Seeking Expressions of Interest for Gastronomic Tourism Industry Research Partner

Is your organisation currently facing a Gastronomic Tourism (also known as Culinary or Food Tourism) related business or industry problem? Would academic research help you find a solution? If so, you may be interested in participating in my ‘Gastronomic Tourism Industry Research Project’.

I am calling for expressions of interest (EOI) for an industry research partner who is currently experiencing a problem or opportunity that would benefit from academic research related to gastronomic tourism. I am particularly interested in researching ‘Opportunities and Challenges to the promotion of Native and Indigenous Foods as part of the Australian Tourism Offer’, however all EOI’s regarding any gastronomic tourism problem or opportunity will be considered.

Possible partners could include (but is not limited to) Destination Marketing Organisations (DMO’s), travel agents, travel wholesalers, tour operators, food catering and hospitality enterprises as well as organisations with a commitment to tourism sustainability, the preservation and or/promotion of food and cultural heritage (especially Australian indigenous) and regional and urban regeneration.

Background

As part of the Le Cordon Bleu Master of Gastronomic Tourism Program facilitated by Southern Cross University, students are required to undertake a Capstone Industry Research Unit as part of the completion of their degree. This unit requires the student to undertake an analysis of a business, industry or social problem or opportunity.

Through the application of evidence-based research design, students will create an industry-accessible publication that reports on the research process and elaborates on business solutions and research implications. Research can include quantitative or qualitative methods.

Research will be conducted during the period 4 March – 2 June 2019 the findings of which will be presented in the form of a report (7,000 – 7,500 words).

It is expected that the research partner will provide unhindered access to data and resources (within reason) that is required by the student to conduct impartial and accurate research. In most instances, research will be conducted at a location suitable to the student. In some circumstances an on-site desk space and office resources may be required.

EOI Process

To submit your EOI please email c.trist.10@student.scu.edu.au and provide a detailed response to the following questions.

1. What is the name of your organisation, business purpose, industry and size?

2. What specific Gastronomic Tourism related problem or opportunity would you like the researcher to try to resolve/explore?

3. Why is it important to solve this problem or explore this opportunity?

4. Have you made previous attempts to resolve this problem or explore this opportunity? What was the outcome?

5. Who will be the researcher’s main liaison during the course of the research (name and job title and department)?

Please note that all EOI’s must be received by no later than 22 February 2019. The successful organisation will be notified by 1 March 2019.

For further information, please contact Charlene Trist on 0416 292 452 or c.trist.10@student.scu.edu.au .