the courses would be accepted for credit toward a similar degree for a student in degree-seeking status at the host institution. Credit for coursework taken by extension is not transferable. Coursework in which no formal grades are given or in which grades other than letter grades (A or B) are earned (for example, CR, P, S, U, H, etc.) is not accepted for transfer credit . Credit for coursework submitted for transfer from any college or university must be shown in semester credit hours, or equated to semester credit hours.
Courses used toward a degree at another institution may not be applied for graduate credit. If the course to be transferred was taken prior to the conferral of a degree at the transfer institution, a letter from the registrar at that institution stating that the course was not applied for credit toward the degree must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School.
Grades for courses completed at other institutions are not included in computing the GPA. An official transcript from the university at which transfer courses are taken must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.
The general field of research to be used for the dissertation should be agreed on by the student and the advisory committee at their first meeting, as a basis for selecting the proper courses to support the proposed research.
As soon thereafter as the research project can be outlined in reasonable detail, the dissertation research proposal should be completed. The research proposal should be approved at a meeting of the student’s advisory committee, at which time the feasibility of the proposed research and the adequacy of available facilities should be reviewed. The approved proposal, signed by all members of the student’s advisory committee, the head of the student’s major department (or chair of the intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School at least 20 working days prior to the submission of the Request for the Final Examination.
Compliance issues must be addressed if a graduate student is performing research involving human subjects, animals, infectious biohazards and recombinant DNA. A student involved in these types of research should check with the Office of Research Compliance and Biosafety at (979) 458-1467 to address questions about all research compliance responsibilities. Additional information can also be obtained on the website http:// rcb.tamu.edu .
Examinations
The student’s major department (or chair of the interdisciplinary degree program faculty, if applicable) and his or her advisory committee may require qualifying, cumulative or other types of examinations at any time deemed desirable. These examinations are entirely at the discretion of the department and the student’s advisory committee.
The preliminary examination is required. The preliminary examination for a doctoral student shall be given no earlier than a date at which the student is within 6 credit hours of completion of the formal coursework on the degree plan (i.e., all coursework on the degree plan except 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, 695, 697, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog). The student should complete the Preliminary Examination no later than the end of the semester following the completion of the formal coursework on the degree plan.
The objective of preliminary examination is to evaluate whether the student has demonstrated the following qualifications:
a. a mastery of the subject matter of all fields in the program;
b. an adequate knowledge of the literature in these fields and an ability to carry out bibliographical research;
c. an understanding of the research problem and the appropriate methodological approaches.
The format of the preliminary examination shall be determined by the student’s department (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable) and advisory committee, and communicated to the student in advance of the examination. The exam may consist of a written component, oral component, or combination of written and oral components.
The preliminary exam may be administered by the advisory committee or a departmental committee; herein referred to as the examination committee.
Regardless of exam format, a student will receive an overall preliminary exam result of pass or fail. The department (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable) will determine how the overall pass or fail result is determined based on the exam structure and internal department procedures. If the exam is administered by the advisory committee, each advisory committee member will provide a pass or fail evaluation decision.
Only one advisory committee substitution is allowed to provide an evaluation decision for a student’s preliminary exam, and it cannot be the committee chair.
If a student is required to take, as a part of the preliminary examination, a written component administered by a department or interdisciplinary degree program, the department or interdisciplinary degree program faculty must:
a. offer the examination at least once every six months. The departmental or interdisciplinary degree program examination should be announced at least 30 days prior to the scheduled examination date.
b. assume the responsibility for marking the examination satisfactory or unsatisfactory, or otherwise graded, and in the case of unsatisfactory, stating specifically the reasons for such a mark.
c. forward the marked examination to the chair of the student’s advisory committee within one week after the examination.
Students are eligible for to schedule the preliminary examination in the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) if they meet the following list of eligibility requirements:
Student is registered at Texas A&M University for a minimum of one semester credit hour in the long semester or summer term during which any component of the preliminary examination is held. If the entire examination is held between semesters, then the student must be registered for the term immediately preceding the examination.
An approved degree plan is on file with the Graduate and Professional School prior to commencing the first component of the examination.
Student’s cumulative GPA is at least 3.000.
Student’s degree plan GPA is at least 3.000.
