Updated on 2025/06/21

写真a

 
Husna Zainal ABIDIN
 
Name of department
Faculty of Tourism, Department of Tourism
Job title
Associate Professor
Mail Address
E-mail address
External link

Education

  • 2016
    -
    2021

    University of Surrey, United Kingdom   School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management   PhD, Tourism Management  

    　View Remarks

    First student in the faculty to be accepted directly into the PhD program after the Bachelors Degree. Awarded a scholarship by the Faculty of Arts and Social Science, University of Surrey, United Kingdom

  • 2013
    -
    2016

    University of Surrey   School of Hospitality and Tourism Management   BSc (Hons) Tourism Management  

Degree

  • PhD   2021

  • BSc (Hons) Tourism Management   2016

Academic & Professional Experience

  • 2024.04
    -
    Now

    Wakayama University   Faculty of Tourism, Department of Tourism   Associate Professor

  • 2021.09
    -
    2024.03

    Wakayama University   Center for Tourism Research   Lecturer

  • 2020.01
    -
    2021.01

    University of Surrey   School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management   Teaching Fellow   Teaching Fellow

  • 2019.05
    -
    2019.07

    University of Surrey   School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management   Research Assistant

Association Memberships

  • 2024.01
    -
    Now

    Malaysia-Japan Academic Assosiation

  • 2023.06
    -
    2024.06

    Japan Tourism Management Association

  • 2022.05
    -
    2023.05

    Japan Society for Tourism Studies

  • 2018
    -
    2020

    International Federation for IT and Travel & Tourism (IFITT)

Research Areas

  • Humanities & social sciences / Tourism studies / Service Design, Technology in Tourism, Destination Management, Muslim Travel

Classes (including Experimental Classes, Seminars, Graduation Thesis Guidance, Graduation Research, and Topical Research)

  • 2024   Culture and thoughts in the age of Internationalization   Liberal Arts and Sciences Subjects

  • 2024   Principles of Tourism A   Specialized Subjects

  • 2024   Tourist Behavior   Specialized Subjects

  • 2023   Critical Tourism Issues B   Specialized Subjects

  • 2023   Culture and thoughts in the age of Internationalization   Liberal Arts and Sciences Subjects

Independent study

  • 2024   Tourist Behaviour and Destination Marketing in Kansai Prefecture

Classes

  • 2024   Destination Field-Research  

  • 2024   Current Situations of Tourism Destinations  

  • 2024   Tourism Marketing Research(M)   Master's Course

  • 2023   Tourism Marketing Research(M)   Master's Course

Papers and Awards Received Related to Improving Education

  • 2024   Faculty of Tourism Award   Faculty of Tourism, Wakayama University   Domestic

Research Interests

  • Technology and Tourism

  • Tourism Management

  • Muslim travel

  • Service Design

Published Papers

  • Convincingness of AI-Generated Restaurant Reviews

    Aarni Tuomi, Husna Zainal Abidin, Pasi Tuominen, Mário Passos Ascenção

    Information and Communication Technologies in Tourism 2025     2025.05  [Refereed]

    DOI

  • Digital cultural tourism: older adults’ acceptance and use of digital cultural tourism services

    Aarni Tuomi, Elina Moreira Kares, Husna Zainal Abidin

    Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism ( Informa UK Limited )    1 - 22   2023.09  [Refereed]

    DOI

  • The antecedents of digital collaboration through an enhanced digital platform for destination management: A micro-DMO perspective

    Husna Zainal-Abidin, Caroline Scarles, Christine Lundberg （Part： Lead author,　Corresponding author )

    Tourism Management     2023.06  [Refereed]

    DOI

  • Exploring preferable climate futures in tourism

    Husna ZAINAL ABIDIN, Aarni TUOMI （Part： Lead author )

    Wakayama Tourism Review ( Center for Tourism Research )  6   36 - 38   2025.04  [Refereed]

    　View Summary

    The article highlights the importance of older adults as key contributors to climate change mitigation solutions. In conjunction with younger generations, their involvement is crucial for fostering sustainable tourism futures. The paper outlines a research project focused on understanding the perspectives of local residents in Finland and Japan regarding sustainable tourism in 2034. Employing a multimethod approach, including qualitative surveys, co-creation workshops, and AI-generated virtual galleries, the project seeks to inform tourism policy and business practices. The findings are expected to offer insights for community-led tourism development and the role of emerging technologies in visualizing preferable futures.

