Lai, Kun

Associate Professor

Department of Event Management, School of Tourism Management

Sun Yat-sen University

Areas of Research Interests

  • Tourism and Philosophy 
  • Tourism Psychology
  • Event Studies
  • Tourism Geographies

Areas of Teaching Interests

  • Negative Events Studies
  • Tourism Research Designs
  • Tourism Marketing Research
  • Tourism Theorization and Methodology
  • Philosophy of Tourism
  • Philosophy of Tourism Science

Bio

I received my Bachelor’s (2001) and Master’s (2004) degrees in Tourism Management from East China Normal University and my Ph.D. (2009) in Human Geography from The University of Hong Kong. After graduation, I joined the School of Tourism Management, Sun Yat-sen University as a postdoctoral fellow in 2010 and became an assistant professor two years later. At the end of 2014, I was promoted to associate professor. My research focuses on event studies, tourism geographies, tourism psychology, and philosophy of tourism. My other research interests include place/destination marketing, education/learning in tourism, tourism planning, community tourism, and tourism phenomena with Chinese characteristics. To date, I have published more than 20 peer-reviewed journal articles, received six research grants, and made several conference presentations. My research aims to generate, implement, and communicate tourism/event knowledge guided by a“philosophy-science continuum.”

Qualifications

[Education]

  • PhD (2009)—The University of Hong Kong (HKU), Hong Kong SAR, China (Doctoral dissertation:Effects of mega-events on destination images—Towards a theory via a“problem-centric approach”)
  • MA (2004)—East China Normal University (ECNU), Shanghai, China (MA thesis: The optimization of zoning in master tourism planning—A case study of Xuancheng City,China)
  • BA (2001)—ECNU, Shanghai, China

[Certification]

  • Teacher’s Certificate of Higher Education (2010)—Ministry of Education, People’s Republic of China

SocialServices

[Reviewer Board]

  • Annals of Tourism Research (2022/08-)
  • Journal of Travel Research (2019/12-)

[Editorial Board]

  • Journal of Tourism and Recreation(2014-)

[Ad Hoc Reviewer]

  • Journal of Travel Research (SSCI, Q1)
  • Journal of Destination Marketing & Management (SSCI, Q1)
  • International Journal of Tourism Research (SSCI, Q1)
  • Tourism Geographies (SSCI)
  • Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing (SSCI)
  • Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research (SSCI)
  • International Journal of Tourism Policy
  • Universal Journal of Management
  • Journal of China Tourism Research
  • Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Insights
  • Tourism Tribune (旅游学刊)

[Academic Membership]

  • Asia Pacific Tourism Association(2014-)

Journal Articles (*corresponding author)

•Shan, X., Lin, L., Cai, S.*, & Lai, K. (Forthcoming). Unlocking environmental knowledge for pro-environmental behavior: Insights from a world natural heritage site in China. International Journal of Tourism Research.[SSCI, Q1]

•Wang, Y. & Lai, K.* (Forthcoming).Subjective-objective tourism authenticity as a new category. Tourism Forum. 

•Lai, K.* & Li, X. (2022). Tourism in a semantic mirror: Retheorizing tourism from the linguistic turn. Journal of Travel Research, 61(5): 963-980.[SSCI, Q1]

•Shan, X.*, Li, Y. & Lai, K. (2019). From end treatment to source prevention: Socio-ecological approaches to promote research on the environment and non-communicable chronic diseases with special reference to China. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(11), 1900. [SSCI, Q1]

•Wang, Y.*, Li, R., & Lai, K. (2018). A meeting of the minds: Exploring the core–periphery structure and retrieval paths of destination image using social network analysis. Journal of Travel Research, 57(5), 612-626.[SSCI, Q1]

•Lai, K. (2018). Influence of event image on destination image: The case of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management.7, 153-163. [SSCI, Q1]

•Bao, J. & Lai, K.* (2016). Tourism as a discipline and necessity for its upgrading: Based on basic understandings of academic disciplines. Tourism Tribune, 31(10): 14-16.[CSSCI]

•Lai, K.*& Li, R. (2016). Tourism destination image: Conceptual problems and definitional solutions. Journal of Travel Research, 55(8), 1065-1080.[SSCI, Q1]