At the end of the semester in which at least the first component of the exam is given, there are no more than 6 hours of coursework remaining on the degree plan (except 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, 695, 697, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog). The head of the student’s department (or Chair of the Interdisciplinary Degree Program, if applicable) has the authority to approve a waiver of this criterion.
Credit for the preliminary examination is not transferable in cases where a student changes degree programs after passing a preliminary exam.
If a written component precedes an oral component of the preliminary exam, the chair of the student’s examination committee is responsible for making all written examinations available to all members of the committee. A positive evaluation of the preliminary exam by all members of a student’s examination committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on his or her preliminary exam.
The student’s department will promptly report the results of the Preliminary Examination to the Graduate and Professional School via the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) within 10 working days of completion of the preliminary examination.
If an approved examination committee member substitution (one only) has been made, their approval must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS. The approval of the designated department approver is also required on the request.
After passing the required preliminary oral and written examinations for a doctoral degree, the student must complete the final examination within four years of the semester in which the preliminary exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a preliminary exam taken and passed during the Fall 2023 semester will expire at the end of the Fall 2027 semester. A preliminary exam taken in the time between the Summer and Fall 2023 semesters will expire at the end of the Summer 2027 semester.
Failure of the Preliminary Examination
First failure.
Upon approval of a student’s examination committee (with no more than one member dissenting), and approval of the Department and Graduate and Professional School, a student who has failed a preliminary examination may be given one re-examination. In accordance with Student Rule 12.5, the student’s department head or designee, intercollegiate faculty, or graduate advisory committee should make a recommendation to the student regarding their scholastic deficiency.
Second Failure
Upon failing the preliminary exam twice in a doctoral program, a student is no longer eligible to continue to pursue the PhD in that program/major. In accordance with Student Rule 12.5.3 and/or 12.5.4, the student will be notified of the action being taken by the department as a result of the second failure of the preliminary examination.
Adequate time must be given to permit the student to address the inadequacies emerging from the first preliminary examination. The examination committee must agree upon and communicate in writing to the student, an adequate time-frame from the first examination (normally six months) to retest, as well as a detailed explanation of the inadequacies emerging from the examination. The student and the committee should jointly negotiate a mutually acceptable date for this retest. When providing feedback on inadequacies, the committee should clearly document expected improvements that the student must be able to exhibit in order to retake the exam. The examination committee will document and communicate the time-frame and feedback within 10 working days of the exam that was not passed.
Candidates for the doctoral degrees must pass a final examination by deadline dates announced in the Graduate and Professional School Calendar each semester. A doctoral student is allowed only one opportunity to take the final examination.
No unabsolved grades of D, F, or U for any course can be listed on the degree plan. The student must be registered for any remaining hours of 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 791 or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog during the semester of the final exam. No student may be given a final examination until they have been admitted to candidacy and their current official cumulative and degree plan GPAs are 3.00 or better.
Refer to the Admission to Candidacy section of the graduate catalog for candidacy requirements.
A request to schedule the final examination must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS a minimum of 10 working days in advance of the scheduled date. Any changes to the degree plan must be approved by the Graduate and Professional School prior to the submission of the request for final examination.
The student’s advisory committee will conduct this examination. Only one committee member substitution is allowed with the approval of the Graduate and Professional School. If the substitution is for the sole external member of the advisory committee - with an appointment to a department other than the student's major department - then the substitute must also be external to the student's major department. In extenuating circumstances, with the approval of the Graduate and Professional School, an exception to this requirement may be granted.
The final examination is not to be administered until the dissertation or record of study is available in substantially final form to the student’s advisory committee, and all concerned have had adequate time to review the document. Whereas the final examination may cover the broad field of the candidate’s training, it is presumed that the major portion of the time will be devoted to the dissertation and closely allied topics. Persons other than members of the graduate faculty may, with mutual consent of the candidate and the chair of the advisory committee, be invited to attend a final examination for an advanced degree. A positive vote by all members of the graduate committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on his or her exam. A department can have a stricter requirement provided there is consistency within all degree programs within a department. Upon completion of the questioning of the candidate, all visitors must excuse themselves from the proceedings.
