Rate My Professor Anita Manfreda

Anita Manfreda is Associate Professor at the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School, Torrens University Australia, where she co-leads the Tourism and Hospitality Research & Practice Cluster and is a member of the Centre for Organisational Change and Agility. She holds a PhD in Service marketing and management awarded in 2023 from Torrens University Australia, a Master’s in International Hotel Management awarded in 2016 from the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School, and a Bachelor’s in Cultural Tourism awarded in 2012 from the University of Udine. With over two decades of experience in tourism and hospitality education and management across Italy and Australia, she previously served as a full-time lecturer at the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School and maintains industry partnerships with hotels, social enterprises, and destination organisations. Manfreda employs high-engagement participatory and co-design methodologies, including LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, to explore lived employee experiences and develop applied frameworks for industry and policy.

Her research specializations centre on luxury services, luxury hospitality, transformative experiences, authenticity, experience design, sustainable luxury, social sustainability, hospitality organisational psychology, employee well-being, thriving at work, and inclusive employment. She has published widely in leading tourism and hospitality journals, with over 59 research outputs including articles, abstracts, conference contributions, and book chapters. Notable recognitions include the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management 2023 Best Paper award, the Council for Australasian Tourism and Hospitality 2023 Fellows Commendation, the Council for Australasian Tourism and Hospitality Education 2022 Best Poster Award, and the Torrens University 2021 Higher Degree Research Excellence Commendation. She serves as First Vice Chair of the Council for Australasian Tourism and Hospitality Education and contributes to advancing knowledge on workforce sustainability and human flourishing in the sector.