•Lai, K. (2016). Making sense of the philosophy of tourism via a mixed approach. Tourism Tribune, 31(4), 33-41.[CSSCI]

• Vong, L. T., Lai, K.*& Li, Y. (2016). Sense of place: Affective link missing between casino impact perception and support for casino development? Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, 21(sup1), S76-S100.[SSCI, Q1]

• Lai, K., Li, J.*, & Scott, N. (2015). Turizm Problemolojisi: Bilgi Üretmenin Özdüşünümselliği. Anatolia: Turizm Araştırmaları Dergisi, 26(1), 130-147.

• Lai, K., Li, J.*, & Scott, N. (2015). Tourism problemology: Reflexivity of knowledge making. Annals of Tourism Research, 51, 17-33.[SSCI, Q1]

• Vong, L. T., Lai, K.*& Li, Y. (2015). Influence of casino impact perception on sense of place: A study on casino-liberalized Macao, China.Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, 20(8), 920-941.[SSCI, Q1]

• Lai, K. (2015). Destination image penetrated by mega-events:A behaviorist study of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research,20(4),378-398.[SSCI, Q1]

•Lai, K.* & Li, Y.(2014). Image impacts of planned special events: Literature review and research agenda. Event Management: An International Journal,8(2),111-126.[SSCI, Q1]

•Lai, K.* & Wang, S. (2013). International cooperative learning and its applicability to teaching tourism geography: A comparative study of Chinese and American undergraduates. Journal of Teaching in Tourism & Travel, 13(1), 75-99.

•Lai, K. & Li, Y.* (2012).Roles of mega-events in destination transformation: Proposing a conceptual model. International Journal of Business and Management Studies, 1(1), 291-306.

•Lai, K. & Li, Y.* (2012). Core-periphery structure of tourist destination image: Concept, evidence and implication. Annals of Tourism Research, 39(3), 1359-1379.[SSCI, Q1]

•Li, Y.*, Lai, K. & Feng, X. (2007). Problems of “guanxi” for actualizing community tourism: A case study of relationship networking in China. Tourism Geographies, 9(2), 115-138.[SSCI, Q1]

•Lai, K., Li, Y.* & Feng, X. (2006). Gap between tourism planning and implementation: A case of China. Tourism Management, 27(6), 1171-1180.[SSCI, Q1]

•Lai, K. & Feng, X. (2004). The pattern and strategy of eco-tourism development in China’s canyons: A preliminary study. Human Geographies, 19(2), 56-59.[CSSCI]

•Feng, X.*, Lai, K., Ge, H. et al. (2003). A survey on tourist attractions of the 2010 Shanghai Expo and the corresponding products. Journal of Society, 6, 17-18.

• Lai, K.* & Zhang, D. (2003). The brand-shaping of Xuancheng tourism under the background of “Two Mountains, One Lake”. Journal of Anhui Normal University (Natural Science Edition), 26(4), 406-409.

•Feng, X.* & Lai, K. (2003). A comparative study on environment competitiveness of China’s tourism industry. Journal of World Economy Research, 7, 40-45.[CSSCI]

Books/Book Chapters/Translations

[Books]

• Lai, K. (Forthcoming). (Eds). Philosophy of tourism science (I): Foundation, outline, and cases.Guangzhou: SYSU Press. 

[Book chapters]

• Lai, K. (2016). Building tourism problemology: A preliminary investigation. In Sun, J. & Zhang, X. (Eds.). Tourism research review (pp.147-158). Guangzhou: SYSU Press. 

• Lai, K. (2016). Philosophical issues in tourism research (pp.194-195). In Sun, J. & Zhang, X. (Eds.). Tourism research review. Guangzhou: SYSU Press.

[Translation works]

• Tribe, J. (Eds.). (2016). Philosophical issues in tourism (Trans: Lai, K., Zhang, X., Li, J. et al.). Beijing: The Commercial Press.

Academic Exchange(*corresponding author)

• Lai, K. (2025, June 24). Panel speaker at “2nd Research Symposim on Event Studies” at Macao University of Tourism, Macao SAR, China.