    DOI

  • Book Review: Digital Transformation and Innovation in Tourism Events, edited by Azizul Hassan.

    Victoria-Ann Verkerk, Husna Zainal Abidin

    Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management     2024.12  [Refereed]

    DOI

  • Getting Smart? A Research Note into Smart Tourism Curriculum and Implications on Generation Alpha and Beta

    Aaron Tham, Husna Zainal Abidin （Part： Last author )

    Journal of Smart Tourism   3 ( 1 ) 35 - 39   2023.03  [Refereed]

    DOI

  • Older Adults’ Perceptions of Digital Cultural Tourism in ‘Super-Aged’ Nations: The Case of Finland and Japan

    Aarni Tuomi, Elina Moreira Kares （Part： Lead author,　Corresponding author )

    Information and Communication Technologies in Tourism 2023 ( Springer Nature Switzerland )    361 - 366   2023

    　View Summary

    <jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Older adults have been recognized as a key tourist segment for cultural tourism. Despite the growing population of older adults, limited research have explored their experiences and needs within digital cultural experiences. Therefore, this research note takes on an exploratory approach in understanding older adults’ perceptions towards digital cultural experiences in the context of two ‘super-aged’ nations: Finland and Japan. The findings illustrate that differences do exist, and that Finnish older adults are found to be more open to technology-use in the context of digital cultural experiences than their Japanese counterparts. Implications for e-tourism research and management are discussed.</jats:p>

    DOI

  • Addressing water scarcity in the Japanese tourism sector: A pro-environmental behaviour approach

    Husna Zainal Abidin （Part： Lead author )

    Wakayama Tourism Review   3   40 - 43   2022.03  [Refereed]  [Invited]

    DOI

  • A review of tourism impacts and strategies: An introduction to Wakayama Tourism Review Volume 2

    Husna ZAINAL ABIDIN （Part： Lead author )

    Wakayama Tourism Review   2   5 - 6   2022.03  [Refereed]  [Invited]

    DOI

  • Reconceptualisation of digital cultures of DMOs through an enhanced digital platform

    Husna Zainal Abidin

        2021

  • Micro-mobilities in curated spaces: agency, autonomy and dwelling in visitor experiences of augmented reality in arts and heritage

    Caroline Scarles, Helen Treharne, Matthew Casey, Husna Zainal Abidin

    Mobilities ( Informa UK Limited )  15 ( 6 ) 776 - 791   2020.09  [Refereed]

    DOI

  • Digital Collaboration: A Solution for Destinations

    Husna Zainal Abidin （Part： Lead author )

    e-Review of Tourism Research   16 ( 2/3 ) 205 - 214   2019.01  [Refereed]

  • Inferences and Decision Heuristics in Peer-to-Peer Accommodation Booking

    Chen, Yujia, Liu, Shasha, Tussyadiah, Iis, Abidin, Husna Zainal, Zarezadeh, Zara （Part： Last author )

    ENTER 2019   16 ( 2/3 )   2019.01  [Refereed]

  • Digital Futures: Augmented Reality in Arts and Heritage

    Husna Zainal Abidin

    ( University of Surrey )    2019

▼display all

Books etc

Misc

  • High tech, high touch, high hospitality

    Tuomi, Aa, Ascenção, M. P, Zainal Abidin, H （Part： Last author )

    ( Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences )    2022.03  [Invited]

    　View Summary

    Technology does not replace the human experience, but in fact, should only complement the hospitality service. This article discusses how in high-hospitality, technology and people dance together as high-touch is matched with high-tech.

