Dr Vanessa (Gaitree) Gowreesunkar’s education

Vanessa’s primary and secondary education was in Mauritius. She holds a PhD which cuts across three disciplines namely Tourism Management, Communication and Marketing. This was a merit scholarship based on her outstanding academic achievement and it was pursued in collaboration with Oxford-Brookes University. Vanessa was a Gold Medalist for her first degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management (University of Technology, Mauritius), following which she was awarded a fully funded scholarship by the Tertiary Education Commission of Mauritius in order to pursue her M.Phil./PhD. She was awarded a further fully-funded scholarship by the University Grants Commission of India for the completion of her doctoral study. Her supervision team for M.Phil/PhD comprised Prof Chris Cooper (Oxford-Brookes University, Oxford, UK) and Prof Durbarry (Bedford University, UK), while her examiners’ team comprised Prof Wanhill and Prof Richard Sharpley (University of Central Lancashire, UK). In her attempt to keep up with the current trend and engage in lifelong learning, she completed a certificate course with the University of Pennsylvania on the Global Education Entrepreneurship and Innovation Certificate Programme in December 2022. 

Expertise in Tourism

Vanessa has varied interests in tourism and her areas of expertise include Tourism Management & Marketing, Tourism Education, Post-Colonial and Post-Conflict Destination Management, Sustainable Tourism, Cultural Tourism, Research Methodology, Employability and Organisational Management Skills, Social Entrepreneurship and related topics. 

Dr Vanessa (Gaitree) Gowreesunkar, associate editor

I was selected to assume the role of Associate Editor at the Emerald International Journal of Tourism Cities (IJTC), probably because of my passion for connection. IJTC is a peer-reviewed journal which provides an international forum for the critical study of urban tourism and tourism cities. The journal aims to be inter-disciplinary in its appreciation of tourism cities and tourism in urban areas, and welcomes original, theoretically-informed articles from those involved in the planning, management or marketing of tourism in city destination or places adjoining urban areas. Being an associate editor implies that you have to maintain a good relationship with your stakeholder's people and inspire trust to authors and publishers and readers. The role of an Associate Editor involves various responsibilities related to the editorial and publication processes of the journal. In essence, Associate Editors contribute significantly to the scholarly publishing process by ensuring the quality and rigor of the journal's content, fostering scholarly communication, and advancing research in the domain of tourism cities.

Here are my five key roles as Associate Editor:

• Peer Review Management: Associate Editors are responsible for managing the peer review process for submitted manuscripts. This includes selecting appropriate reviewers, coordinating review timelines, and making recommendations to the Editor-in-Chief regarding manuscript acceptance or rejection based on the feedback received.

• Manuscript Evaluation: Associate Editors critically evaluate submitted manuscripts in terms of their relevance, originality, methodology, and contribution to the field of tourism cities. They ensure that manuscripts meet the journal's quality standards and align with its scope and objectives.

• Communication: Associate Editors act as a bridge between authors, reviewers, and the editorial team. They communicate with authors to provide feedback, explain review decisions, and guide them through the revision process. They also communicate with reviewers to ensure timely and constructive reviews are obtained.

• Editorial Decision Making: Associate Editors participate in editorial meetings to discuss the review outcomes and make informed decisions about the acceptance, revision, or rejection of manuscripts. They collaborate with the Editor-in-Chief and other Associate Editors to ensure consistent and fair editorial decisions.

• Journal Development: Associate Editors play a role in the strategic development of the journal. They contribute ideas for special issues, thematic sections, and other initiatives that can enhance the journal's impact and reputation within the field of tourism cities research.

