Researcher biography

Dr Faith Ong's research interests lie in the role of tourism, hospitality and events as tools of social change. In particular, she focuses on inclusivity for marginalised communities in events and tourism. Her belief in the social contributions of tourism formed the basis of her PhD thesis on volunteer tourism, researching the potential of volunteer tourists to become keen contributors in their own community on return, exemplifying the ideals of global citizenship. Her Masters minor thesis was also on volunteer tourism, examining the inclusion of community consideration in volunteer tourism sending organisations' vision and mission statements. She has published in the areas of volunteer tourism, volunteerism, critical events, leadership and sustainability.

Faith is currently undertaking research on inclusivity at events relating to mobilities and LGBTIQ+ communities, exploring the signals of inclusion and exclusion at occasions that are meant to bring communities together. Furthermore, she continues to work in areas related to volunteering and sustainability, both in tourism and events.