  • Digital Futures: Augmented Reality in Arts and Heritage, University of Surrey (in partnership with Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village & Smartify)

    Scarles, C, Zainal Abidin, H, Bailey, E, Helen, T

        2019  [Invited]

Awards & Honors

  • Best Paper Award

    Winner： Kaede Sano, Caroline Scarles

    2023.12   Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) Asia Pacific Chapter   Exploring tourists’ perceptions on the use of generative AI: Using ChatGPT for travel planning to Japan

  • Doctoral Studentship

    2016.09   University of Surrey, United Kingdom  

Conference Activities & Talks

  • DMO Visit Surrey and DMOs in Japan

    Husna ZAINAL ABIDIN  [Invited]

    Tourism Destination Management [MAN3230], University of Surrey  2025.02.17   University of Surrey

  • Unlocking Japan’s Potential in Muslim-Friendly Tourism

    Husna ZAINAL ABIDIN  [Invited]

    CATS Tourism Online Forum Series (TOFS) vol.44  2025.01.17   Center for Advanced Tourism Studies, Hokkaido University

  • Supporting Early Career Researchers in Tourism

    Husna ZAINAL ABIDIN  [Invited]

    4th ATLAS-Critical Tourism Studies Asia Pacific Conference  2025.01.14   (Hainan University-Arizona State University Joint International Tourism College (HAITC))  4th ATLAS-Critical Tourism Studies Asia Pacific Conference

  • Exploring Muslim Friendly Tourism Development for Regional Revitalisation in Japan: A Visitor Perspective

    Husna ZAINAL ABIDIN  [Invited]

    International Conference on Halal and Fatwa (ICCoHaF)  2024.09.19   (Nilai Springs Resort Hotel)  Institute of Fatwa and Halal (IFFAH), Universiti Sains Islam, Malaysia

  • Preferable Futures For Tourism Development: Local Host Perspective From Japan And Malaysia

     [Invited]

    Malaysia Japan Visionaries Conference 2024  2024.09.15   (University of Tokyo)  Malaysia Japan Academic Association

  • Does Generative Artificial Intelligence Emotionally Influence The Travel Planning Experience Of Tourist? Comparing Traditional Information Searching Process With Chatgpt.

    Husna ZAINAL ABIDIN, Kaede SANO  [Invited]

    Asia Pacific Tourism Association (APTA) 2024  2024.07.04   (Galaxy International Convention Center Andaz)  Asia Pacific Tourism Association

  • Exploring a Design Thinking Approach for Digital Collaboration in Sustainable Tourism Development

     [Invited]

    INTI International University Online Symposium – Exploring Digital and Sustainable Tourism  2023.12.15   (INTI International University Malaysia)  INTI International University Malaysia

  • Exploring tourists’ perceptions on the use of generative AI: Using ChatGPT for travel planning to Japan

    Kaede Sano, Caroline Scarles  [Invited]

    Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) Asia Pacific Annual Conference 2023  2023.12.02   (Sejong University, Seoul)  Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) Asia Pacific Chapter

  • Task-technology fit and Destination Management Organisation (DMO): A visitors’ perspective

    Husna Zainal Abidin

    The Japan Society of Tourism Business Research 5th Tourism Management Conference  2023.06.11  

  • Digital Collaboration in Tourism

    Husna Zainal Abidin  [Invited]

    Academic Research Lab  2023.05.24  

  • Digital technologies and pro-environmental behaviours in tourism

    Husna Zainal Abidin  [Invited]

    Open Space Research Forum 2023  2023.05.19  

  • Tourism Management and Japan

    Husna Zainal Abidin  [Invited]

    Centre for Japanology Studies Summer Programme 2023  2023.05.18  

  • Smart Tourism Research

     [Invited]

    The SEARA Program Batch 8, Southeast Asia Research Academy (SEARA)  2023.03.15  

  • Research in Tourism Seminar

     [Invited]

    Research in Tourism Seminar, Hanoi University Vietnam  2023.02.18  

  • Digital Tools to improve Research: Managing information, synthesizing literature, and writing academic papers

     [Invited]

