Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Jeetesh Kumar’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in business administration. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree from Hamdard University, Pakistan, in 2006. Recognizing the importance of further education in shaping his career, Dr. Kumar pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Marketing at the same institution, graduating in 2008. His passion for learning and a keen interest in hospitality and tourism led him to explore opportunities abroad. In 2012, Dr. Kumar completed a Professional Master’s degree in International Tourism & Hospitality Management, a dual program offered by the University of Toulouse 2 Le Mirail, France, and Taylor’s University, Malaysia. This diverse educational background equipped Dr. Kumar with a unique perspective on global business practices and the tourism industry.

Further advancing his academic credentials, Dr. Kumar pursued and completed a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Hospitality & Tourism at Taylor’s University, Malaysia, in 2015. His doctoral studies allowed him to delve deep into economic impacts, economic modeling, and behavioral studies within the hospitality sector, laying the groundwork for his future research endeavors.

Professional Endeavors and Leadership Roles

Dr. Kumar’s professional career is marked by a series of impactful roles that demonstrate his commitment to academia and research. Beginning as a Research Assistant at the Graduate School of Hospitality and Tourism, Taylor’s University, Malaysia, in 2010, he quickly progressed to more significant roles. By 2011, he became a Junior Research Officer for a Business Tourism Project at the Centre for Research and Innovation in Tourism (CRiT), focusing on data collection and analysis for the Kuala Lumpur and Convention Centre. His expertise in business tourism continued to grow as he transitioned to a Senior Research Officer for a similar project with the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau from 2012 to 2015.

His teaching career began in earnest in 2012 when he took on a Tutorship role at Taylor’s University, where he lectured on various subjects and supervised undergraduate theses. By 2015, Dr. Kumar had moved to HELP University, Malaysia, as a Lecturer, continuing his work in the School of Hospitality and Tourism, where he also advised the HELP Tour Club, fostering a practical learning environment for students.

In 2017, Dr. Kumar’s career took a significant leap forward when he became a Senior Lecturer in Tourism at the School of Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Taylor’s University. His role expanded to include undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, curriculum development, and significant administrative responsibilities such as chairing the Postgraduate Research Colloquium and Postgraduate Research Seminar. Dr. Kumar’s leadership was further recognized with his appointment as the Head of Research (Acting) at the Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management, where he played a crucial role in developing research strategies, fostering collaborations, and guiding faculty research.

His influence extended beyond his university as he took on roles such as Associate Director of Information Management & Documentation at CRiT, Associate Editor of the Asia-Pacific Journal of Innovation in Hospitality and Tourism (APJIHT), and Regional Editor for Central, Western, and South Asia at the Event Management Journal. These roles underscore Dr. Kumar’s leadership and his dedication to advancing research in tourism and hospitality on both a regional and international scale.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Kumar’s research interests are broad and impactful, focusing on economic impacts, economic modeling, behavioral studies, and quantitative research. Throughout his career, he has been deeply involved in research that explores the economic implications of tourism and hospitality, employing advanced modeling techniques to predict and analyze industry trends. His work often intersects with behavioral studies, examining how consumer behavior influences and is influenced by the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Dr. Kumar’s research contributions have not only added to the academic discourse but have also had practical implications, particularly in the context of Malaysia’s tourism industry. His role in various research projects has helped shape policy and business strategies within the tourism and hospitality sectors, making his work highly relevant to both academia and industry stakeholders.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Kumar’s dedication to his field has been recognized through numerous accolades and certifications. He has earned certifications in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace, as well as Post-Crisis Leadership from the University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business, USA, in 2020 and 2021, respectively. These certifications highlight his commitment to not only advancing his technical skills but also to understanding the broader social and leadership dynamics that are crucial in today’s globalized business environment.

In 2019, he also received a Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA) from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) and Smith Travel Research (STR), which further underscores his expertise in hospitality analytics. Additionally, his Executive Certificate in Business and Public Event Management from Event Training Australia and Taylor’s University, Malaysia, adds to his diverse skill set, equipping him with the knowledge to manage large-scale events effectively.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Kumar’s influence extends far beyond the classroom and research labs. As the Hub Leader for Responsible Tourism for Inclusive Economic Growth at the Sustainable Tourism Impact Lab, Taylor’s University, he is at the forefront of promoting sustainable tourism practices that contribute to economic growth while ensuring inclusivity. His work in this area is vital for developing tourism strategies that are not only profitable but also socially responsible and environmentally sustainable.

His editorial roles at prestigious journals and his involvement in various academic committees demonstrate his commitment to shaping the future of tourism and hospitality research. Dr. Kumar is not only contributing to the academic community through his research but is also mentoring the next generation of scholars, ensuring that his knowledge and experience are passed on to future leaders in the field.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Kumar’s career trajectory suggests that his contributions to the field of tourism and hospitality will continue to grow. His leadership in research and academia positions him to make lasting contributions to the industry, particularly in the areas of sustainable tourism and economic modeling. As he continues to mentor young researchers and lead significant research projects, Dr. Kumar’s influence is likely to extend even further, leaving a lasting legacy in the academic world and beyond.

Dr. Kumar’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and academic excellence ensures that his work will remain relevant and impactful for years to come. His vision for a tourism industry that balances economic growth with social and environmental responsibility sets a high standard for future research and practice in the field.