Amira Fathimath

Originally from the MaIdives, I came to New Zealand three years ago with an offer to study for Master of Philosophy in Tourism at AUT/NZTRI. Before that I had completed Bachelor of Philosophy and Master of Arts in Hospitality Management through the University College of Birmingham, UK. I finished my MPhil at NZTRI in 2009 and graduated in December of the same year. By January 2010 I had applied for PhD and was accepted. Now while studying for PhD fulltime, I work part-time as a tourism tutor at Royal Business College.

My PhD will focus on the tourism of Matakana (about 50 minutes north of Auckland).  Tourism industry is constantly striving towards sustainability. But competitiveness is the vital factor in tourism that keeps operators in the game. In order to maintain a position in the market, sustainability and competitiveness have to go hand in hand. My research will look into ways that can optimise sustainable competitiveness in the tourism industry.

When I finished my MPhil here in NZTRI, I was certain I would continue to the next level. I had no doubt at all where I would be doing it. The fact that I moved on to PhD straight after graduating speaks for the confidence I have in NZTRI and especially in my supervisors, for the support and advice that I would need during the course of my PhD. I enjoy working in NZTRI.