Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Dr. Xingyi Zhang is an assistant professor in the Department of Hospitality, Event, and Tourism Management at the College of Merchandising, Hospitality, and Tourism. She is dedicated to fostering sustainability and well-being for customers in hospitality services. Dr. Zhang’s research path began with her passion for the natural environment. As a traveler who cherishes connecting with nature, she strives to reduce the environmental impact of hospitality services. One of her notable studies explores the differences in pro-environmental behaviors between tourists who use hotels and those who prefer Airbnb. By examining how tourists’ attachment to a place influences their green practices, Dr. Zhang sheds light on ways to foster more sustainable travel behaviors.
Professor with pet dogs

Following current trends in the hospitality industry, the environmental issues caused by solid waste caught her attention. Believing that preventing waste is more effective than merely addressing it after the fact, Dr. Zhang focuses on innovative green products. Her studies on promoting plant-based foods, edible green food packaging, and upcycled food products highlight their potential to reduce the environmental impact of hospitality services at both the production and consumption stages. By advocating for these sustainable options, Dr. Zhang aims to help businesses adopt practices that minimize their ecological footprint.

Dr. Zhang’s interests have expanded to sustainability in the hospitality and event industry. She believes that the well-being of both the environment and humans contributes to the overall customer experience and the sustainability of the industry. Her research highlights the importance of co-creating value with event attendees to foster their well-being through psychological ownership. Recognizing the environmental challenges posed by the hospitality and events industries, Dr. Zhang has also focused on improving green behavior education among event goers. She has conducted research to identify effective communication strategies for promoting food waste reduction and recycling at events, using experimental methods to pinpoint what works best. Her work aims to promote lasting sustainable habits in participants, ultimately reducing the environmental footprint of large gatherings.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Dr. Zhang is a devoted dog lover, sharing her life with two beloved puppies. Her personal experiences traveling with her dogs have informed her research on pet-friendly services in the hospitality industry. Understanding the challenges of dining out with pets, she has explored ways to enhance the value and appeal of pet-friendly restaurants. One of her recent publications examines the perceived value of such establishments, offering insights to help restaurants better cater to dog owners’ needs, ensuring both the well-being of pets and the satisfaction of their human companions.

Dr. Zhang’s dedication to exploring diverse aspects of hospitality and tourism, from customer interactions and sonic branding to environmental sustainability and innovative food packaging, showcases her commitment to advancing the field.