Pierre Benckendorff

Pierre Benckendorff is a Professor at The University of Queensland and Deputy Dean of the UQ Graduate School. His pioneering work lies at the intersection of tourist behaviour, digital innovation, and education. With a portfolio of over 150 publications in leading international journals, his research explores how emerging digital technologies are reshaping visitor experiences and tourism education. 

A recognised leader in technology-enhanced learning, Professor Benckendorff has been instrumental in integrating digital pedagogies into tourism education, equipping students with the skills needed to excel in a rapidly evolving industry. His contributions to tourism information technology are equally significant. He has co-authored widely used textbooks that have evolved over several editions, reflecting the rapid advances in digital tools and analytics. 

Throughout his career, Professor Benckendorff has held influential teaching and leadership roles at The University of Queensland and James Cook University. His extensive experience in curriculum development, quality assurance, and program accreditation has solidified his reputation as a trusted figure in both academic and industry circles. He has served as a judge for the Queensland Tourism Awards as well as the Australian Tourism Awards. His passion for travel and tourism has taken him to some of the world’s leading theme parks and airports, the major cities of Europe and North America, the African Savannah and the bustling streets of Asia. He has also travelled extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand.