Each year CAUTHE offers competitive bursaries for PhD Scholars and Early Career Researchers (ECRs) from Chapter Member institutions. For some bursary award winners, this might be their first ever conference or the first time sharing their ideas beyond their supervisors. Others may be nearing thesis submission and seeking feedback on their final conclusions. Past winners share their experiences below.

2026 Full bursary winners

James Barker, Victoria University of Wellington

Attending CAUTHE 2026 in Adelaide was an important milestone in my PhD journey, as I am now in my third year and beginning to get fully stuck in with the thesis write up. As my first CAUTHE conference (and first academic conference!), I began the conference with a mixture of nervousness and curiosity. I was also presenting a paper titled Lost in Dissemination: Organisational Understandings of Regenerative Tourism, which draws from the first of four research objectives in my doctoral project. So I was keen to see how clearly I could communicate these emerging insights and find my place in the wider research community.

Throughout the conference several moments stood out. Dr Shea Calvin’s presentation offered a particularly meaningful contribution through its focus on Indigenous perspectives in tourism, encouraging deeper consideration. And beyond the individual sessions, conversations with fellow PhD students and early career researchers proved especially valuable. Discussing grounded theory methodology and critical realist philosophy with others navigating similar conceptual areas helped counter the isolation that can accompany doctoral study and provided a counter to the near constant imposter syndrome. Furthermore, engaging with researchers in the regenerative tourism concurrent session reinforced the breadth and richness of this evolving field, highlighting the diversity of approaches.

Participation in the PhD workshop further supported my academic development, particularly through discussions around translating doctoral research skills into transferable skills for the industry. Conversations with senior academics were especially influential, offering practical guidance on how to translate messy PhD research into a thesis or journal article. The social side was also very important. Social events gave me a chance to connect with others at similar stages of their research journey and build relationships that I hope will continue into the future.

Reflecting on the overall experience, I arrived with a good deal of anxiety yet left with a stronger feeling of my place within the community and the place of my research in the wider field. I’m now very keen to get back into the thesis writing. CAUTHE 2026 was a fantastic experience and was incredibly welcoming. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be able to attend, which without the PhD bursary would not have been possible.

 

Joshu Ajoon Edakkott, University of Otago

CAUTHE 2026 – A conference that truly brought its theme to life.

I am sincerely grateful to CAUTHE for awarding me the PhD bursary that enabled me to participate in CAUTHE 2026 and present my research on regenerative tourism education. For me, the conference notification came at the right moment in my PhD journey. At the time of paper submission to the conference, I was preparing to begin data collection across New Zealand for my doctoral research, engaging tourism stakeholders to explore the potential of education in and for regenerative tourism. And when I saw CAUTHE’s theme, ‘cultivating cohesion and connection,’ it gave me the feeling that CAUTHE 2026 is the right place and community for my research.

I presented a full paper titled Exploring the potential of tourism education in and for regenerative tourism, developed from a pilot study designed to refine my doctoral research questions and approach. One of the most valuable aspects of this experience was the constructive feedback from the review team. One of the comments encouraged me to consider a dimension I had previously overlooked. This experience reaffirmed that presenting research at scholarly forums is not merely a dissemination exercise, but an important space for strengthening and sharpening research design.

Talking about the experience at the conference venue, kudos to the CAUTHE community for pulling off such a brilliant, well-executed conference. The doctoral workshop on the first day provided thoughtful engagement with research methods and researcher identity, reminding me that research is both an intellectual and personal journey. A particularly valuable component was the mentoring session, where small groups were formed based on methodological interests and guided by a senior scholar. That session underscored the importance of dialogue in shaping rigorous research, in fact, the first thing I did afterwards was open a new document in my ‘thoughts’ folder to note those reflections. This momentum was seamlessly carried forward in the concurrent sessions, which reflected the evolving directions of tourism scholarship, showcasing innovative approaches to persistent challenges and emerging concerns within the tourism sector.

Talking about feelings from the experience: As a first-time attendee at CAUTHE, presenting research with the intention of initiating conversations that could support my doctoral research data collection, I initially felt apprehensive. But what I encountered was a collegial, supportive, and encouraging academic community. The kindness in conversations transformed what could have been an intimidating experience into one of supportive and genuine connection. As I pen this report, I hold not just notes and knowledge from CAUTHE 2026 but connections, collaborations, new ideas, new ways of thinking, and a deep aspiration to be part of CAUTHE 2027. I look forward to being part of the CAUTHE community again and continuing the conversation on how tourism education can become a catalyst for better tourism futures.

 

Madiha Habib, Curtin University

If I could define CAUTHE in three words, they would be connection, reflection, and inspiration. These words capture my journey since attending my first CAUTHE conference in 2025. What began as an experience marked by anxiety and uncertainty gradually evolved into one of confidence and belonging. When I first attended, I questioned whether I truly fit within the academic community and if my research was actually ready to stand alongside that of more established scholars.  However, that self-doubt gradually transformed into renewed confidence and motivation as I stepped into the PhD workshop, and this sense of assurance continued to grow over the following conference days. By the end of the conference, I was already looking forward to the opportunity to return the following year.

Attending CAUTHE this year was particularly meaningful given that I am now in the final year of my PhD. Amid significant time pressure and competing demands, I prioritised preparing and submitting a paper to CAUTHE and applying for the bursary. With the encouragement of my supervisor, I was determined not to miss the opportunity to attend the conference, as I needed renewed energy and the benefit of an outside perspective beyond the tunnel vision that can accompany thesis completion.

The day I received the email confirming that I had been awarded the full PhD bursary was both relieving and deeply affirming. At a stage marked by heavy workload, the demands of thesis completion, and various constraints and challenges, the generous bursary enabled me to attend the conference without the added burden of financial stress. Moreover, presenting my paper at this critical stage of thesis completion was particularly significant. Sharing my research and receiving constructive feedback and thoughtful questions allowed me to refine my theoretical arguments, strengthen the clarity of my contribution, and identify meaningful directions for future research. The insights gained from this experience will directly inform the final revisions of my thesis and subsequent publications.

The conference provided a valuable opportunity to step back and critically reflect on my research and its broader relevance within tourism studies. The insights shared by tourism industry leaders, established scholars, and presenters offered valuable perspectives on current challenges and emerging directions in the field. Even the informal conversations during coffee and lunch breaks were just as valuable, creating space for networking and forming connections with peers who are navigating through similar questions and uncertainties.  These exchanges were both grounding and motivating, reminding me that academic growth is not a solitary journey but a shared one. I return to my work with renewed clarity, energy, and a strengthened commitment to contributing to research and sustainability in tourism.

I would like to sincerely thank the CAUTHE organising committee for such a meaningful and enriching conference experience. The support extended to early-career researchers through initiatives such as the bursary award makes a meaningful contribution to our academic journeys. I look forward to continuing my engagement with the CAUTHE community in the years ahead.

 

Thi Hieu Nguyen,The University of Queensland

Attending CAUTHE 2026 was both a professional milestone and a deeply personal experience for me. Receiving a PhD bursary to participate in the conference made it possible to be present, and I am sincerely grateful for that support. The opportunity to engage with such a vibrant academic community was invaluable.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the conference was connecting with academics and fellow PhD students from diverse universities and research backgrounds. Listening to their presentations and participating in discussions exposed me to a wide range of approaches, methodologies, and perspectives. It was fascinating to observe how similar research questions can be explored through entirely different theoretical lenses and methodological designs. These exchanges not only expanded my academic knowledge but also encouraged me to reflect more critically and creatively on my own work.

Beyond research content, what resonated most deeply were the personal stories shared throughout the conference. Many PhD students and ECRs spoke openly about the challenges they face; uncertainty, isolation, publication pressure, and the constant balancing of personal responsibilities with academic expectations. Hearing these experiences was both reassuring and empowering. It reminded me that I am not alone in my struggles; each of us carries our own invisible challenges. Although the doctoral journey can often feel solitary, CAUTHE fostered a space where vulnerability, honesty, and mutual support were welcomed.

Senior academics also shared an important message: we must take care of ourselves first. This advice felt especially powerful to me. After many ups and downs over the past few years, balancing research, life transitions and raising four children, I have come to realise that productivity and achievement mean little without health and wellbeing. No milestone matters more than maintaining a positive mindset and physical and emotional strength. The conference reinforced this perspective and encouraged a more sustainable and compassionate approach to academic life. In many ways, it helped restore my confidence. After challenging periods that left me feeling uncertain and diminished, being part of this scholarly community reminded me that growth often emerges from perseverance.

CAUTHE 2026 also broadened my intellectual horizons. I was introduced to new and emerging topics that sparked fresh ideas for my own research. Engaging in conversations outside my immediate area of expertise helped me see connections I had not previously considered. Another highlight was meeting some of my favourite authors and researchers in person. Having the chance to speak with them, listen to their stories, and receive their advice was truly inspiring. Their generosity, humility, and passion for research reaffirmed my commitment to this academic path.

Finally, CAUTHE 2026 gave me the opportunity to discover Adelaide; a city I quickly grew to love. Its welcoming atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, and vibrant academic community made the experience even more memorable. Overall, CAUTHE 2026 was more than a conference. It was a space of learning, connection, reflection, and renewal. I return with broadened perspectives, strengthened resilience, and renewed confidence for the journey ahead.

2026 Partial bursary winners

Moises Vera Laime, Torrens University Australia

The ECR bursary enabled my attendance at CAUTHE 2026 and the meaningful and reflective PhD/ECR workshop. The session began with the tale of the six blind men and the elephant, a story that immediately grounded the room in the complexity of research. It was a reminder that what we perceive is always partial, shaped by our positioning, assumptions, and disciplinary training. In many ways, it captured the essence of doctoral study: we work intensely with one part of the ‘elephant’, while others may be encountering something entirely different.

That theme of perspective carried into an interactive session where we explored how different methodologies can complement one another in helping us address our research questions. Rather than debating which approach is “better,” we were invited to see how diverse methodological lenses can illuminate different dimensions of a phenomenon. Being grouped with researchers working from different methodological positions created rich and honest conversations. Listening to how others justified their choices and framed their questions made me reflect more deeply on my own approach. It reinforced that methodology is not merely a procedural decision, but a way of thinking about knowledge, reality, and evidence.

The workshop also created space for more personal reflection. Through the use of metaphors, we were encouraged to describe our research journeys in ways that moved beyond technical language. I found this unexpectedly powerful. It pushed me to consider not just what I study, but how I move through the process of inquiry. I realised that my research journey is guided by resilience, consistency, and trustworthiness. If it were a tool, it would be a hammer, steadily building knowledge piece by piece. If it were a form of transport, it would be a car, allowing me to navigate complexity, adjust direction when needed, and continue moving forward with purpose. The exercise made visible the values that quietly underpin my work.

Perhaps the most grounding part of the workshop was hearing mentors share their experiences with particular methodologies. Methodology can feel abstract and overwhelming, especially in the early stages of a PhD. I remember how often I struggled during my own doctoral studies to truly understand and confidently articulate my methodological positioning. Hearing experienced researchers speak candidly about their journeys, challenges, and moments of clarity felt reassuring. It highlighted that methodological understanding develops over time, through dialogue and reflection, rather than arriving fully formed. I believe this is especially meaningful for early PhD students who are still trying to make sense of how their methodology connects to their research questions and broader scholarly identity. Overall, the workshop reinforced the richness of doctoral and early career research and the importance of creating spaces where methodological diversity and reflexive thinking are openly discussed. It was a thoughtful and energising experience.

 

Mengfan Li, Curtin University

Attending the CAUTHE 2026 Conference was a truly meaningful and transformative experience for me as a PhD researcher. It was not only an opportunity to present my research within a respected academic community, but also a chance to reflect on my intellectual growth and future direction. I am deeply grateful to CAUTHE for providing the bursary support, which made my participation possible and significantly enriched my conference experience.

First and foremost, I would like to sincerely thank CAUTHE for its generous PhD bursary. For doctoral students and early career researchers, conference attendance often involves substantial financial commitments. The bursary eased this burden and allowed me to focus wholeheartedly on engaging with the academic program. Beyond financial assistance, the bursary also represented recognition and encouragement. It conveyed a powerful message that emerging scholars are valued members of the academic community and that our research contributions matter.

