The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

What you'll study

The PhD programme is primarily research-focused and structured around an original doctoral thesis under the supervision of faculty in the School of Hotel and Tourism Management. Candidates undertake advanced methodological training and participate in research seminars and workshops. Typical study elements include:

• Advanced research methods and statistics (qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods)
• Thematic seminars in hospitality and tourism topics such as hotel operations and strategy, tourism management and policy, consumer behaviour, service innovation, sustainable tourism, digital technology and data analytics in hospitality
• Doctoral colloquia and research workshops to present work-in-progress and receive peer and supervisor feedback
• Literature reviews and research proposal development leading to the doctoral dissertation
• Optional teaching assignments or pedagogical training to develop teaching competence and supervision experience

Students typically refine a focused research agenda with their supervisory team, conduct empirical or theoretical research, and write a thesis that makes an original contribution to knowledge in hotel and tourism management.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant research master's degree or a strong taught master’s degree in hotel and tourism management, business, hospitality, leisure studies or a related social science, with evidence of excellent academic performance and research potential. Typical application components include:

• A clear research proposal outlining research questions, methodology and potential contribution to the field
• Transcripts and degree certificates demonstrating strong academic achievement
• Academic references that speak to the applicant’s research ability
• Evidence of English proficiency where the applicant’s prior education was not in English
• A curriculum vitae detailing research, teaching or industry experience

Selection emphasises research aptitude, fit with faculty expertise and the availability of appropriate supervision. Relevant industry experience can be an advantage, particularly for applied projects, but prior research training and demonstrable analytical skills are critical.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Hotel and Tourism Management pursue careers in a range of academic, public sector and private sector roles. Common paths include:

• Academic positions as lecturers, assistant professors and researchers in hospitality, tourism and business schools
• Research roles in think tanks, government bodies and intergovernmental organisations shaping tourism policy and destination management
• Senior research and strategy positions in hospitality companies, hotel groups and tourism organisations focusing on market intelligence, innovation and sustainable practices
• Consultancy and advisory careers providing evidence-based solutions for industry and public-sector clients

The programme is tailored to develop capabilities in independent research, publication, grant-seeking and teaching — skills that support both scholarly careers and leadership positions in industry research units.

Why study at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management is one of the region’s long-established centres for hospitality and tourism research, offering close engagement with a high-volume, internationally connected tourism and hospitality market. Studying here gives doctoral students access to experienced supervisors with diverse research interests, industry links across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, and multidisciplinary collaboration opportunities across business, engineering and social science faculties.

Facilities and resources relevant to doctoral study include specialised research centres, industry partnerships for field-based projects, and regular research seminars and conferences that foster publication and networking. The university’s location provides a strategic advantage for research into urban tourism, events, cross-border mobility and hospitality innovation in a dynamic Asian context.