Dr. Aaron Tham is a Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality within UniSC’s School of Business and Creative Industries and a core member of the Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre (ITRC), where he leads the Community Capacity Exchange Theme. His research aligns with the ITRC's mission by exploring tourism's role in fostering community capacity and sustainable development.
Aaron has published over 90 papers in leading tourism and hospitality journals and serves as Managing Editor of the International Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Administration. His doctoral research focused on the influence of social media in tourism decision-making, building on his Bachelor of Business Studies (Marketing) from Singapore and a Master of International Tourism & Hospitality Management from Griffith University.
He actively contributes to the field through roles such as President of the Travel and Tourism Research Association Asia Pacific Chapter, member of the International Congress and Convention Association Taskforce, and Emerald Publishing’s inaugural Australian ambassador. Additionally, Aaron is part of the Committee for Brisbane Taskforce on 2032 Olympic Legacies, further enhancing tourism’s impact on community and economic growth.
Professional Memberships
- Asia Pacific Council on Hotel, Restaurant and International Education (APac CHRIE
- Asia Pacific Tourism Association (APTA)
- Asia Pacific Travel and Tourism Research Association (APac TTRA)
- Association of Critical Heritage Studies (ACHS)
- Council of Australian Universities Tourism and Hospitality Education (CAUTHE)
- International Federation for Information Technology in Travel & Tourism (IFITT)
Awards/Fellowships
- Monash Graduate Scholarships, Monash University, 2010
- Monash Faculty Postgraduate Research Scholarship, Monash University, 2010
- Griffith Award for Academic Excellence, Griffith University, 2003
Professional Social Media
Aaron investigates emerging technologies and event legacies on the back of mega events and undertakes a wide range of domestic and international collaborations to unpack nuances around the Times Higher Education Sustainable Development Goals (in particular SDG9). He takes pride in research leadership as the Managing Editor of the International Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Administration.
Research areas
- social media in tourism
- destination branding and marketing
- disruptive innovation
- medical tourism
- culture and heritage
Teaching areas
- Tourism and Leisure Policy and Planning
- Sustainable Tourism, Leisure and Event Management
- Event Management
Dr Tham investigates emerging technologies and event legacies on the back of mega events, and undertakes a wide range of domestic and international collaborations to unpack nuances around the Times Higher Education Sustainable Development Goals (in particular SDG9). He takes pride in research leadership as the Managing Editor of the International Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Administration.
In the news
Another high-cost holiday season ahead – tourism expert
25 Nov 2024Low competition, a shortage of aerospace engineers and increasing weather-related flight disruption are all contributing to another pricey peak flying season, says UniSC tourism expert Dr Aaron Tham.
La Niña looks set to return
12 Sep 2024La Niña has returned for a third straight summer.