• Lai, K., Feng, X. & Wang, Y.* (2023, October, 19-22). Research on the non-instrumental value of tourism destination image: From the perspective of memorable tourism experiences. Annual Conference of China Tourism Research (Topic 2: Construction of Independent Knowledge System of Tourism Discipline), Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China.

• Lai, K.* & Gao, R. (2023, September, 8-10). Self-identifies of ladyboys in Thailand tourism: An enthomethodological study in Bangkok and Pattaya. The 3rd ICoHOTH Conference, College ofInnovation, Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand.

• Lai, K. & Liu, H.*. (2019, December). Does control group design matters in tourism experimental research? Two cases in China. Poster presented at the 6th Wolrd Tourism Research Submit, Rossgen Colleage, Florida, USA.

• Wang, Y.,c Li, R., & Lai, K. (2016, June). The core-periphery structure of destination image: An exploration via social network analysis. Poster presented at the Travel and Tourism Research International Conference, Vail, Colorado, USA.

•Lai, K.(2015, July). Entering the ‘gray box’: Hierarchy, relative importance and directionality of event image’s influence on destination image. Paper presented at the 3rd International Conference on Hospitality, Leisure, Sports, and Tourism, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.

•Lai, K.(2015, July). Effects of mega-events on destination images: Personal reflections. Paper presented at the 2nd International Academic Salon of Conventions and Events, Sun Yat-sen University Zhuhai Campus, Zhuhai, China. [Keynote Speech]

•Lai, K.(2015, May). Exploring the influence of event image on destination image: The case of 2008 Beijing Olympics. Paper presented at the 2015 International Academic Conference of Tourism Management, Liaoning University, Shenyang, China.

•Lai, K. & Li, R. (2014, June).Understanding tourism destination image: A definition-analysis perspective. Paper presented at the TTRA 2014 International Conference: Tourism and the New Global Economy, Brugge, Belgium.

•Lai, K., Li, J. & Scott, N. (2014, May).Building tourism problemology: A preliminaryinvestigation. Paper presented at the ‘Canton-Hong Kong-Macao’Tourism Research Salon for Young Scholars, School of Tourism Management at SYSU, Zhuhai, China.

•Lai, K. (2013, November). Explaining the destination image impacts of mega-events: Based on the probabilistic theory of explanation. Paper presented at the 2012 Conference for Youth Grant Holders (Management Sciences Sector, NSFC), Guangzhou, China.

•Lai, K., Li, J. & Scott, N. (2013, October). Tourism problemology: A research proposal. Paper presented at the 1stInternal Workshop of School of Tourism Management at SYSU, Zhuhai, China.

•Wang, S. &Lai, K. (2011, April).A case study of international cooperative learning between American and Chinese students. Paper presented at the Great Lakes Hospitality and Tourism Educators 2011 Conference, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.

• Lai, K. & Li, Y. (2009, May). Destinations transformed by mega-events: Examining the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Paper presented at the 9th International Conference on Sports: Economic, Management, Marketing & Social Aspects, Athens, Greece.

• Li, Y., Lai, K. & Feng, X. (2006, May). A gap between tourism planning and implementation. Paper presented at the 7th Biennial Conference on Tourism in Asia, Seoul, South Korea.

[Workshops]

•Lai, K. (2015, July). Rationality of higher education for event management major: A dialogue between academics and practitioners. Discussions organized during the 2nd International Academic Salon of Conventions and Events, Sun Yat-sen University Zhuhai Campus, Zhuhai, China.

•Lai, K. (2015, June). Understanding the philosophy of tourism. Discussions organized duringthe 2nd‘Canton-Hong Kong-Macao’Tourism Research Salon for Young Scholars, School of Tourism Management at SYSU, Zhuhai, China.

•Lai, K. (2012, October). Research interests for collaboration introduced at School of Tourism, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

[Guest Lectures]

•Lai, K.(2016, December). Multiple impacts of mega-events: Theories and case studies in China. Lecture givenat School ofTourism and Cultural Heritage Management, Angers University, France.

