[BU Today] Adventure in Thailand: SHA Undergrads Study Ecotourism
Yunmei (Mabel) Bai, SHA’s assistant professor of revenue management, along with eight SHA students, recently embarked on a service-learning trip to Thailand to explore the complexities of global tourism. With the focus on understanding the environmental and social impacts of tourism, the trip provided invaluable insights through hands-on experiences such as staying with local families, participating in conservation efforts, and engaging in community service.
This immersive journey allowed students to witness firsthand the balance between tourism and sustainability. Highlights included visits to the Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai, homestays with the Akha Tribe, and exploring historic sites like Sukhothai. The trip, organized by SHA, emphasized responsible tourism practices and provided a deep cultural immersion, reinforcing the importance of sustainability in the hospitality industry.