The student’s department will promptly report the results of the Final Examination to the Graduate and Professional School via the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) within 10 working days of completion of the final examination. The Graduate and Professional School will be automatically notified via ARCS of any cancellations.
A positive evaluation of the final exam by all members of a student’s advisory committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on his or her final exam. If an approved committee member substitution (1 only) has been made, their approval must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS.
The dissertation, which must be a candidate's original work demonstrates the ability to perform independent research . Whereas acceptance of the dissertation is based primarily on its scholarly merit, it must also exhibit creditable literary workmanship. Dissertation formatting must be acceptable to the Graduate and Professional School as outlined in the Guidelines for Theses, Dissertations, and Records of Study.
After successful defense and approval by the student’s advisory committee and the head of the student’s major department (or chair of intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), a student must submit the dissertation in electronic format as a single PDF file to https://etd.tamu.edu/ . Additionally, a dissertation approval form with original signatures must be received by the Graduate and Professional School through the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS. Both the PDF file and the completed ARCS approval form must be received by the deadline.
Deadline dates for submitting are announced each semester or summer term in the Graduate and Professional School Calendar (see Time Limit statement). These dates also can be accessed via the Graduate and Professional School website .
Each student who submits a document for review is assessed a one-time thesis/dissertation processing fee through Student Business Services. This processing fee is for the thesis/dissertation services provided. After commencement, dissertations are digitally stored and made available through the Texas A&M Libraries.
A dissertation that is deemed unacceptable by the Graduate and Professional School because of excessive corrections will be returned to the student’s department head or chair of the intercollegiate faculty . The manuscript must be resubmitted as a new document, and the entire review process must begin anew. All original submittal deadlines must be met during the resubmittal process to graduate.
Additional Requirements
Continuous registration, admission to candidacy.
- 99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degree
Application for Degree
A student who enters the doctoral degree program with a baccalaureate degree must spend one academic year plus one semester in resident study at Texas A&M University. A student who holds master’s degree when he/she enters doctoral degree program must spend one academic year in resident study. One academic year may include two adjacent regular semesters or one regular semester and one adjacent 10-week summer semester. The third semester is not required to be adjacent to the one year. Enrollment for each semester must be a minimum of 9 credit hours each to satisfy the residence requirement. A minimum of 1 credit hour must be in a non-distance education delivery mode. Semesters in which the student is enrolled in all distance education coursework will not count toward fulfillment of the residence requirement.
To satisfy the residence requirement, the student must complete a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester or 10-week summer semester in resident study at Texas A&M University for the required period. A student who enters a doctoral degree program with a baccalaureate degree may fulfill residence requirements in excess of one academic year (18 credit hours) by registration during summer sessions or by completion of a less-than-full course load (in this context a full course load is considered 9 credit hours per semester).
Students who are employed full-time while completing their degree may fulfill total residence requirements by completion of less-than-full time course loads each semester. In order to be considered for this, the student is required to submit a Petition for Waivers and Exceptions along with verification of his/her employment to the Graduate and Professional School. An employee should submit verification of his/her employment at the time he/she submits the degree plan. See Registration .
See Residence Requirements .
All requirements for doctoral degrees must be completed within a period of ten consecutive calendar years for the degree to be granted. A course will be considered valid until 10 years after the end of the semester in which it is taken. Graduate credit for coursework more than ten calendar years old at the time of the final oral examination may not be used to satisfy degree requirements.
After passing the required preliminary oral and written examinations for a doctoral degree, the student must complete the final examination within four years of the semester in which the preliminary exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a preliminary exam taken and passed during the fall 2019 semester will expire at the end of the fall 2023 semester. A preliminary exam taken in the time between the summer and fall 2019 semesters will expire at the end of the summer 2023 semester.
A final corrected version of the dissertation or record of study in electronic format as a single PDF file must be cleared by the Graduate and Professional School within one year of the semester in which the final exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a final exam taken and passed during the fall 2022 semester will expire at the end of the fall 2023 semester. A final exam taken in the time between the summer and fall 2022 semesters will expire at the end of the summer 2023 semester. Failure to do so will result in the degree not being awarded.
A student in a program leading to a Doctor of Philosophy who has completed all coursework on his/her degree plan other than 691 (research) are required to be in continuous registration until all requirements for the degree have been completed.
