Simon Pawson

Associate Professor Simon Pawson is a Program Director for Business and Hospitality and Academic Director of the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School at Torrens University Australia. He holds a PhD in Sociology from the Australian National University and a Master’s in Tourism Management from Macquarie Graduate School of Management. His research focuses on leadership, sustainable tourism, community-based tourism in Cambodia, and social/environmental justice. He has led projects in Cambodia since 2002, including the Cambodian Sustainable Tourism Development Collaborative Project and sits on the Board of THE-ICE (International Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education).

• Education: PhD in Sociology (Australian National University), Master’s in Tourism Management (Macquarie Graduate School of Management)

Research interests emphasize community-driven tourism initiatives, hotel strategic management, and the intersection of tourism with human rights and wildlife conservation. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in education and sustainable development. Recent publications explore leadership dynamics in multi-generational hotel workforces and digital transformation in hospitality.

He advises PhD students on topics like leadership and sustainable tourism. Collaborative projects in Cambodia highlight his commitment to community development through tourism.