Khon Kaen University

SDG Alignment for Bachelor of Arts Program in Tourism Management (International Program)

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Bachelor of Arts Program in Tourism Management (International Program) at Khon Kaen University is strategically designed to cultivate professionals who can lead the tourism industry towards a more sustainable and responsible future. The program's philosophy is rooted in creating a "green economy and society," managing natural and cultural resources effectively, and instilling a strong sense of social and environmental responsibility in its graduates. This vision aligns powerfully with the core principles of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The curriculum is a direct contributor to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by focusing on sustainable tourism practices that create jobs and promote local culture. It also strongly supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through dedicated courses on Sustainable Tourism Management, Community-based Tourism, and Cultural Heritage Tourism Management, which emphasize the preservation of heritage and the responsible use of resources. Furthermore, the program fosters a global perspective essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by preparing students to work in a multicultural environment and understand regional dynamics, such as in ASEAN. By addressing cultural diversity and social inclusion, the curriculum aligns with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Through its focus on innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, it also supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). As a comprehensive higher education program that includes mandatory professional experience through cooperative education, it is a clear embodiment of SDG 4 (Quality Education), equipping graduates with the skills and ethical framework needed to build a resilient and sustainable global tourism sector.

        Bachelor of Arts Program in Tourism Management (International Program) of Khon Kaen University (KKU) has driven the mission to cultivate "World-Responsible Tourism Reformers" who are professionally equipped to precisely cope with complex global challenges, particularly the rapid changes in the market and digital technology.
        The core of the curriculum is the laying of the foundation for Outcome-Based Education (OBE), combined with a focus on creating real experience to enable students to intelligently integrate knowledge from core courses to solve problems in the tourism industry. Key core courses include Hotel Management, Sustainable Tourism Management (which is central to creating an eco-friendly business model), Tour Arranging and the Art of Guidebook Writing (which blends storytelling skills with tour management), and the course series Foreign Languages for the Tourism Industry, covering both English and Chinese, to serve as a gateway for communication in international forums.
        This strategic focus has resulted in the evident outcome of producing graduates with international-level operational skills in the tourism industry and the ability to effectively work in a multicultural environment. These capabilities are key mechanisms that generate a sustainable impact on the country's service and tourism sector by elevating standards to be internationally recognized and creating a tourism model that truly considers environmental and social impact.
        The curriculum activity is therefore clearly strategically aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Best Practices

Food and Beverage Outing Project

        The Khon Kaen University’s Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Management (International Program), has developed a well-structured and continuous integrated teaching approach that effectively combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience. For example, the course 054 432 Bar and Restaurant Management and other related subjects. During the 2024-2025 academic year, many learning activities have been organized to foster graduates to become well’equipped with academic expertise, professional skills, and a strong sense of social and environmental responsibility. The operation activities are, the food and Beverage Outing Project (held on December 2, 2025, at Ad Lib Khon Kaen Hotel), which provide students with hands-on experience in managing food and beverage operations in a real business environment. The Guest Speaker initiative in the IC 214203 English for Current Issues in Tourism course (April 24, 2025, at the Science Museum), it’s about experts in language and tourism marketing sharing their real-world insights. The Seminar in Tourism Management Miss Aqua International (November 9 and 15, 2024, at the KKU Cultural and Art Center and Art Gallery), is about students creating projects related to tourism which promote the Loy Krathong cultural festival for the local community. The TM Domestic Field Trip (April 25 and May 9-11, 2025, traveling the Khon Kaen-Bangkok route via Nakhon Ratchasima and Ayutthaya), this provide students with first aid training and professional tour guide practice in real setting to prepare them for legal certification. And last but not least the Wellness Project (November 19-27, 2024, spending five days at the Joint Learning and Basic Skills Development Building), where students use their knowledge of health tourism and wellbeing to develop wellness plans within the university community.
        These initiatives have led to the positive result such as students receive direct work experience in real business setting, foster their English communication skills in tourism field, learning from successful experts and entrepreneurs, enhance leadership and teamwork skills through organizing major events, gaining the important skills and knowledge needed to work effectively as a tour guide, and applying academic knowledge to generate valuable community and social contributions. The bigger positive impact includes establishing the quality of Tourism Management graduates, create them to be competitive in the national and international labor markets; fostering a sustainable tourism industry by developing skilled personnel with a sense of social and environmental; preserving and promoting local cultural heritage; developing wellness and quality of life for university and surrounding communities; and create networking partnerships among educational institutions, tourism businesses, and local communities to drive sustainable development of tourism in the Northeastern region.
        The activities form previous clearly related and completely support multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The three goals that have the most impact are: SDG 4: Quality Education, which is directly addressed by all the activities through delivery of inclusive, quality education and lifelong learning opportunities focusing on learning through hands-on experiences and guidance from specialists and necessary skills for 21st-century careers. This aligns with THE Impact Ranking indicators, such as "Pedagogical commitment", "Lifelong learning measure", and "First-generation students". SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. It is about preparing students with skills and knowledge which are related to industry, promoting quality employment and productivity, and encouraging sustainable economic growth through responsible tourism development. These reflect the indicators like "Employment practice", "Graduate employment rates", and "Work placements and apprenticeships". Last but not least, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, it is display about active collaboration between Khon Kaen university, tourism industry as stakeholders (including Ad Lib Khon Kaen Hotel and various tourist destinations), marketing and tourism communication experts, and local communities to develop human resources and the tourism sector. This reflects with the indicators such as "Relationships to support the goals", "Cross-sector collaboration", and "Education for the SDGs".
        Moreover, these initiatives also contribute to other SDGs including SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, through the Wellness Project and first aid training; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by promoting sustainable tourism and cultural heritage conservation; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, about via education on sustainable food and beverage management; and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, which about fostering peaceful and inclusive communities through cultural activities.
        Overall, Khon Kaen University's Tourism Management curriculum exemplifies the combined application of experiential learning with sustainable social, economic, and environmental impacts. It indicates the university's commitment to producing graduates who are knowledgeable, equipped with 21st-century skills, and aware of their responsibilities toward sustainable and socially accountable tourism development. Moreover, it highlights the importance of cross-sector partnerships to advance sustainable development locally, nationally, and globally.