
Husna Zainal Abidin
Academic and research departments
School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.About
My research project
Digital Collaboration: A Solution for DestinationsTechnological advancements and innovation are on the rise and are disrupting the traditional ecosystem of the tourism industry. Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) that are supposed to shape the ecosystem, however, DMOs are struggling to adapt to these changes. Husna’s research seeks to take a positive stance towards technological disruptions and aims to explore the positioning of a DMOs role within the tourism ecosystem in this digital era. Integrating biometric and qualitative research methods, the research will investigate the elements of the next generation digital collaborative platforms for DMOs from the perspective of both the businesses and visitors. Through the collaboration with Visit Surrey and Minted Box as the key industry partners, a trial platform will be developed and tested with existing stakeholders of the region.
Supervisors
Technological advancements and innovation are on the rise and are disrupting the traditional ecosystem of the tourism industry. Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) that are supposed to shape the ecosystem, however, DMOs are struggling to adapt to these changes. Husna’s research seeks to take a positive stance towards technological disruptions and aims to explore the positioning of a DMOs role within the tourism ecosystem in this digital era. Integrating biometric and qualitative research methods, the research will investigate the elements of the next generation digital collaborative platforms for DMOs from the perspective of both the businesses and visitors. Through the collaboration with Visit Surrey and Minted Box as the key industry partners, a trial platform will be developed and tested with existing stakeholders of the region.
University roles and responsibilities
- Teaching Fellow
Business, industry and community links
Husna obtained her bachelor degree in Tourism Management in 2016 from the University of Surrey and was subsequently awarded a studentship, enabling her to pursue her PhD programme. Her main research revolves around the area of behaviour and decision making, collaboration, research design and multi-sided digital platforms within the tourism industry.
Husna works closely with industry partners to bridge the gap between academic and industry practice. In particular, she has been working closely with Visit Surrey, the regional Destination Management Organisation (DMO) of Surrey alongside various key attractions within Surrey to create a better understanding of DMOs and the impacts of technological influences. Prior to her PhD, Husna interned under to the Minister of Tourism and Culture of Malaysia. The experience deepened her interest in research-based decision making in governmental level tourism management.
News
In the media
ResearchResearch interests
My key research interests lie within the areas of destination management, digital technologies and sustainability.
Research interests
My key research interests lie within the areas of destination management, digital technologies and sustainability.
Supervision
Postgraduate research supervision
I have supervised Masters students with research that explores the influences of socio-technological factors on tourism destinations and the use of digital technologies in tourism marketing and management.
Teaching
I have taught undergraduate and postgraduate modules around destination management and marketing, visitor attraction management and intercultural management.