Dr Vanessa (Gaitree) Gowreesunkar - Head of Department at the University of Africa

This was a Kaleidoscope of experiences. The University of Africa is found in a small village in Nigeria. As well documented by all, Nigeria is a high-risk area for expatriates due to high level of kidnapping. When I received the offer in 2018, my peers and family members were against my decision. However, my urge and determination to serve this economically-weak region of Africa was stronger; everyone has the right to quality education after all and I was in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 which advocates for quality education. Venturing into the heart of Nigeria, a high-risk area notorious for kidnappings, was a decision met with skepticism from my peers and family back in 2018. The University of Africa, nestled in the village of Toru-Orua, offered an opportunity to contribute to a lesser-developed region of Africa and align myself with the noble cause of SDG 4 ensuring quality education for all. So, I joined as Head of the Department. Little did I know that this journey would be a transformative blend of challenges, empowerment, and cultural immersion.

Navigating the High-Risk Landscape

The university is found in a village called Toru-Orua and I could never move out anywhere without a bodyguard. Situated in the midst of Nigeria's unique vibrancy, presented a stark contrast with its reputation for kidnappings. Embracing my role as the Head of the Department, I quickly understood the gravity of the situation. The place was well-known for kidnapping. Therefore, my residence was protected by a special police force and I was travelling only in bullet-proof vehicle. Moving outside the campus was a calculated risk, always accompanied by vigilant bodyguards. My residence became a fortress guarded by a specialized police force, and every venture beyond the campus gates was a calculated endeavor within a bulletproof vehicle flanked by two security personnel. At the university, I would always have a bodyguard outside my classroom and I could do shopping only during the day. At night it was strictly forbidden for me to go outside the campus. The realities of the high-risk environment served as a constant reminder of the challenges that not only I but the entire region faced. It was an environment where security measures were not a luxury but a necessity for survival. My every step outside was a testament to the commitment required to navigate a landscape marked by uncertainty.

Enriching Lives Through Education and Empowerment

While the specter of danger loomed, my experience at the University of Africa was remarkably enriching. The heart and soul of my role resided in nurturing the minds of the students. Teaching tourism courses allowed me to sow the seeds of knowledge, encouraging young minds to explore the potential of their homeland's tourism industry. Witnessing students receive scholarships and carve out brighter futures reaffirmed the significance of our collective efforts. One of the most gratifying aspects of my time in Nigeria was the opportunity to empower village women through tourism entrepreneurship. Guiding them towards establishing tourism-related businesses tapped into the resilient spirit of these women, who defied adversity to craft their destinies. This endeavor was a testament to the potential dormant within communities when given the right tools and guidance. The sparkle in their eyes as they embarked on their entrepreneurial journeys remains etched in my memory.

Cultural Immersion and Collaborative Advocacy

Beyond the academic sphere, my immersion in Nigerian culture was a remarkable journey of discovery. From savoring the exquisite flavors of pepper soup and Eba to embracing the warmth of local customs, I found myself inexorably drawn into the tapestry of the land. The bonds forged transcended the initial hesitation and ventured into a realm of genuine friendship. One particular bond that left an indelible mark was with King Dakolo, a charismatic advocate for the environment and the steward of Ekpetiama Kingdom in Yenagoa. Collaborating with him, we engaged in various awareness programs aimed at environmental protection. The shared conviction for safeguarding the fragile ecosystems was a powerful reminder of the universality of certain human values that transcended cultural divides.Amidst the challenges, the journey provided opportunities for celebration. Local weddings and festivals became windows into the rich tapestry of Nigerian traditions. The vibrant colors, rhythmic dances, and heartfelt celebrations revealed the essence of the community, unifying individuals in their shared cultural heritage.

In retrospect, my tenure as the Head of the Tourism Department at the University of Africa was more than a professional engagement; it was a personal odyssey. The risks posed by the environment mirrored the risks individuals took every day to forge a better future. Empowering women and advocating for environmental protection were threads woven into the narrative of resilience and growth. I taught tourism courses to students, helped them to get scholarships and trained village women into tourism business start-up and entrepreneurship. I also learnt Nigerian culture and cooking; pepper soup and Eba was my favourite. I befriended King Dakolo, who is the owner of several villagers and rivers in Ekpetiama Kingdom in Yenagoa. He is an environment advocate for Nun River. I joined hands with him and we participated in several activities and awareness programmes on environmental protection. I also had several chances to attend local weddings and festivals.