    CTR Workshop Series for Students & Young Researchers  2023.01.17  

  • Exploring digital stakeholder management in the UK and tourism space in Japan

    Husna ZAINAL ABIDIN  [Invited]

    Tourism Industry and Practice  2022.11.30  

  • Intercultural Experiences of a Malaysian Female Muslim in the UK and Japan

    Husna ZAINAL ABIDIN  [Invited]

    Intercultural Communication Seminar, Universiti Teknologi MARA Malaysia  2022.11.27  

  • Life in Japan

     [Invited]

    Japanese Culture Summer Program 2022, Wakayama University Japan  2022.08.03  

  • Digital cultural tourism: Exploring elderly tourists’ acceptance and use of digital cultural services in ‘super-aged’ nations

    Husna ZAINAL ABIDIN, Aarni TUOMI, Elina MOREIRA KARES  [Invited]

    Japan Society for Tourism Studies  2022.07.03  

  • Exploring the Marginalization of Muslim Women: Future Tourism research

    Husna ZAINAL ABIDIN, Joseph CHEER  [Invited]

    Critical Tourism Studies  2022.06.30  

  • Exploring Digital Collaboration in Destinations

    Font, X, Zainal-Abidin, H, Ling, E, Kim H.R, Lin, G, Li, M, Hsu, C, Zhang, S  [Invited]

    Surrey-HKPU Joint Behavioural Science Seminar  2021.10.20   (Online)  Hong Kong Polytechnic University and University of Surrey

    　View Summary

    Presented at a joint workshop between HKPU and Surrey to share insights and knowledge on the use of biosensors in behavioral science research.

  • Using LEGO Serious Play to explore Host Perspectives on Preferable Tourism Futures

    Aarni TUOMI, Husna ZAINAL ABIDIN

    32nd ENTER Tourism Conference    (Wrocław)  International Federation for IT and Travel & Tourism

  • Convincingness of AI-generated Restaurant Reviews

    Aarni TUOMI, Husna ZAINAL ABIDIN

    32nd ENTER Tourism Conference    (Wrocław)  International Federation for IT and Travel & Tourism

  • Sustainable Tourism Development: Insights from Japan

    Husna ZAINAL ABIDIN  [Invited]

    Urban Renaissance. 3rd International Conference of Polytechnic University of the Philippines    (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)  Polytechnic University of the Philippines

  • Exploring Older Adults’ Views of Future Sustainable Destination Development

    Husna ZAINAL ABIDIN, Aarni TUOMI, Alia RAHMAN

    4th ATLAS-Critical Tourism Studies Asia Pacific Conference    (Hainan University-Arizona State University Joint International Tourism College (HAITC))  ATLAS Critical Tourism Studies

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Research Exchange

  • Immersive digital technologies for tourism education

    2025.04
    -
    2026.03
     

    　Joint research

  • Exploring Muslim-friendly Tourism Development: A business stakeholder perspective

    2024.04
    -
    Now
     

    　Joint research

  • Exploring Preferable Climate Futures for Tourism Development

    2024.04
    -
    2025.03
     

    　International research exchanges

  • Convincingness of AI-generated Reviews

    2024.04
    -
    2025.03
     

    　International research exchanges

  • Analyzing and designing augmented reality experiences of customers and employees

    2024.01
    -
    Now
     

    　Joint research

  • Comparative study on the Cultural Heritage between Kyoto and Melaka

    2023.05
    -
    2024.03
     

    　International research exchanges

  • Artificial intelligence (AI) and tourist travel intention

    2023.04
    -
    Now
     

    　International research exchanges

  • Exploring Visitor and Stakeholder Needs for DMO Digital Platforms

    2023.01
    -
    Now
     

    　International research exchanges

▼display all

KAKENHI

  • Muslim-friendly tourism as a pathway for tourism recovery in Japan, post COVID19

    2023.04
    -
    2026.03
     

    Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists  Principal investigator

  • Post-Pandemic Rural Revitalization: Culture and Tourism for Recovery, Resilience and Regeneration

    2022.04
    -
    2025.03
     

    Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research(C)  Co-investigator

Instructor for open lecture, peer review for academic journal, media appearances, etc.

