MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAM

HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM DIPLOMACY

M.M. in Hospitality and Tourism Diplomacy (M.M. HTD)

The Master of Management Program in Hospitality and Tourism Diplomacy (M.M. HTD) develops leaders for the international hospitality, tourism, and tourism-diplomacy sectors. Offered by KKU International College, the program integrates strategic management, cross-cultural and tourism diplomacy, sustainability, digital and AI-driven innovation, and applied research — built around KKUIC’s guiding “Triple-I” identity: International, Interdisciplinary, and Innovation.

All instruction is conducted 100% in English, preparing graduates to lead in hospitality, tourism, and tourism-diplomacy settings both in Thailand and abroad

About the Program

Leading Global Hospitality and Tourism Diplomacy

Grounded in Khon Kaen University’s guiding philosophy of Knowledge, Ethics, and Wisdom, the program cultivates graduates with deep, applied expertise in hospitality, tourism management, and international tourism diplomacy; strong professional and academic integrity rooted in respect for cultural diversity; and the critical, evidence-based judgment to shape new practices for a fast-evolving global industry.

36

Total Credits

1.5

Years

2

Study Tracks

100%

English

International

A global outlook and 100% English instruction prepare graduates to work confidently with stakeholders across cultures, borders, and diplomatic settings.

Interdisciplinary

Combines hospitality management, tourism development, international relations, culture, sustainability, and digital technology.

Innovation-Driven

Applies research, data, and digital/AI tools to create new service models, destination strategies, and management practices.

Ethical & Sustainable Practice

Embeds sustainability, social responsibility, risk management, and professional ethics throughout the curriculum.

Career Destinations

Careers in Global Tourism, Hospitality, and Diplomacy

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles across academia, government, and the global hospitality and tourism industry.

  • University Lecturer or Academic Researcher
  • Tourism & Hospitality Researcher / Subject-Matter Expert
  • Government or Private-Sector Tourism Officer
  • Destination Planner & Marketing Strategist
  • Accommodation, Event, or Hospitality Manager (hotel, hospital, and related sectors)
  • Tourism or Hospitality Business Owner
  • Official of the Royal Thai Embassy Abroad

Flexible Study Tracks

Two Pathways to Your Degree

Complete your degree in as fast as 1.5 years via the pathway that fits your goals.

Track A — Research (Plan 1, Type 1)

Thesis (36 credits) + audited Management Training Programme (3 credits, S/U). Original research on hospitality, tourism management, tourism diplomacy, sustainability, or service innovation, publicly defended.

Track B — Applied (Plan 2, Professional)

24 credits Core Modules + 6 credits Electives + 6 credits Independent Study + audited Management Training Programme (3 credits, S/U). An applied research project addressing a real issue in hospitality, tourism, or tourism diplomacy.

Shared Requirement for Both Tracks

Both tracks include the Management Training Programme — a minimum 240-hour supervised industry practicum (3 credits, audited S/U), required for graduation.

Curriculum

A Module-Based Journey — 36 Credits

  • Foundations of Hospitality and International Tourism Diplomacy (3)
  • International Tourism and Hospitality Consumer Intelligence and Value Creation (3)
  • Digital Marketing in Hospitality and International Tourism Diplomacy (3)
  • Innovative Human Resource Management in Hospitality and International Tourism Diplomacy (3)
  • Strategic Management and Leadership in Hospitality and International Tourism Diplomacy (3)
  • Risk Management in Hospitality and International Tourism Diplomacy (3)
  • Management Training Programme — min. 240 practicum hours (3, Audit S/U)
  • Quantitative Research Method for Hospitality and International Tourism Diplomacy (3)
  • Qualitative Research Method for Hospitality and International Tourism Diplomacy (3)
  • E1 — Tourism Diplomacy and Global Governance: Cross-Cultural Negotiation and Intercultural Competence in Tourism Diplomacy (3); ESG Sustainable Tourism Impact Assessment and Reporting (3); International Tourism Policy and Multilateral Governance (3)
  • E2 — Digital Innovation and Smart Tourism: AI-Driven Smart Destination Governance and Innovation (3); Advanced Service Experience Transformation and Performance Analytics (3); Data Analytics and Business Intelligence for Tourism and Hospitality (3)
  • E3 — Sustainable and Specialized Tourism: Wellness and Medical Tourism Ecosystem Management (3); Advanced Tourism Venture Development and Social Enterprise (3); Seminar in Emerging Paradigms of Global Tourism (3)
  • E4 — Service Excellence and Organizational Resilience: Strategic Service Innovation and Co-Creation in Hospitality (3); Crisis Leadership and Organizational Resilience in Tourism and Hospitality (3); Event, MICE, and Destination Experience Management (3)
  • Capstone: Track A — Thesis (original research on hospitality, tourism management, tourism diplomacy, sustainability, or service innovation, publicly defended). Track B — Independent Study (6 credits): an applied research project addressing a real issue in hospitality, tourism, or tourism diplomacy.

Your Course Journey

From Foundation to Real-World Impact

A semester-by-semester roadmap across the 1.5-year full-time pathway.

Phase 1 — Foundation · Year 1, Sem 1

Core Module M1 (hospitality & tourism-diplomacy foundations, consumer value, digital marketing) plus Quantitative Research Method. Milestone: build foundational and analytical competencies.

Phase 2 — Strategic Management & Practicum · Year 1, Sem 2

Core Module M2 (HR, strategic leadership, risk management) plus Qualitative Research Method; the 240-hour Management Training Programme practicum begins. Milestone: start supervised industry training.

Phase 3 — Specialization · Year 2, Sem 1

Choose one Elective Module (Tourism Diplomacy, Digital & Smart Tourism, Sustainable & Specialized Tourism, or Service Excellence & Resilience); complete the Management Training Programme; begin Independent Study or Thesis. Milestone: select specialization and capstone topic.

Phase 4 — Capstone & Graduation · End of Year 2, Sem 1

Complete and submit the Independent Study project (Track B) or defend the Thesis (Track A). Milestone: graduate as a leader in global hospitality and tourism diplomacy.

Admissions & Tuition

Quick Facts

Admissions

  • Eligibility — Bachelor's degree in any field, per Thai higher-education graduate standards
  • Academic standing — Bachelor's GPA ≥ 2.0, or relevant work experience in tourism or hospitality (Track B)
  • English proficiency — TOEFL ≥ 470 or IELTS ≥ 5.0; otherwise a KKUIC placement exam (waived for KKUIC bachelor's graduates)
  • Intake — Academic Year 2026, admissions opening soon

Tuition

  • Annual fee — approximately 150,000 THB per student per year
  • Per semester — approximately 75,000 THB
  • Study tracks — 2 pathways: Research (Track A) or Applied (Track B)
  • Duration: 1.5 years · 36 credits · 100% English

Lead the Next Generation of Global Hospitality and Tourism Diplomacy

Admissions for Academic Year 2026 open soon. Join the M.M.-HTD program at KKU International College.

Apply Now