Research Methods
As a researcher, I deploy targeted methods to get actionable insights: Surveys (personal/QR-code/social media-enabled to understand visitor feedback and quantify trends), In-Depth Interviews (uncovering local stakeholder perspectives and reveal ‘why’ behind data), Field Research (direct observation of real-world behaviors in tourism settings to capture authentic interactions), and Controlled Experiments (testing interventions like volunteer programs or application of new tourism attractions).
For example, I used a two-phase survey (pre- and post-visit) to identify gaps between tourist expectations and experiences of the destination. I assessed whether volunteer events (like the Ocean Initiative) could both enhance authentic visitor experiences and attract responsible tourists while reducing ocean pollution while conducting surveys, having in-depth interviews with industry partners and conducting field research when I organised a real ocean clean up event.