Australian Practitioners Share Insights on Global Tourism with UNHAS Students
The Tourism Study Program of Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) successfully hosted an international guest lecture at the Arsyad Arsyad Lecture Hall, situated near the UNHAS Rectorate Building, on October 1, 2025. The event featured two guest speakers from Australia, Christopher (Producer and Filmmaker) and Lizzie, who shared their experiences and insights into the real practices of the tourism industry in Australia. With the theme “How to Design Attractive Tour Packages for the International Market: The Case of Australia,” the session provided students with a valuable opportunity to learn how to create compelling tourism products for global travelers.
Moderated by Dr. Dirk Sandarupa, M.Hum., MCE, a lecturer and tourism practitioner, the lecture aimed to expand students’ perspectives on travel business management and expose them to the practical aspects of designing tour packages that meet the expectations of international markets. The presence of Christopher and Lizzie was warmly welcomed by the Tourism students of UNHAS, especially those from the Class of 2023, who actively participated throughout the discussion. They posed thought-provoking questions about tourism development in Indonesia from the perspective of Australian visitors, gaining new insights into how global travelers perceive destinations and cultural experiences.
The interactive nature of the session encouraged dynamic exchanges between the students and speakers. Instead of a one-way lecture, the activity was designed as an engaging two-way learning process. Students were divided into small groups, allowing them to interact directly with the guest experts, exchange ideas, and receive practical feedback on their proposed tour package concepts. Their participation was also assessed as part of the Travel Business Management course, adding academic value to the experience.
Beyond classroom learning, the event became a meaningful platform for bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world practices in the tourism industry. It also strengthened students’ cross-cultural communication skills and inspired them to think innovatively in developing competitive tourism products that meet the expectations of international markets. The guest lecture not only enriched the students’ understanding of global tourism dynamics but also highlighted UNHAS’s commitment to providing internationally oriented learning experiences that prepare its graduates to compete and collaborate on the global stage.
