Dhananjana Morayes

Master of International Hospitality Management student

She chose the Master of International Hospitality Management because of her deep passion for the hospitality industry and a desire to expand her knowledge on a global scale, says Dhananjana Morayes who came to AUT as an international student from Sri Lanka.

“Having gained practical experience and foundational education in hospitality management, I believe that this degree will enhance my understanding of both the theoretical and operational aspects of the field. The programme’s emphasis on sustainability and innovation also aligns with my career goals. I chose AUT because of its strong industry connections, global reputation and focus on practical learning. The multicultural environment of Auckland, combined with AUT's close ties to New Zealand’s renowned hospitality sector, offers a unique learning experience.”

It’s a decision she certainly hasn’t regretted, and she says she would highlight recommend the Master of International Hospitality Management to anyone interested in a career in this field.

“I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to engage with a wide range of thought-provoking and industry-relevant subjects, from sustainability leadership to contemporary issues in tourism and event employment. Overall, the diverse course offerings at AUT have allowed me to develop a holistic view of hospitality management, which has been both challenging and rewarding.

“The Master of International Hospitality Management at AUT not only provides a solid academic foundation but also offers real-world insights through its practical, industry-focused approach. The courses are designed to address current trends and challenges in the global hospitality industry, ensuring that students are well-prepared for leadership roles. AUT's supportive and multicultural learning environment, access to experienced lecturers and strong connections to industry professionals make it an ideal place for students to grow both personally and professionally.”

Exploring travel decision-making
For her master’s degree research, Dhananjana is exploring how visual content and reviewer categories influence consumers' booking intentions on platforms like TripAdvisor. Her research is supervised by Dr Abrar Faisal from AUT’s School of Hospitality and Tourism.

“As online reviews play an increasingly influential role in the travel decision-making process, it’s important to understand how formats like text, images, videos or 360-degree visuals, and host-generated and consumer-generated content affect consumer trust and the likelihood of booking.

“I chose this topic because of my passion for understanding consumer behaviour in the hospitality industry, particularly in the digital space. I believe this research could help hotel marketers optimise their online presence. By understanding which visual formats and sources of reviews foster the highest levels of trust, businesses can enhance their customer engagement and increase booking rates. The findings could also benefit online review platforms like TripAdvisor, helping them improve user experience and trustworthiness, ultimately leading to higher consumer confidence.”

Expecting to complete her studies in mid-2025, Dhananjana says she plans to leverage the knowledge from her studies to pursue leadership roles in the hospitality industry, either internationally or back in Sri Lanka.

“My aim is to work with prominent hotels or resorts, focusing on customer experience management and sustainability practices. Ultimately, I envision myself in a hotel management role where I can contribute to shaping innovative and sustainable hospitality operations. I’d also like to continue contributing to the academic community by sharing insights from my research to improve the industry's digital marketing and customer engagement strategies.”

Advice for other students
Dhananjana’s advice for other students is simple: embrace every learning opportunity and stay curious.

“The hospitality industry is dynamic and constantly evolving, so keeping up with the latest trends and being open to new ideas is crucial. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek guidance from your lecturers, and actively participate in projects or internships that challenge you to apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings.”

Make the most of networking opportunities, she adds.

“Building a strong network of peers and professionals during your time at university will be invaluable as you progress in your career.”