•Lai, K.(2014, September). Tourism problemology: A preliminary investigation. Paper presented at School of Hotel andTourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR,China.

•Lai, K.(2014, September). Problem and problem selection in tourism research: Personal experiences. Lecture givenat School of Hotel andTourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR,China.

Research Projects

[As PI]

  • Nature, systematic explanation and non-instrumental values of tourism destination image (Sponsor: Social Science Foundation of China; Duration: 2018/09-2022/08; Amount: RMB 200,000; Grant Number: 18BGL152; Accomplished) 
  • Island tourism research between SYSU and HKU (Sponsor: Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office of the Ministry of Education; Duration: 2018/04-2019/03; Amount: RMB 44,000; Grant Number: 40000-31920001; Accomplished)
  • Rethinking the disciplinary status of tourism (Sponsor: Zhuhai Tourism Research Institute; Duration: 2016/01-2016/12; Amount: RMB 20,000; Grant Number: 40000-71210131; Accomplished)
  • The role of mega-events in (re)shaping the hosts’ place images: Regularities, explanations and comparative advantages (Sponsor: Natural Science Foundation of China—Young Scholar Project; Duration: 2013/01-2015/12; Amount: RMB 215,000; Grant Number: 71202094; Accomplished)
  • A comparative study of tourism research paradigms: From positivism to non-positivism (Sponsor:Start-up Research Fund for Young Teachers, SYSU; Duration: 2010/12-2012/12; Amount: RMB 10,000; Grant Number: 40003181401; Accomplished)
  • Event-led place reimaging: Building localized theories (Sponsor: China Postdoctoral Science Foundation; Duration: 2010/12-2012/12; Amount: RMB 50,000; Grant Number: 20100480053; Accomplished)

[As Co-I; Selected]

  • Basic tourism research and theorization (Sponsor: SYSU; Duration: 2016/01-2018/01; Amount: RMB 500,000;Grant Number: n/a; Accomplished)
  • Rationality of event management higher education in China: Multi-perspectives (Sponsor: SYSU; Duration: 2015/01-2017/01; Amount: RMB 10,000;Grant Number: n/a; Accomplished)
  • Control and distribution of visitors: Theoretical and empirical research (Sponsor: Natural Science Foundation of China—Young Scholar Project; Duration: 2014/01-2016/12; Amount: RMB 230,000; Grant Number: 41301147; Accomplished)
  • Relationship between hotel location and space: Perspectives of industrial space organization and ‘spacemetrics’ (Sponsor: Natural Science Foundation of China—General Project; Duration: 2012/01-2015/12; Amount: RMB 600,000; Grant Number: 41171112; Accomplished)

Teaching Activities

[Lecturing]

  • Undergraduate: two subjects (core, compulsory)
  • Postgraduate: three subjects (compulsory/selective)

[Supervision of Theses]

  • Excellent Undergraduate Thesis, SYSU (Twice; approx. 2% of all candidates)
  • MTA: numerous
  • MPhil: 2017 (1); 2018(1); 2019(2); 2020(1); 2021(1); 2022(2); 2023(1); 2024(1); 2025(1)
  • PhD: 2025(1)

[Field Trips]

  • Japan Fieldtrip: 2025
  • Guangdong Fieldtrip: 2010, 2012, 2021
  • Shanghai Fieldtrip: 2015
  • Kunming-Nanning Fieldtrip: 2019

[Else]

  • Ad hoc in-house interviewer, for exchange study programs
  • Headmaster, for undergraduates (2011/2013)

Awards & Honors

  • 2023: “Excellent Communist Party Member,” SYSU
  • 2016/2017: “Excellent Communist Party Member,” STM, SYSU
  • 2015: Best Paper Award (3rd International Conference on Hospitality, Leisure, Sports, and Tourism, Tokyo, Japan; approx. 7% of all candidates)
  • 2012/2013/2015/2016: “Excellent Teacher of the Year”, STM, SYSU (approx. 6 out of 40/45/50/50 candidates)
  • 2010: First-class Funding Award, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (approx. 5% of all applicants)
  • 2005-2009: Postgraduate Scholarships, HKU
  • 1997-2001: Undergraduate Scholarships, ECNU