Research in Hospitality, Tourism, Events and Recreation
The Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management, and Tourism at Texas A&M is at the forefront of innovative research initiatives in the field. One of their primary focuses is on sustainable tourism practices, aiming to minimize the environmental impact of the industry while maximizing social and economic benefits. Researchers are exploring strategies to integrate sustainable practices into hotel operations, destination management, and tourist behavior.
Another prominent research area is the application of emerging technologies in hospitality and tourism, such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and blockchain. Faculty members are investigating how these technologies can enhance customer experiences, optimize revenue management, and improve operational efficiency in hotels and tourist attractions.
Additionally, the department is actively engaged in researching hospitality and tourism in the context of cultural heritage, wellness tourism, and event management, contributing to the development of best practices and industry standards. Through their research initiatives, the department is playing a vital role in shaping the future of the hospitality, hotel management, and tourism industries.
Current Initiatives
Faculty Foci in Hospitality, Tourism, Events and Recreation Management
- Advertising effectiveness
- Benefits of travel
- Collaborative tourism planning & policy 
- Destination branding
- Destination image through culture
- Hospitality design and development
- Justice and ethics in tourism
- Marketing, pricing, economics & financing in tourism, parks, recreation and sport
- Medical tourism
- Service quality and experience design
- Structuring experiences for people
- Sustainable heritage development
- Tourism marketing
- Virtual travel and experiences
- Evaluation, evaluative thinking, and program effectiveness
- Research-practice partnerships
- Staff professional development
- Structured immediate experiences
Research Publications
As a Tier One research institution, Texas A&M University is known for its world-class research. The research conducted by the Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism is cutting edge, timely and addresses the dynamic challenges facing the industry as it continues to evolve. Our faculty members’ works have been cited in numerous publications that can be viewed at the link below.
Graduate Research Opportunities
Graduate students in the Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism will have the opportunity to take part in research opportunities consistent with their educational passion. Students will pair with our world-class faculty to address the needs and challenges of the industry.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Our undergraduate students are provided with a wide-range of research opportunities that will enhance their academic experience. Students will work with faculty members as they work to create knowledge, develop critical thinking and refine their problem-solving skills.
Hospitality, Hotel Management, and Tourism Research in the News
Ongoing tourism research explores travel stress, more
Understanding the effects of travel on the health of travelers could have a profound impact on the tourism industry and behaviors of tourists, according to Jim Petrick, Ph.D., professor, Research Fellow and graduate program chair.