The conference itself was intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding. Presenting my work to an audience of tourism scholars provided invaluable feedback. The questions and discussions following my presentation challenged me to refine my theoretical framing and clarify the practical implications of my findings. These exchanges pushed me to think more critically about the broader contribution of my research and how it fits within ongoing scholarly debates. Such constructive dialogue is difficult to replicate outside of an in-person academic setting.

Equally important were the informal conversations that took place during networking sessions, coffee breaks, and the conference dinner. Engaging with scholars from different universities and research backgrounds expanded my perspective on tourism research. I was particularly inspired by discussions on digital transformation, sustainability, and evolving consumer behavior. Hearing about diverse methodological approaches and emerging research trends helped me reconsider how I might strengthen my own work moving forward.

CAUTHE 2026 also fostered a strong sense of academic community. The welcoming atmosphere, thoughtful organization, and inclusive program created a space where both established scholars and doctoral students could exchange ideas openly. As a PhD candidate, it can sometimes feel isolating to work intensely on a specific project. Being part of this vibrant scholarly gathering reminded me that research is a collective endeavor built on dialogue, collaboration, and mutual support.

Receiving the bursary further strengthened my motivation to continue pursuing academic excellence. It reinforced my commitment to contributing meaningful research to the tourism field and to actively participating in academic networks. I am sincerely thankful to CAUTHE and its organizing committee for their dedication to supporting emerging researchers. I hope that in the future I will be able to contribute back to this community and support other young scholars in their academic journeys. Overall, CAUTHE 2026 was not only a conference but also an important milestone in my doctoral journey. I am deeply appreciative of the bursary and the opportunity to be part of such an inspiring academic event.

 

Gus Guanrong Liu, The University of Queensland

CAUTHE 2026 was a timely and grounding experience for me as a final-stage PhD candidate in tourism and hospitality research. I am grateful for the PhD bursary support, which made it possible for me to attend and participate fully in the conference, workshops, and mentoring activities. I also want to congratulate the organising committee for hosting such a warm, well-run, and intellectually stimulating event!

A major value of CAUTHE for me was the opportunity to connect with both Australian and international scholars. These exchanges helped me test my ideas beyond my immediate research circle and reminded me how much intellectual energy comes from thoughtful, open academic conversations. I especially enjoyed the Special Interest Groups, which provided focused spaces for deeper discussion and genuine scholarly connection.

I also sincerely thank my UQ PhD supervisors, Professor Pierre Benckendorff, Professor Gabby Walters, and Dr Thomas Magor, for working with me on our paper, Cultural contingencies in human–robot hospitality: Designing hospitable encounters across markets, which I had the opportunity to present at CAUTHE. The audience engagement and feedback helped me see the broader relevance of our work and clarified practical next steps for strengthening the paper.

A highlight of my CAUTHE experience was the mentoring I received from Professor S. Mostafa Rasoolimanesh (Edith Cowan University) and Professor Haiyan Song (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University). They shared practical insights on causal experimental methodologies, particularly how to align research questions, manipulations, and measures so the causal logic is clear and defensible. They also offered concrete guidance for the job market, especially on delivering a strong job talk. I learned how to present a coherent research identity, articulate my unique contribution as an emerging scholar, and communicate a forward-looking agenda with confidence and clarity.

Within one of CAUTHE’s Special Interest Groups, I also greatly appreciated the chance to speak with Professor Marianna Sigala about technology applications in tourism. Our discussion strongly aligned with my PhD topic and helped sharpen my thinking about future research directions around technology-enabled service design and human–technology interaction in tourism and hospitality contexts. Overall, CAUTHE 2026 strengthened my sense of direction. I left with sharper methods, a clearer narrative, and renewed momentum for the final stage of my PhD. Thank you CAUTHE!

 

Pia Prangkam, Griffith University

Travelling from Thailand to attend an overseas conference can be a significant expense, especially when research funding is limited, so I would like to sincerely thank CAUTHE for the partial PhD bursary support. This generous support eased the financial burden and encouraged me to make the long journey from Chiang Rai to Adelaide for CAUTHE 2026.

