PhD in Hospitality and Tourism

The PhD in Hospitality and Tourism is a rigorous, research-intensive program designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills to address complex issues in the hospitality and tourism industries. The program emphasizes the development of original research, advanced analytical techniques, and the application of hospitality and tourism theory to real-world challenges. Students will engage in high-impact research across various domains, including tourism management, hospitality operations, event planning, and sustainable tourism. The goal of the program is to prepare scholars who can contribute to the advancement of knowledge and practice in the field of hospitality and tourism through comprehensive research and academic excellence.

Course Duration

The PhD program typically spans 5 to 7 years, consisting of coursework, comprehensive examinations, and dissertation research. The first three years are dedicated to coursework and preliminary exams, while the remaining years focus on dissertation research and defense. The exact duration may vary based on individual progress and research requirements.

Program Format: Online or Hybrid

Admission Requirements

• Academic Qualifications: A Master’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism or a related field with a strong academic record. Exceptional candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism may be considered for direct entry.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can speak to the applicant’s research potential and academic abilities.
• Statement of Purpose: A detailed statement outlining the applicant’s research interests, career goals, and reasons for pursuing a PhD in Hospitality and Tourism.
• Sample of Research Work: Submission of a research paper or thesis, if available, to demonstrate research capability.
• Medium of Study English: Proof of English proficiency if the previous degree was not completed in English, such as TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the PhD in Hospitality and Tourism program are well-prepared for a variety of high-level career paths, including:

• Academia: University faculty positions in hospitality and tourism, including teaching and research roles.
• Industry Leadership: Executive and managerial roles in hospitality and tourism organizations, including hotel chains, travel agencies, and tourism boards.
• Consulting: Expert consulting roles in areas such as strategic planning, market analysis, and operational efficiency within the hospitality and tourism sectors.
• Policy Analysis: Research and advisory positions in government agencies or non-profit organizations focused on tourism policy, sustainable tourism, and industry regulations.
• Research Institutions: Positions in research organizations dedicated to studying trends, behaviors, and innovations in hospitality and tourism.

Program Benefits

• Expert Faculty: Access to a diverse group of leading scholars and practitioners with expertise in various aspects of hospitality and tourism.
• Research Opportunities: Opportunities to engage in pioneering research with potential for high-impact publications and presentations at industry and academic conferences.
• Advanced Training: Comprehensive training in hospitality and tourism theories, research methodologies, and strategic management.
• Professional Development: Access to workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities to support career advancement and professional growth.
• Resources and Facilities: State-of-the-art research facilities, libraries, and data resources to support rigorous academic and empirical research.
• Collaborative Environment: A supportive academic community that encourages interdisciplinary research and collaboration with peers and faculty.
• Global Perspective: Exposure to international hospitality and tourism issues and the opportunity to engage with global industry practices and policies.

Core Courses

• Advanced Hospitality Management Theory: Exploration of advanced theories and practices in hospitality management.
• Tourism Development and Planning: Study of tourism planning processes, development strategies, and sustainable practices.
• Research Methods in Hospitality and Tourism: Methodologies for conducting research in hospitality and tourism, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods.
• Strategic Management in Hospitality: Examination of strategic management practices and their application within the hospitality industry.
• Event Planning and Management: Study of principles and practices related to planning and managing events within the tourism and hospitality sectors.
• Sustainable Tourism Practices: Analysis of sustainability concepts and practices in tourism and their impact on the environment and local communities.
• Qualitative Research Methods: Advanced techniques for qualitative research, including interviews, case studies, and ethnography.
• Quantitative Research Methods: Statistical methods and techniques for analyzing data and testing hypotheses in hospitality and tourism research.
• Dissertation Research Seminar: A seminar focused on supporting students through the process of developing, conducting, and presenting their dissertation research.

Achievements of this Program

• Expertise in Hospitality and Tourism: Mastery of advanced theories and practices applicable to the hospitality and tourism industries.
• Advanced Research Skills: Proficiency in conducting and presenting high-quality research with practical implications for the industry.
• Academic Contributions: Publication of research findings in leading journals and contributions to the field of hospitality and tourism.
• Professional Networking: Development of a professional network within academic, industry, and policy-making circles.
• Leadership and Industry Impact: Preparation for leadership roles and the ability to influence industry practices and policies.

Please go to the admission application to enroll in this program if you feel you are a good fit for the course.