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.

Research degrees

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AUT's academic supervisors are recognised world-class researchers who have the expert knowledge to guide you throughout your studies.

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If you’re interested in applying to a PhD or MPhil, email doctoral.and.mphil.admissions@aut.ac.nz first to assess your eligibility for the programme.

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

Events
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Food photography competition: Culinary and Gastronomy Winter Series 2022
Wednesday 1 Jun, 7am - Monday 1 Aug, 8am
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Get Going Keep Growing: Semester 2 intake event
Saturday 2 Jul, 9am - 3pm
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AUT LIVE – The most open day!
Saturday 27 Aug, 8am - 3pm
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Simon Milne
Michael Lück
Alison McIntosh
Simon Milne
Our academics 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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Michael Lück
Our academics Michael Lück Professor of Tourism Professor Michael Lück had an early interest in environmental sustainability, which led him to specialise in coastal and marine tourism. Tourism Professor Michael Lück examines how this state of affairs has come to be and looks at ways in which we might improve the situation in his work specialising in coastal and marine tourism. Research on the makeup and interests of the tourist groups can help operators provide more meaningful and educational information to customers. Professor Lück says recent and ongoing research has revealed that tourists want to be educated and often wonder how they can help combat environmental issues such as climate change.
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Alison McIntosh
Our academics 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.
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News
Dr David Williamson standing in a commercial kitchens with chefs busy making food behind him.
New AUT Professors
THE rankings logo AUT
Chairs and tables laid out for fine dining in a The Clink restaurant.
New AUT Professors
News pattern
Dr David Williamson standing in a commercial kitchens with chefs busy making food behind him.
Voices from hospitality's front line
08 Apr, 2022
New AUT research looks at workplace practices in the hospitality industry and gives recommendations to improve working conditions.
New AUT Professors
New Professors and Associate Professors
01 Nov, 2021
Eight AUT academics have been promoted to the position of Professor, and a further 22 have been appointed as Associate Professors.
THE rankings logo AUT
AUT climbs up the global rankings
02 Sep, 2021
AUT continues to climb up the global university rankings joining the University of Otago in second place in NZ and the top 250 universities in the world.
Chairs and tables laid out for fine dining in a The Clink restaurant.
Public fine dining in prisons is popular
29 Jul, 2021
Opening prison restaurants in New Zealand has the potential to cut reoffending – while being a great experience for diners.
New AUT Professors
New Professors and Associate Professors
30 Nov, 2020
Nine academics have been appointed to the position of Professor, effective from 1 January 2021. 19 academics have been appointed as Associate Professors.
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QS Subject Ranked

Sophie Hayden
Van-Tin Doan
Madeleine (Madz) Crouth
Mihir Bhargava
Pattamol Kanjanakan
Sophie Hayden
Great graduatesSophie HaydenMaster of International Tourism Management
Graduate Diploma in International Tourism ManagementNew Zealand is famous for its beaches, but how easy is it for Kiwis with a disability to access them? That’s the interesting topic Sophie Hayden is exploring.New Zealand is famous for its beaches, but how easy is it for Kiwis with a disability to access such an important part of New Zealand culture? That’s the interesting topic Sophie Hayden is exploring for her Master of International Tourism Management. Sophie’s master’s degree research is supervised by Professor Alison McIntosh and Dr Brielle Gillovic from AUT’s School of Hospitality and Tourism.
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Van-Tin Doan
Great graduatesVan-Tin DoanDoctor of PhilosophyFor his PhD in hospitality, AUT doctoral student Van-Tin Doan is investigating the job performance of employees with disabilities in the food service industry.For his PhD in hospitality, AUT doctoral student Van-Tin Doan is investigating the job performance of employees with disabilities in the food service industry.
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Madeleine (Madz) Crouth
Great graduatesMadeleine (Madz) CrouthBachelor of Arts (Honours)
Bachelor of International Tourism ManagementFor Madeleine (Madz) Crouth, hearing her lecturer discuss voluntourism was eye-opening and inspired her to make a positive difference to the tourism industry.For Madeleine (Madz) Crouth, hearing her lecturer discuss voluntourism was an eye-opening experience and inspired her to make a positive difference to the tourism industry. After realising that she could help change tourism for the better, Madz started looking at some of the more problematic aspects of the industry, including dark tourism and human trafficking in tourism.
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Mihir Bhargava
Great graduatesMihir BhargavaMaster of International Hospitality ManagementSustainability in restaurants should be a need, not a luxury, says Mihir Bhargava who came to AUT as an international student from India to study hospitality.Sustainability in restaurants should be a need, not a luxury, says Mihir Bhargava who came to AUT as an international student from India to study a Master of International Hospitality Management. Mihir’s master’s degree research was supervised by Dr Ben Nemeschansky from AUT’s School of Hospitality and Tourism.
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Pattamol Kanjanakan
Great graduatesPattamol KanjanakanDoctor of PhilosophyHer research is about employee empowerment, says Pattamol Kanjanakan who came to AUT as an international student from Thailand to study a PhD in hospitality.Her PhD research is about employee empowerment, says Pattamol Kanjanakan who came to AUT as an international student from Thailand to study a Doctor of Philosophy in hospitality management. She has long had a passion for hospitality, says Pattamol who plans to return to her role as a lecturer at Khon Kaen University – International College in Thailand once she completed her PhD.
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