Name Michael LAI Tin Hang
Title Assistant Professor
Address Rm A511, 5/F, 2 Chui Ling Lane, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories
Telephone 3702 4576
Email thlai@sfu.edu.hk
School Rita Tong Liu School of Business and Hospitality Management
Department Department of Business and Hospitality Management

Biography

Michael is an Assistant Professor at Rita Tong Liu School of Business and Hospitality Management, Saint Francis University (SFU). Prior to his academic career, he gained professional experience in the travel and tourism industry. He later returned to academia, earning a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Tourism Management, followed by a Master of Philosophy in Tourism Management, both from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

In 2017, Michael shifted his academic focus from tourism to Asia Pacific Studies by pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Japan. This transition enabled him to incorporate sustainable management practices and humanities perspectives into the field of tourism. Throughout his academic career, he has been recognized with international awards and scholarships, reflecting his significant contributions and dedication to the discipline.

[Education]

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Asia Pacific Studies, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan

Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong

Teaching

Michael's teaching expertise includes tourism marketing, tourist behaviour, community-based tourism, and quantitative analysis. He has taught hospitality and tourism courses in Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan, accumulating substantial experience across these diverse educational settings.

At SFU, Michael is responsible for teaching various tourism-related subjects. He has a strong interest in mobile learning and regularly integrates interactive games into his teaching methods.

[Teaching Experience]

2023 – Now Assistant Professor, Saint Francis University
2022 – 2023 Assistant Professor, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau
2022 – 2023 Part Time Lecturer, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan
2012 – 2017 Assistant Instructor, Lingnan University
2010 – 2012 Part Time Tutor, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Research

[Research Interests]

Michael has published more than 20 papers in journals, book chapter and conference proceedings. His research interests include tourist behavior, tourism education, community-based tourism, and tourist well-being.

[Ad Hoc Reviewers]

Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research [SSCI-listed, Q2], Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights [ESCI-listed, Q1], Leisure Sciences [SSCI-listed, Q2], World Leisure Journal [ESCI-listed, Q3], Journal of China Tourism Research [ESCI-listed, Q3], International Journal of Tourism Policy [ABDC-listed, C], Journal of Foodservice Business Research, Asia Pacific Tourism Association.

Selected Publications

[Journal Articles]

  1. Lai, M.T.H., & Vafadari, K. M. (2025). Understanding multi-phase tourist satisfaction. Tourism Analysis, 30(2), 123-138. https://doi.org/10.3727/108354224X17209729214502 (ABDC – Grade A)

  2. Lai, M.T.H., Yeung, E., Ching, L.K.W., & Li, B.M. (2024). Student-led live broadcast tour: An elevated learning journey for tourism students. SN Computer Science, 5(461). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42979-024-02729-0 [Scopus]
  3. Ching, L.K.W., Lee, C.Y.K., Wong, C.K.P., Lai, M.T.H., & Lip, A. (2023). Assessing Zoom learning experience of the elderly under the effects of COVID in Hong Kong: Application of the IPO model. Interactive Technology and Smart Education, 20(3), 367-384. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITSE-12-2022-0184. [ESCI- Q1]
  4. Lai, M.T.H., Yeung, E., & Leung, R. (2023). Understanding tourists' policing attitudes and travel intentions towards a destination during an ongoing social movement. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, 6(2), 874-891. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHTI-11-2021-0312. [ESCI- Q1]
  5. Tsang, N. K. F., Lai, M.T.H., & Law, R. (2010). Measuring e-service quality for online travel agencies. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 27(3), 306-323. https://doi.org/10.1080/10548401003744743. [SSCI- Q1]

[Book Chapter]

Vafadari, K. M., Yotsumoto, Y., & Lai, M.T.H. (2024). Agriheritage tourism. In J. Jafari, & H. Xiao. (Eds). Encyclopedia of Tourism. SpringerLink. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01669-6_814-1  

[Research Projects]

Lai, M.T.H., Yeung, E., & Ip, K. (2024). HKD 93,540. The path to well-being: Unravelling the healing potential of travel through a longitudinal study. Funded from Saint Francis University (IDG230115).

Lau, C. Y. L., Lai, M. T. H., Lee, J, L. M., & Tse, D, P. M. (2024). HKD 18,780. Green and Healthy: Exploring the impact of environmental and health consciousness on plant-based meat consumption. Funded from College of Professional and Continuing Education (BHM-2024-316(J)).

[Conference Papers]

  1. Ly, T.P., Lai, M.T.H., Yeung, E., & Morris, L. (2025). Important Factors Influencing Museum Experiences of Visitors with ADHD: A Preliminary Study from Macao. 2025 APacChrie Conference, Chiang Mai, Thailand. May 27 – 30, 2025.

  2. Lai, M.T.H., Yeung, E., & Ip, K. (2025). Boosters, decliners, or invariants: Preliminary results on the impact of travel on well-being. Global Hospitality and Tourism Research Summit, Fukuoka, Japan. May 15 – 18, 2025.

