top of page

Doctoral Student Md. Tariqul's Cruise Tourism Research Shines with Best Paper Award at International Conference 2024


We are proud to announce that Md. Tariqul Islam, a PhD student in Hospitality and Tourism at the School of Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Taylor’s University, Malaysia, has been recognized for his outstanding research contributions. Tariqul is currently pursuing his PhD with a focus on the dynamic relationship between cruise tourism destination branding and economic growth in Penang, Malaysia.

Recently, he presented a research paper titled “Economic Growth of Penang, Malaysia: Does Cruise Tourism Destination Branding Have Real Potential or Just an Illusion?” at the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference: Charting Paths for Responsible Travel (GLOST 2024), hosted by Universitas Bunda Mulia in Indonesia. His work not only captured the attention of peers and experts but also earned him the prestigious Best Paper Award, highlighting the significance and quality of his research.


GLOST 2024 serves as a vital platform uniting stakeholders across the tourism industry to advance sustainable practices. By fostering collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and local communities, the conference aims to address critical challenges such as environmental preservation, social equity, and economic sustainability. Through knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships, GLOST 2024 drives innovation, shaping a more sustainable and equitable future for global tourism.

Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management (FSLM), Dr. Jeetesh Kumar, Head of Research for FSLM, and Dr. Rupam Konar, Programme Director of the Master of Science (Tourism) and Doctor of Philosophy (Hospitality & Tourism), collaborated with Tariqul on the research paper. Together, they explored the theoretical alignment between cruise tourism destination branding and economic growth in Penang, offering valuable insights into the potential of this niche market to drive regional economic development.


This recognition underscores the cutting-edge research being conducted at Taylor’s University and reinforces the institution's commitment to advancing knowledge in the fields of hospitality and tourism.





bottom of page