The hallmark of a world-leading doctoral programme is not only the research it generates but also the extent to which it provides graduates with outstanding career opportunities. The SHTM prepares students for leadership positions in their chosen careers by offering the world’s first professional D.HTM degree. The D.HTM programme has been designed for academics, senior industry executives and senior staff in governmental and non-governmental hospitality and tourism organisations. Since its inception in 2007, the programme attracts a range of professionals interested in augmenting their careers, from experienced practitioners and government representatives to academics. Its specific Asian focus, unique combination of subjects and research, and flexible delivery pattern enables industry professionals to develop their skills while remaining in the workforce.

The purpose of the Ph.D. in Tourism and Hospitality is to develop the applied competence of the postgraduate student on an advanced level in research, analysis, interpretation, and understanding of Tourism and Hospitality.

The Doctor of Philosophy programme is offered by the Tourism and Hospitality Management discipline under the School of Business and Management. The programmes under the Tourism and Hospitality Management discipline are fully accredited by the International Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education (THE-ICE), Australia.

PhD in Tourism is by far the most important activity in the Algarve region. Hence, the University of Algarve (UAlg) recently selected Tourism Studies as one of its central domains (its academic cadre hosts the largest number of PhD holders in Tourism Studies in Portugal).

Tourism has been consolidated as one of the most relevant sectors from the economic and social point of view, not only in Spain but also worldwide. In the context of disciplines of a social nature, tourism is an interdisciplinary object of knowledge that covers a wide range of activities carried out by private companies and public institutions, with an impact on the lives of people, both residents and visitors. This doctoral program brings together two singularities that make it especially attractive: the participation of 12 Spanish universities with extensive experience in tourism studies, creating synergies and stimuli for the student body; and the interdisciplinary nature with the active involvement of numerous areas of knowledge that contribute to enriching the Program through a wide range of lines of research.

Academic research for this study program should display the complexities of the tourism and leisure industry and explain to managers how to address its challenges and responsibilities. The emphasis should be put on the relationship between leisure, recreation and tourism, on management theories and on planning and management approaches in different recreation and tourism contexts.

The success of a research institution is largely due to its provision and training of young scholars. To provide leadership in developing future scholars in hospitality and tourism management, the SHTM offers research programmes leading to the Ph.D. in Hotel and Tourism Management degree. The School’s Ph.D. programme is designed for those who want to base their research on theoretical insights. It offers advanced training based on individual interests and career aspirations, allowing students to develop the ability to complete significant research in specific areas. Research collaboration between academic staff and students are encouraged by the School’s intellectual and support environment, with the results disseminated through scholarly publications and conference presentations. The critical mass of globally recognised researchers, together with the attractive stipend for research students and the unique “East meets West” environment, make our highly competitive research programmes very successful. Many of our Ph.D. graduates are now serving as faculty members in universities worldwide.

The Doctoral Program in Tourism seeks to create a new research Program, under the umbrella of the Bologna Treaty, and pursues the following objectives:

The Doctorate in Global Hospitality Leadership (DGHL) is designed for professionals and executives interested in expanding their careers in applied research in hospitality businesses, leading to career growth and acquiring opportunities related to teaching, consulting, and senior leadership roles. DGHL will also prepare current educators and university administrators to achieve tenure-track faculty and leadership positions in colleges and universities.

Not all postgraduate Programs are offered every year. Please consult the relevant faculty's student administration concerning the presentation of this Program.

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