  3. Lee, Y.S.L., Lai, M.T.H., & Vafadari, K. (2024). A residents' behavioral intention towards tourism in Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems. 2024 APacChrie Conference, Seoul, South Korea. May 24 – 26, 2024.
  4. Lai, M.T.H., Vafadari, K. M., & Oribe, M. (2023). Chronic disease and tourism. Travel behavior of people with rheumatoid arthritis. The 3rd Global Congress of Special Interest Tourism & Hospitality, Macau SAR, China. November 10 – 12, 2023.
  5. Ching, L.K.W., Lai, M.T.H., & Yeung, E. (2023). Enriching the learning experience of tourism students through live broadcasting tour. The 2023 International Conference on Open and Innovative Education, Hong Kong SAR, China. July 4 – 6, 2023.
  6. Lai, M.T.H., & Yeung, E. (2023). Is travel healing? Evidence from a longitudinal study. Asia Pacific Tourism Association Annual Conference 2023, Chiang Mai, Thailand. July 5 – 7, 2023.
  7. Lai, M.T.H. (2020). Travel motivation: Literature review and research agenda. 18th Asia Pacific Conference, Beppu, Japan. November 14 – 15, 2020.
  8. Lai, M.T.H. (2019). The new generation in the industry: Hospitality and tourism undergraduates’ perceptions of need for learning foreign languages in their future careers. 17th Asia Pacific Conference, Beppu, Japan. November 30 Nov – December 01, 2019.
  9. Lai, M.T.H. (2019). Direct and indirect effects of time perspective on tourist's revisit intention. Asia Pacific Tourism Association Annual Conference 2019, Da Nang, Vietnam. July 01 – 04, 2019.
  10. Lai, M.T.H., & Vafadari, K. (2019). A comparative study of domestic and international hospitality and tourism students’ perceptions towards the needs for learning foreign languages: A case study of Japan. 2019 APacChrie & EuroChrie Joint Conference, Hong Kong, China. May 22 – 25, 2019.
  11. Lai, M.T.H. (2018). The role of online experience sharing and tourist satisfaction in satisfaction with life: A case of university students in Hong Kong. 16th Asia Pacific Conference, Beppu, Japan. December 1 – 2, 2018.
  12. Lai, M.T.H. (2018). Direct and indirect effects of time perspective on tourist’s re-visit intention. 2018 International Conference on Hospitality, Tourism, and Sports Management, Tokyo, Japan. August 22 – 24, 2018.
  13. Lo, I.S., Siu, G., Lai, M.T.H., & Lee, L.Y.S. (2012). Tourist’s interpretation of rumor and its consequential behaviour. TOSOK International Conference, Ulsan, Korea. July 4 – 6 2012.
  14. Chan, G.K.Y., & Lai, M.T.H. (2011). Understanding climate change, carbon-offsetting and their impacts on travel behavior. Joint Symposium on the 7th Biennial Symposium on the Consumer Psychology of Tourism, Hospitality, and Leisure of the International Academy of Culture, Tourism, and Hospitality Research, and 2nd International Symposium on Sustainable Tourism Management, Chiang Mai, Thailand. May 24 – 27, 2011.
  15. Lai, M.T.H., & Chan, A. (2011). The role of online sharing of travel experiences, self-congruity, and functional congruity in developing tourist satisfaction: A study of university students in Hong Kong. 9th APacChrie Conference, Hong Kong, China. June 2 – 5, 2011.
  16. Lai, M.T.H., & Chan, G.K.Y (2011). Measuring and relating internship learning outcomes with students’ learning styles. 9th APacChrie Conference, Hong Kong, China. June 2 – 5, 2011.
  17. Lai, M.T.H., & Chan, A. (2011). Quality of online experience sharing, self-congruity, functional congruity and tourist satisfaction: An integrative model. 3rd International Conference Special Interest Tourism and Destination Management, Kathmandu, Nepal. April 27 – 30, 2011.

[Academic Awards]

2025 Outstanding Paper Award: The Third Place – Global Hospitality and Tourism Research Summit, Fukuoka. May 15 – 18.
2017 – 2020 100% APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship – Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
2017 – 2018 Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students – Japan Student Services Organization
2013 Boeing Master Student Research Award – Travel and Tourism Research Association
2011 Best Paper Award – Joint Symposium on the 7th Biennial Symposium on the Consumer Psychology of Tourism, Hospitality, and Leisure of the International Academy of Culture, Tourism, and Hospitality Research, and 2nd International Symposium on Sustainable Tourism Management, Chiang Mai, Thailand. May 24 – 27.
2010 – 2012 Master Student Research Studentships (Full bursary studentship) – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
[Media]

黎天恒. (2024, 16 December). 主題酒店 － 酒店發展新趨勢. 香港電台CIBS節目：星級酒店. https://www.rthk.hk/radio/pth/programme/p1934_hotels

黎天恒. (2024, 27 September) 畢業生搵工焦慮指數持續攀升 聖方濟各大學助理教授為大家解答求職難題. CT Goodjobs.

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