Rodney Westerlaken

Dr. Rodney Westerlaken is a Lecturer at the Hotel Management School Leeuwarden, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, and Editor-in-Chief of the Research in Hospitality Management journal. He holds a PhD in Cultural Studies from Universitas Udayana (2020) and master’s degrees in humanities, environmental studies, and education. His interdisciplinary research focuses on sustainability in hospitality, ethical tourism practices, volunteer engagement in child welfare institutions, and the socio-environmental impacts of tourism. Current projects include collaborations with Breda University of Applied Sciences on volunteerism in hospitality and research on dark tourism and governance. Dr. Westerlaken also founded the Westerlaken Foundation and serves as a Patron at Yayasan Westerlaken Alliance Indonesia, emphasizing philanthropy and community development.

His research spans topics such as wildlife tourism ethics, generation Z consumer behavior, and resilience in communities during crises. Notable contributions include studies on dolphin-watching tourism in Bali, flamingo tourism in the Dutch Caribbean, and the ethical implications of orphanage tourism. His work bridges academic rigor with practical solutions, advocating for socially responsible practices in hospitality and tourism sectors.

Dr. Westerlaken’s academic journey reflects a commitment to holistic education and problem-solving. He has published extensively on sustainability initiatives, employee motivation, and adaptive governance strategies. His recent articles highlight trends toward integrating ethical frameworks into tourism models and leveraging cultural heritage for sustainable development.