As a regular attendee, I have never been disappointed with the PhD/ECR Workshop, where I always gain valuable insights. This year, I particularly appreciated the focus on research methodology and developing our identity as researchers. The mentor–mentee session was especially meaningful, as we received thoughtful guidance from experienced mentors who generously shared their ideas and advice for both our research and future academic careers. For final-stage PhD students and early-stage academic like me, who are still trying to find a clear path forward, this workshop is incredibly important.

Personally, attending CAUTHE always feels like coming home. It is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with my PhD peers from different universities and to meet new delegates for the first time. CAUTHE is truly one of the most supportive academic communities I have experienced. Although I still feel nervous when presenting, I know this is a safe and encouraging space – no one tears you down. Instead, you receive thoughtful questions and constructive feedback. Everyone is approachable, generous, and willing to share their knowledge. As many say, there is no such thing as a “stupid question” here. I returned home feeling encouraged, inspired, and re-energised to continue my academic journey. I will certainly do my best to find my way back to CAUTHE next year – fingers crossed!

 

Valerio Rodrigues De Souza Neto, Griffith University

Finding Belonging Through Scholarly Community: Reflections from CAUTHE 2026

Bursaries often make participation possible in ways that extend beyond financial assistance. They create pathways for scholars whose perspectives might otherwise remain absent from academic conversations, including researchers from the Global South who bring diverse experiences, knowledge traditions, and worldviews into established scholarly communities. This year, I attended the CAUTHE conference as one of the few South American-born researchers present, and as a proudly Brazilian academic, I carry a professional culture in which annual conferences are central to strengthening scholarly communities and sustaining collective dialogue. Participation at CAUTHE 2026 represents an important milestone for doctoral researchers. As a third-year PhD candidate whose research budget had been largely allocated to fieldwork and data collection, attending would have been challenging without support. The PhD bursary played a consequential role in enabling my participation and engagement in this year’s conference and PhD/ECR workshop.

As a naturally gregarious person, I thrive in conference environments where intellectual exchange unfolds across hallways, session rooms, and informal conversations between presentations. Moving between sessions allowed me to engage with research both within and beyond my immediate academic interests, supporting dialogue across disciplinary silos and reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defines tourism scholarship. Attending presentations from more than thirty colleagues exposed me to a wide range of perspectives, illustrating how tourism research continues to shape diverse social, cultural, and industry contexts. Listening to industry panellists whose professional experience far exceeds my own was equally enriching, offering real-world grounded insights into the practical implications of tourism research. Presenting my own work, however, remained the most meaningful moment. The familiar butterflies before speaking to an unknown audience, particularly as a non-native English speaker, required careful preparation, yet the engagement and thoughtful questions from attendees affirmed the academic value of the work and reflected one of the tangible facets of research impact: meaningful scholarly exchange.

Approaching the transition from PhD candidate to early career researcher inevitably brings uncertainty, and CAUTHE conference becomes an important space for developing genuine professional relationships grounded in openness and mutual curiosity. Beyond formal presentations and panels, informal social settings fostered meaningful conversations with colleagues from multiple institutions, allowing connections to emerge without hidden agendas or strategic posturing. My interactions offered insights into different academic environments and future professional possibilities, often through spontaneous exchanges. Experiences like these broaden professional horizons and help early-career researchers recognise opportunities and directions that may otherwise go unseen.

As I enter the final phase of my PhD, experiences such as CAUTHE 2026 reaffirm that academic development is fundamentally collective. As a community, tourism scholars have increasingly internalised the idea that better tourism research can contribute to a better world. Yet meaningful change is never produced in isolation. This aspiration emerges through dialogue, collaboration, and shared intellectual engagement. . Previous reflections in the CAUTHE community (October-2025 Newsletter) have emphasised that both individuals and the field flourish when scholars experience a sense of belonging. The conference reminded me that belonging within an academic field is about being recognised, heard, and encouraged to contribute in impactful ways. I am deeply grateful for the bursary that supported my attendance and look forward to continuing my involvement with CAUTHE and giving it back to our scholarly community, where belonging strengthens both individual researchers and the field as a whole.

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