Justice-oriented tourism education

Advocacy for reforming Global North curricula with Global South knowledge for sustainability

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/hhs39r16

Keywords:

Tourism education, decolonization , Global South and North, sustainability, curriculum reform, social justice

Abstract

In an era calling for bold advocacy for radical transformations toward sustainability, Global North universities’ tourism curricula often overlook indigenous knowledge of the Global South, perpetuating unsustainable practices and exacerbating educational inequities. This study addresses the following question: How does justice-oriented tourism education integrate Global South perspectives to reform northern curricula for sustainability? Using a qualitative approach, the researcher conducted an ethnographic study with 7 indigenous individuals across the Global South and 12 Northern educators to assess impacts. The findings reveal that incorporating Global South perspectives, such as indigenous tourism models, enhances students’ cultural awareness and prepares them for sustainable tourism careers, although institutional resistance creates obstacles. This paper aims to advocate for justice-oriented curriculum reforms that empower Global South students, contributing to decolonial pedagogy and sustainable tourism education for inclusive and equitable global mobility. 

Author Biography

  • Chet Narayan Acharya, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand

    Chet Narayan Acharya, PhD. Scholar in Ecosystem Innovation Management for Sustainable Tourism, Faculty of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand. He contributes to the academic community as a member of various editorial boards of local and international journals. His research interests include development economics, sustainable tourism, community development and sociocultural resources. Mr. Acharya has extensive experience teaching economics, tourism, international business, and research methodology. He can be reached at: 6510930001@email.psu.ac.th   

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2025-09-14

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Vol. 15 No. 10 (2025): Journal of International Students

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How to Cite

Acharya, C. N. . (2025). Justice-oriented tourism education: Advocacy for reforming Global North curricula with Global South knowledge for sustainability. Journal of International Students, 15(10), 41-60. https://doi.org/10.32674/hhs39r16