The aim of the doctoral program in tourism is to train researchers and experts capable of analyzing, innovating and proposing solutions to the complex and evolving issues and challenges facing the tourism sector. Through interdisciplinary research, doctoral students explore territorial dynamics, the impact of tourism on the economy, society and the environment, as well as sustainable development and destination management strategies. The program also aims to promote innovation in tourism management, consumer experience and public policy. This program, structured around academic excellence and interdisciplinarity, offers a rich and diversified experience.
Doctoral studies
Objectives of the doctoral program
Target audience
The doctoral course in tourism is aimed at :
- students with a Master’s degree (in tourism, geography, economics, sociology, management, social sciences or related disciplines) wishing to pursue their research in the field of tourism.
- industry professionals (such as tourism company directors, destination managers or institutional players) wishing to deepen their theoretical and practical expertise.
- Researchers in training with a research project on current tourism issues (sustainability, technological innovations, public policy, etc.).
Doctoral studies in tourism
The doctoral program begins with the search for a thesis subject and a teacher-researcher authorized to direct research, who agrees to supervise the doctoral student as thesis director. It generally lasts from 3 to 5 years, depending on the progress of the research project, funding and the personal organization of the doctoral student. The first few months are often devoted to finalizing the research project, literature review, research methodology and fieldwork…. The final phase consists of writing the thesis, followed by a public defense in front of a jury of experts. The defense assesses the relevance of the research work, its contributions to the field of tourism and the quality of the scientific writing, and serves to validate the doctorate diploma.
Structure and management
Doctoral students are supervised by renowned lecturers in their respective fields, from the national tourism institutes that are members of the INNTO France network. They work in a specialized research laboratory, enabling them to immerse themselves in large-scale collaborative projects. Doctoral students receive disciplinary and methodological training. At the same time, they begin writing their thesis in close collaboration with their thesis supervisor, while taking part in scientific seminars and symposia to enrich their work.
Research areas
The doctoral program covers a wide range of topics, including :
- Sustainable tourism and ecological transitions.
- Technological innovations and the impact of digital technology.
- Territorial development and destination appeal.
- Public policy and tourism governance.
- Cultural, food and heritage practices in tourism.
Interdisciplinarity and internationalization
Doctoral students are encouraged to adopt an interdisciplinary approach, integrating perspectives from economics, sociology, geography and management sciences. The INNTO France network also fosters international collaboration, enabling doctoral students to take part in conferences, academic exchanges and research projects abroad.
Training and skills development
In addition to research, doctoral students follow complementary training modules (methodology, scientific writing, communication, valorization of results) to reinforce their academic and professional skills.
Professional integration and networking
The INNTO France network offers high visibility to PhD graduates thanks to its partnerships with tourism players and public institutions. These opportunities facilitate their professional integration into academic or institutional careers, or into companies and organizations in the sector. Holders of a doctorate in a given discipline (anthropology, geography, history, information and communication sciences, management sciences, economics, sociology) applied to tourism can work in several fields:
- Academic: University teaching and research in specialized laboratories.
- Consultancy and advisory services: working for public institutions, tourism companies and international organizations on sustainable development, destination management and tourism strategy projects.
- Management of tourism organizations: Management of tourism development projects, management of destinations or companies in the tourism sector.
- Applied research: Studies for NGOs, governments or companies on tourism trends and their impact.
A PhD is a demanding but exciting course of study, enabling you to become an expert in a key area of global economic development. It enables you to contribute to innovation in the tourism sector and to support the transformations needed to meet today’s challenges. The doctoral program is a rigorous training program, leading to a doctorate that allows students to specialize in a key sector of the global economy, and to become experts capable of responding to the global challenges of tourism, while developing innovative solutions for the sustainable and responsible development of the sector. INNTO France’s ambition is to offer doctoral certification in tourism. This follows the recognition that the plurality of disciplines from which the doctorate is drawn is an asset. This disciplinary anchorage also enables the study of tourism to be based on established scientific foundations. However, the doctorate is also a crucible for interdisciplinary reflection linked to the specific nature of tourism, leading doctoral students to acquire mastery of a range of notions and knowledge of a network of players, which are also an advantage beyond academic careers.
