Research in hospitality, tourism and events

Our research informs the global academic community, but it is also focused on developing practical research outcomes: it aims to improve the hospitality and tourism industry.

In this section:

New Zealand Tourism Research Institute

A global leader in tourism research, the New Zealand Tourism Research Institute delivers innovative solutions for the tourism industry.

NZ Tourism Research Institute website

Research degrees

Our professors Nigel Hemmington Professor of Tourism Undoubtedly one of the world’s leading authorities in hospitality, Professor Nigel Hemmington knows good service and speaks internationally about his research. Undoubtedly one of the world’s leading authorities in hospitality, Professor Nigel Hemmington knows good service. Having completed extensive research into the consumer experience of hospitality, he is now lauded across the world and speaks internationally on a regular basis about his research. Professor Hemmington’s research has also led to consultancy with organisations like Air Rarotonga and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation.

Our professors Alison McIntosh Professor of Tourism Professor Alison McIntosh explores the social, cultural and economic impact of tourism, focusing on what tourism means to people and how they experience it. Professor Alison McIntosh explores the social, cultural and economic impact of tourism, focusing on what tourism means to people and how they experience it. This can be from the perspective of tourists themselves, the communities they visit and workers in the industry. Alison’s work has led her into areas like social justice and making tourism available for everyone. She believes accessible tourism – how to make tourism viable for people with special access needs – is a huge opportunity that New Zealand is missing out on.

Our professors Simon Milne Professor of Tourism In addition to being a professor at AUT, Professor Simon Milne has been a director of the renowned New Zealand Tourism Research Institute since its inception in 1999. Tourism is important to the New Zealand economy and the people of the South Pacific Islands, but so is a sustainable way of life. Professor Simon Milne has been conducting research in this part of the world since 1985, and has a special interest in the links between tourism and sustainable community development. In addition to being a professor at AUT, he has been a director of the renowned New Zealand Tourism Research Institute since its inception in 1999.

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News

AUT lecturer and Cook Islander Lisa Sadaraka

Harassment in Cook Islands hospitality

10 Apr, 2018

Sexual harassment by customers in the Cook Islands hospitality industry is a problem, according to AUT lecturer and Cook Islander Lisa Sadaraka.

Research kicks off on modern Kiwi identi...

23 Mar, 2018

Auckland University of Technology researcher Lindsay Neill is launching an investigation into what New Zealanders, aged 20 to 40, believe identifies them as Kiw...

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Events

Alison McIntosh's inaugural professorial address

Tuesday 21 Aug, 4:30pm - 6pm

Michael Lueck's inaugural professorial address

Tuesday 9 Oct, 4:30pm - 6pm

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Great graduatesRichard AquinoDoctor of Philosophy
Master of International Tourism ManagementFor his Master of International Tourism Management, AUT tourism student Richard Aquino explored why so many tourists are fascinated by active volcanoes.Why are so many tourists fascinated by active volcanoes, despite the risks involved in visiting these sites? That’s the interesting topic AUT tourism student Richard Aquino explored for his Master of International Tourism Management. Growing up near Mt Pinatubo, an active volcano in the Philippines, his childhood was filled by the images of this volcanic eruption and its impacts. The desire to complete industry-relevant research is why Richard decided to study tourism at AUT.

Great graduatesRobert RichardsonMaster of GastronomyRobert Richardson was a professional chef for 18 years before coming to AUT to complete a Master of Gastronomy. His research explores NZ culinary identity.Robert Richardson was a professional chef for 18 years before coming to AUT to complete a Master of Gastronomy. His research explores NZ culinary identity.

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