  • Public Online Lecture

    2025.01.17

    Center for Advanced Tourism Studies Center (CATS), Hokkaido University

    　View Details

    Muslim Friendly Tourism, Tourism Management

    Provided a guest lecture on Muslim friendly tourism for Hokkaido Univeristy. The lecture was online and open to the public.

  • Moderator and commentator

    2024.01.20

    Joint Student Symposium on Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Research

    　View Details

    Inter-university student research

    Moderated sessions and provided students from other local universities with research feedback.

  • Reviewer

    2023.04.01
    -
    2024.03.31

    Wakayama Tourism Review Vol 5

    　View Details

    Research, Rural Revitalisation

    Reviewed academic articles submitted to Wakayama Tourism Review

  • Reviewer

    2022.04.01
    -
    2023.03.31

    Wakayama Tourism Review Vol 4

    　View Details

    Research, Rural Revitalisation

    Contributed to reviewing academic papers submitted to Wakayama Tourism Review

Committee member history in academic associations, government agencies, municipalities, etc.

  • Editor in Chief, Wakayama Tourism Review Vol 6

    2024.04.01
    -
    2025.03.31
     

    Center for Tourism Research

    　View Details

    Research, Rural Revitalisation

    出版されたコンテンツの学術的な質と健全性を確保しました。査読プロセスを監督し、最終的な編集判断を行い、出版ガイドラインに沿った倫理基準を遵守しました。編集委員会の運営と支援を行い、円滑でタイムリーな出版作業を推進するとともに、『Wakayama Tourism Review』および和歌山大学の認知度向上と質の高い投稿の獲得に向けて積極的に広報活動を行いました。

  • Organising Committee Member

    2023.04.01
    -
    Now
     

    Malaysia-Japan Academic Association

    　View Details

    academic research, Malaysia-Japan

    会議の運営、マーケティング資料の作成、会議録のレビュー。

  • Editor-in-Chief, Wakayama Tourism Review Vol 5

    2023.04.01
    -
    2024.03.31
     

    Center for Tourism Research

    　View Details

    Research, Rural Revitalisation

    出版されたコンテンツの学術的な質と健全性を確保しました。査読プロセスを監督し、最終的な編集判断を行い、出版ガイドラインに沿った倫理基準を遵守しました。編集委員会の運営と支援を行い、円滑でタイムリーな出版作業を推進するとともに、『Wakayama Tourism Review』および和歌山大学の認知度向上と質の高い投稿の獲得に向けて積極的に広報活動を行いました。

  • Organising Committee Member

    2023.04.01
    -
    2024.03.31
     

    Joint Student Symposium on Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Research

    　View Details

    Inter-university student research

    Contributed to the the organisation of the "Joint Student Symposium on Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Research 2024"

  • Board Member

    2023.01.01
    -
    Now
     

    4th ATLAS Critical Tourism Studies Asia Pacific Conference 2025

    　View Details

    Regional revitalisation, Research

    アトラス・クリティカル・ツーリズム研究会議の運営、論文審査、マーケティング資料の作成など。

Other Social Activities

  • Advisor

    2024.11.10
    -
    2024.12.03

    Wakayama City Hall

    　View Details

    Food diversity, Muslim friendly food

    Provided advice to Wakayama City Hall regarding Muslim Friendly Tourism. Provided advice and suggestions on their symposium, "World Food Culture and Wakayama's Potential". Also supported in creating a survey for them.

    FILE

  • Project collaborator and advisor

    2024.04.01
    -
    2025.03.31

    Kansai International Airport

    　View Details

    Drive Tourism, industry-based project

    - Developed an industry-based project between Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Wakayama Univerisity Students.
    - Provided destination management advice to KIX
    - Coordinated with KIX to facilitate research data collection
    - Supervised, facilitated, planned, organised and lectured for Wakayama University Undergraduate students throughout the project

    Outcome included a report for KIX and a journal publication in the Journal of the City Planning Institute of Japan Special Issue (published in June 2025)

    FILE