See Continuous Registration Requirements .
To be admitted to candidacy for a doctoral degree, a student must have:
- completed all formal coursework on the degree plan with the exception of any remaining 681, 684, 690 and 691, or 791.
- a 3.0 Graduate GPA and a Degree Plan GPA of at least 3.0 with no grade lower than C in any course on the degree plan,
- passed the preliminary examination (written and oral portions),
- submitted an approved dissertation proposal,
- met the residence requirements. The final examination will not be authorized for any doctoral student who has not been admitted to candidacy.
A student is required to possess a competent command of English. For English language proficiency requirements, see the Admissions section of this catalog. The doctoral (PhD) foreign language requirement at Texas A&M University is a departmental option, to be administered and monitored by the individual departments of academic instruction.
99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degrees
In Texas, public colleges and universities are funded by the state according to the number of students enrolled. In accordance with legislation passed by the Texas Legislature, the number of hours for which state universities may receive subvention funding at the doctoral rate for any individual is limited to 99 hours. Texas A&M and other universities will not receive subvention for hours in excess of the limit.
Institutions of higher education are allowed to charge the equivalent of non-resident tuition to a resident doctoral student who has enrolled in 100 or more semester credit hours of doctoral coursework.
Doctoral students at Texas A&M have seven years to complete their degree before being charged out-of-state tuition. A doctoral student who, after seven years of study, has accumulated 100 or more doctoral hours will be charged tuition at a rate equivalent to out-of-state tuition. Please note that the tuition increases will apply to Texas residents as well as students from other states and countries who are currently charged tuition at the resident rate. This includes those doctoral students who hold GAT, GANT, and GAR appointments or recipients of competitive fellowships who receive more than $1,000 per semester. Doctoral students who have not accumulated 100 hours after seven years of study are eligible to pay in-state tuition if otherwise eligible.
Doctoral students who exceed the credit limit will receive notification from the Graduate and Professional School during the semester in which they are enrolled and exceeding the limit in their current degree program. The notification will explain that the State of Texas does not provide funding for any additional hours in which a student is enrolled in excess of 99 hours. Texas A&M University will recover the lost funds by requiring students in excess of 99 hours to pay tuition at the non-funded, non-resident rate. This non-funded, non-resident tuition rate status will be updated for the following semester and in all subsequent semesters until receipt of a doctoral degree. Please see the Tuition Calculator at the non-resident rate for an example of potential charges.
The following majors are exempt from the 99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degrees and have a limit of 130 doctoral hours:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
- Biomedical Sciences
- Clinical Psychology
- Counseling Psychology
- Genetics and Genomics
- Health Services Research
- Medical Sciences
- Microbiology
- Neurosciences (School of Medicine)
- Oral and Craniofacial Biomedical Sciences
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Public Health Sciences
- School Psychology
For information on applying for your degree, please visit the Graduation section.
Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management
MPhil or PhD
Find a course
Start dates.
January 2024 / June 2024
Application deadline
Applications for international candidates must be received in full by:
- 31 May 2024 (for September 2024 entry)
- 30 September 2024 (for January 2025 entry)
- 31 January 2025 (for June 2025 entry)
Applications for home and distance learning candidates must be received in full by:
- 30 June 2024 (for September 2024 entry) - only entry for Doctor of Coaching & Mentoring
- 31 September 2024 (for January 2025 entry)
- 28 February 2025 (for June 2025 entry)
Distance learning
Course length
Full time: minimum 3 years
Part time: minimum 4 years
Oxford Brookes Business School
Funding status
Self-funded
Attend an open day or webinar
Write your research proposal
Apply direct
Oxford Brookes has a well-established tradition of research in hospitality, tourism and events and is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in these fields. Our research in hospitality, tourism and events encompasses work on sustainable planning and development; experience design and customer experience management; organizational behaviour; digital marketing; revenue and financial management; strategy; entrepreneurship; consumer behaviour; stakeholder engagement and social impacts. Our colleagues working in these fields bring a range of disciplinary expertise, and our research promotes responsible business practice, while seeking to create positive impacts.
