Assoc Prof Dr. Mohan Li | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Guangdong University of Finance and economics, China

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Professional Endeavors 🧑‍🏫

Currently serving as a lecturer in Tourism Management at the School of Cultural Tourism and Geography, Guangdong University of Finance & Economics, Mohan Li has taken on multifaceted responsibilities that extend far beyond classroom instruction. He plays a key role in delivering comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate modules that span tourism marketing, tourist behavior, wine tasting, visual culture in tourism, and research methods. His teaching is marked by a clear commitment to academic excellence and pedagogical innovation.

Mohan is also deeply engaged in student support outside the classroom. He supervises academic projects and guides students through professional placements, national tourism competitions, and other experiential learning activities. His mentoring has inspired numerous students to pursue tourism studies more passionately, helping them bridge the gap between theory and industry practice. His vibrant teaching style and approachable demeanor have earned him a reputation as a respected and supportive educator among students and colleagues alike.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

At the heart of Mohan Li’s academic identity lies a strong commitment to research. His areas of inquiry are diverse yet interconnected, encompassing mobilities, tourism marketing, tourist behavior, material culture, and the aesthetics and politics of tourism visuality. His scholarly work examines how tourists perceive and interact with destinations, how visual and material cues affect tourist decisions, and how tourism marketing shapes both place identity and tourist expectations.

Mohan’s current research investigates the nuanced interplay between material culture and tourist experience, especially within the context of visual representation and digital media. By delving into how destinations are constructed, consumed, and remembered visually, he contributes to the evolving discourse on the image-based consumption of places in the age of Instagram and TikTok. This focus is timely and essential, given the increasing role that visuals play in global tourism narratives.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

While Mohan remains modest in demeanor, his efforts have not gone unnoticed. He has gained respect within the academic community for his contributions to innovative teaching and his forward-looking research. His involvement in national tourism student competitions as a mentor has led to student recognition at various levels. His dedication to curriculum development and student-centered teaching has also contributed significantly to the academic reputation of his faculty.

Though early in his academic career, Mohan has been praised for his interdisciplinary research perspectives and for introducing contemporary themes into tourism education, such as visual storytelling, digital tourism marketing, and the emotional geography of travel experiences.

Impact and Influence 🌏

Mohan Li’s influence is felt not only within the university but also in the broader field of tourism studies in China. His teaching has shaped the perspectives of future tourism professionals, marketers, and researchers. By equipping students with critical analytical tools and encouraging them to explore both traditional and modern dimensions of tourism, he plays a pivotal role in shaping tourism education in Guangdong and beyond.

In addition, his research is beginning to resonate with wider academic audiences, especially those interested in cultural geography, visual studies, and consumer behavior. Mohan’s focus on the aesthetics and affective dimensions of travel experiences reflects a progressive and culturally informed approach to tourism studies.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

Looking ahead, Mohan Li is poised to make further contributions to tourism academia and practice. His ongoing projects are set to expand current understandings of how visual representation and materiality intersect with tourist behavior. He is likely to play an important role in bridging the gap between academic research and the operational realities of tourism marketing, offering insights that are both theoretically grounded and practically applicable.

Moreover, Mohan’s collaborative spirit and interdisciplinary vision position him well for future leadership in research networks, curriculum reform, and tourism consultancy. His legacy will not only be in his publications or accolades, but also in the students he inspires, the colleagues he uplifts, and the industry practices he helps to innovate.