E-Portfolio Elias Horngacher
Study Tour 2023
Embarking on a transcontinental journey from Munich to Dubai, the initial flight provided an opportunity to acquaint oneself with study materials related to Middle Eastern tourism, aviation, and cultural dynamics. The study tour officially commenced in Dubai on the second day, featuring lectures from the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Emirates Airlines, and an exploration of the Expo2020 District. These sessions offered valuable insights into strategic considerations, partnerships, and the global impact of major events on the tourism industry.
The third day involved a walking tour of Old Dubai, delving into the historical and socio-cultural dimensions of the city. A visit to the Museum of the Future provided perspectives on innovation and its role in shaping the future of tourism. Subsequently, the tour shifted focus to hospitality management, with a visit and lecture at the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management. Iconic structures like Burj Al Arab and W Hotel Dubai The Palm were analyzed, complemented by Q&A sessions on industry trends and challenges.
A field trip to Abu Dhabi on the fifth day provided an opportunity to examine the economic forces driving tourism in the capital city and understand its cultural significance. The following day featured a desert and nature tour with Platinum Heritage, focusing on eco-friendly tourism practices and the delicate balance between development and environmental preservation.
Transitioning from the Middle East to Southeast Asia, the tour arrived in Singapore. Academic exploration of the urban landscape included a show-around at Naumi Hotel, a Singapore River Cruise, and visits to Marina Bay Sands and Chinatown. Attendees also participated in Messe ITB Asia, gaining insights into global tourism trends, marketing strategies, and economic considerations. Additional academic exploration included visits to the Singapore City Gallery and a walking tour of Chinatown.
Further academic endeavors in Singapore involved a visit to Ngee Ann Polytechnic, engaging in discussions about tourism education and its role in shaping the industry. Sentosa Island was explored from the perspective of destination management and sustainable tourism. The journey continued with a flight to Bali, where academic discussions at Bali Tourism Polytechnic, hotel show-arounds, and Q&A sessions provided insights into hospitality management.
The study tour delved into cultural immersion with excursions to the cultural center in Ubud and Uluwatu in Bali, critically analyzing the impact of cultural heritage on tourism development. The concept of creative tourism was examined at Potato Head village, exploring its contribution to cultural exchange and sustainable tourism practices. The final day was dedicated to academic reflection, integrating learnings from each destination. Departure marked the conclusion of a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of tourism and hospitality in the diverse Asian context. Key learnings encompassed strategic tourism management, cultural and environmental sustainability, educational perspectives, comparative analysis, tourism economics, and creative tourism.
Papers & Impressions
Welcome to my subpage, where I personally present two papers from our study trip. These documents encapsulate the core learnings and insights from our field exploration. Join me as I guide you through the academic analyses and share my personal reflections, providing a firsthand account of our journey.
This article explores Dubai's rise as a global tourism hub, examining strengths, challenges, and opportunities for reinvention. It highlights the "Dubai Phenomenon" and concludes with managerial insights for the Alpine tourism industry, emphasizing accessibility, sustainability, and experiential offerings to maintain competitiveness.
This article highlights how attractions shape a destination's identity, especially in Singapore. It stresses their role in meeting diverse tourist needs and warns against negative impacts of mass tourism. Tailored marketing, considering varied motivations, is recommended to maintain a positive destination narrative while balancing promotion with sustainability.
Follow us to our study tour from Munich to Dubai, Singapore, and Bali, exploring global tourism, sustainability, and strategic management. Engaging lectures and site visits enriched our understanding, while the final day offered reflection on key learnings. Visual snapshots capture the diverse and impactful experiences of our educational journey.