Speaker
Dr. Ali Akaak, Fulbright Visiting Scholar, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona;
Assistant Professor of Business and Tourism, College of Economics and Business --Administration, University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), Oman;
Associate Editor, Cogent Social Sciences – Global Hospitality and Tourism
Assistant Professor of Business and Tourism, College of Economics and Business --Administration, University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), Oman;
Associate Editor, Cogent Social Sciences – Global Hospitality and Tourism
When
Sept. 14, 2026, Noon – 1 p.m.
Where
LOCATION: ENR2 S210; contact Ruth (ruthholladay@arizona.edu) for Zoom link.
DATE/TIME: Monday, September 14th, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
DESCRIPTION:
This talk explores Oman’s environmental sustainability and conservation initiatives, key challenges, and community engagement, with particular attention to the work of the Environment Society of Oman (ESO), where I serve as an Executive Board Member. Drawing on my experience as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at the University of Arizona, the session also highlights the value of knowledge exchange between Oman and the United States.
SPEAKER BIO:
Dr. Ali Akaak is a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at the School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, and an Assistant Professor of Business and Tourism at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), Oman. He holds a PhD in Tourism Management and Development from the University of Exeter, United Kingdom.
Dr. Ali Akaak is a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at the School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, and an Assistant Professor of Business and Tourism at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), Oman. He holds a PhD in Tourism Management and Development from the University of Exeter, United Kingdom.
With more than 20 years of academic and professional experience, his work focuses on sustainable tourism development, destination governance and management, ecotourism and nature-based tourism, destination competitiveness, tourism policy, and strategic economic diversification. His research also explores emerging areas including artificial intelligence and smart tourism governance, visitor management, carrying capacity, and the role of tourism in environmental conservation and community development.
As a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at the University of Arizona, Dr. Akaak is currently conducting research on “Strategic Tourism Marketing and American Travelers’ Perceptions of Long-Haul Destinations: A U.S. Market Strategy Framework.” His research examines American travelers’ awareness, perceptions, motivations, preferences, and decision-making regarding international and long-haul destinations, with particular attention to Oman. The study aims to develop a strategic framework for positioning Oman more effectively in the U.S. travel market while contributing to sustainable destination development and strengthening tourism and people-to-people connections between Oman and the United States.
Dr. Akaak is actively engaged with professional and academic organizations at both the national and international levels. His memberships include the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the International Association of Scientific Experts in Tourism (AIEST), the World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage (WTACH), and the Oman Tourism Association (OTA). He also serves as an Associate Editor for Cogent Social Sciences – Global Hospitality and Tourism.
During his Fulbright appointment, he has also been actively engaged in academic exchange, research collaboration, and knowledge sharing with universities and professional institutions in the United States. His broader work seeks to connect tourism development with sustainability, conservation, effective governance, destination competitiveness, and long-term socioeconomic development.
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Contacts
Ruth Holladay