Introducing Ignatius Cahyanto, Ph.D.
Meet Ignatius Cahyanto, Associate Professor of Management at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, serving his first term as a member of the SETTRA Board. In his role, he teaches courses like International Tourism and Global Issues, while driving research that positions tourism as a catalyst for community well-being and resilience.
What is your current role with your organization?
At UL Lafayette, I teach a variety of undergraduate and graduate tourism classes, including International Tourism, Food Tourism, and Global Issues in Hospitality and Tourism. Beyond the classroom, my research focuses on how the tourism industry can truly be a force for good, specifically on how it can act as a catalyst for community well-being, regeneration, and resilience.
What is your current role as a board member of SETTRA?
It’s my first term, and I’m eager to get started! While I’m waiting for a specific assignment, I’m hoping to use my time on the SETTRA Board to help improve student engagement for our conference.
Where It All Started
What initially drew you to the travel and tourism research field?
It was actually a happy accident! I was a non-degree student at the University of Florida looking for a graduate class, and my roommate happened to be a tourism major. I reached out to one of the faculty, took her class, and that was it. It completely changed the trajectory of my career path. I fell in love with the field so much that I stayed at UF to get both my master’s and my PhD in tourism management.
Meaningful Work & Impact
Is there a specific research project you are most proud of and why?
Honestly, I’m proud of all my projects because I always enjoy the challenges and learn many different things, especially since I engage in a lot of international collaborations. But if I have to pick a recent one, I’m particularly proud of my work with colleagues in Bali. We focused on applying regenerative principles in several tourism villages there.
The findings we generated were really valuable. We were able to use that work as a model for other villages across the island. This is a significant development, as Bali is grappling with numerous tourism issues and is gradually transitioning toward a more sustainable and regenerative tourism model. It feels good to contribute to that shift!
Board Perspective
What inspired you to get involved with the SETTRA board / What have you enjoyed most?
It was a great opportunity to give back to an organization that helped me early in my career. When I was a PhD student, I actually received funding from SETTRA to complete my dissertation. That funding was crucial. It enabled me to complete my study on visitor evacuation behavior during hurricanes and present the findings at the TTRA conference. Now that I’m based in Louisiana, joining the board felt like the perfect way to repay that support.
Advice & Outlook
What advice would you give to emerging professionals interested in research or data in travel and tourism?
My number one piece of advice is to keep learning and be curious. The field is evolving rapidly, particularly with the emergence of technologies such as AI and blockchain. This is opening up huge opportunities for different types of research and data collection. Due to this fast pace, you must always remain current and relevant. For example, data collected before the COVID-19 pandemic may already be obsolete. So, keep learning new research methods, or find experts in data interpretation techniques to surround yourself with.
Where do you see key opportunities for research in this field in the next few years?
Since my work heavily involves crisis and disaster management in the tourism sector, I see huge potential in leveraging advancements in AI and blockchain. We have amazing opportunities to incorporate AI directly into crisis management or utilize these technologies for applications such as citizen journalism mapping. It’s an exciting time to be in the field!
Fun & Personality
What’s one surprising fact about you?
This is embarrassing, but I actually can’t parallel park properly. I seriously prefer to park in a garage, even if it costs me more money. Luckily, I’m getting a little better thanks to the driving assist feature in my car!
Outside of research and data, what’s your favorite way to recharge?
I love to just get in my car and go somewhere. I have a folding bike that I keep in my trunk, so when I need a proper break, I can drive to a nice spot, pull the bike out, and ride for a few hours. It’s a great way to clear my head!
What destination is currently at the top of your must-visit list?
I’ve always wanted to visit the Polynesian countries. Places like Samoa, Tonga, or Tuvalu are high on my list. Hopefully, I’ll be there someday!
Get In Touch
TTRA is a highly respected and established organization dedicated to advancing the standards of travel and tourism research and analysis. With its focus on excellence, professionalism, quality, and inclusivity, TTRA is the go-to source for professionals in the industry seeking to stay ahead in their field.