Dr Aaron Tham is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher in the USC School of Business and Creative Industries, with a focus in tourism and hospitality. Aaron has published more than 80 papers in top tourism and hospitality journals and also serves as the Managing Editor of the 'International Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Administration'. He is also an editorial board member and reviewer across several journals.
Aaron's doctorate examined the influence of social media in tourism decision-making. He obtained a Bachelor of Business Studies (Marketing) in Singapore and also a Master of International Tourism & Hospitality Management from Griffith University.
His other service roles include the Travel and Tourism Research Association Asia Pacific Chapter President, the International Congress and Convention Association Taskforce, Committee for Brisbane Taskforce for the 2032 Olympic Legacies, and Emerald Publishing's inaugural ambassador in Australia.
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
I investigate emerging technologies and event legacies on the back of mega events, and undertake a wide range of domestic and international collaborations to unpack nuances around the Times Higher Education Sustainable Development Goals (in particular SDG9). I also take 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
Bushfire season: experts available for media comment
30 Oct 2023Bushfires are already putting South East Queensland under the pump this summer, with worrying climatic conditions forecast.