If you study for a PhD in Hospitality, Tourism and Events, you will normally be linked to either the Centre of Business Society and Global Challenges (BSGC) or Oxford Regions Innovation, Enterprise Lab (ORIEL) depending on your chosen topic, but we also maintain strong links with colleagues working in the International Centre for Coaching and Mentoring Studies (ICCAMS) .
Degree routes
All students enrol as probationer research students. The degree for which you register will depend on your academic qualifications and research experience. During the first year you will formally register your research proposal for one of the below routes.
If you undertake an MPhil you will:
- critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic
- demonstrate understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field
- present and defend a substantial thesis by oral examination.
Thesis: 50,000 words
Length of study: Full-time: 2-3 years. Part-time: 3-4 years.
The criteria for a PhD are similar to those for an MPhil, with the key difference that:
- the research carried out will result in an independent and original contribution to knowledge.
Thesis: 100,000 words
Length of study: Full-time: 3-4 years. Part-time: 4-6 years.
Why Oxford Brookes University?
You will benefit from:
- a supervisory team of two to three supervisors who can provide the best combination of expertise to support your work
- training courses in research methods provided by the Business School and wider University
- regular seminars and learning activities at department, school and university level
- experience of presenting work to different audiences
- opportunities to network and discuss your work with staff and fellow students.
- engage with our entrepreneurs in residence and visiting entrepreneurs
- Work with local businesses
- collaborative opportunities, including receiving industrial funding and sponsorship.
You will be supported in developing and sharing your expertise through:
- opportunities to present at internal seminars and conferences
- dupport in attending, and ultimately presenting at external conferences (some financial assistance is available)
- training as an Associate Lecturer and the opportunity to engage in teaching activity on appropriate modules offered by the Business School.
Learning and assessment
While every candidate’s exact experience will vary according to their particular discipline, topic and methodology, there are a number of common elements that all students will undertake:
- critically investigating and evaluating an approved topic
- undertaking an analytical review of the existing literature in your topic area to set the theoretical context for your work and help demonstrate the gap in knowledge you will address
- developing and then implementing a rigorous and appropriate methodology for researching your topic
- demonstrating that your research conforms to all relevant ethical codes of practice
- extensive primary field research, analysis and evaluation.
Your progression will be monitored through an annual process undertaken at the end of each academic year, and through two key progression points after approximately six months and eighteen months of study respectively.
Caroline Schuhmacher
Governance systems for tourist-accessible animal sanctuaries in emerging economies
View profile
Zhihao Chen
Self-drive tourist's spatial behaviour and associated decision-making process in context of Chinese market
Janrapee Kemthong
An investigation of stakeholder relationship patterns in the planning process of cultural event tourism (CET)
Social connectedness: How commercial senior living facilities help enhance older adults’ social well-being through social activities in China
Pathaithip Gun-Ari
Political risks and international hotel expansion decision making: a strategic framework for risk optimisation
How to apply
Entry requirements.
Applicants should have a good honours degree and a good master's degree at merit level or above that includes a thesis component.
Applicants with equivalent experience will be considered.
Application process
- Complete your research proposal
- Gather your supporting documents (listed below)
- Make a direct application .
If you have any difficulty completing your application, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page .
Supporting documents
When applying for this programme of study please upload all of the required supporting documents listed below to the online application portal .
We suggest merging your supporting documents into a single PDF file. Please note there are two specifically designated options for you to upload your two references to.
- copies of your previous degree transcripts and certificates (both undergraduate and postgraduate)
- a scan of your passport
- two academic references
- a 2,000-word Research Topic Proposal
- evidence of funding (we require evidence of personal funds or letter from funder if being sponsored)
- international students must also provide an English Language Certificate with an IELTS score of at least 7.0.
Tuition fees
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year, your fees will increase each year.
For International fees the following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support.
Home fees are set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and are released approximately five months before the start of each academic year.
If you have any questions about fees, get in touch with the Research Degrees Team at [email protected] .
How and when to pay
Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.
- For information on payment methods please see our Make a Payment page.
- For information about refunds please visit our Refund policy page
Compulsory costs
Additional costs | Amount (£) |
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The continuation fee, where it is payable is compulsory, but not applicable to Masters by research or PhD by Published Work, detailed as follows: |