In a world where far-flung destinations are easier to access than ever before, tourism is big business. Seeking a career filled with excitement and important challenges, Monash Arts grad Nikolaos Gkolfinopoulos decided to ride the global tourism wave while figuring out how to create a positive impact in the industry. After completing his Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management at Monash Arts, Nikos dove headfirst into game changing global tourism conversations as a Junior Expert for the World Tourism Organisation.

How did your Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management (MISTM) inform and shape your career goals?

Tourism fascinated me while studying my bachelor's degree in Economic Sciences in Thessaloniki, Greece. The potential of the tourism sector to have a positive impact for destinations and local communities, engage and mobilise stakeholders, and generate economic and socio cultural benefits, is immense. The knowledge gained through the Master’s oriented me on how I wish to contribute as a professional, and equipped me with critical thinking and analytical skills.

You've had a truly international study and career experience - how did Monash Arts support and nurture your global aspirations?

Monash Arts offered the opportunity to complete the International Development unit, gaining valuable insights on how development organisations work. Studying with Monash Arts provided me with real-world experience – namely the international field trip to the Fiji Islands, where we explored how Small Island Developing States (SIDS) manage tourism growth and the opportunities it brings. Throughout the Master’s I was motivated and inspired by the well-structured and challenging courses, as well as the exposure to the Australian and international environments, eventually guiding me toward an international career.

How have the skills and knowledge gained from your Master's helped you in your current role with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation?

I joined UNWTO in 2016. Today, I am the Senior Project Specialist within the Technical Cooperation and Silk Road Department. My work focuses on providing contemporary solutions to our Member States and Donors through the designing and implementation of tourism development projects, tailored to the particularities of each destination. The last years I have developed and executed tourism recovery projects for a number of countries, supporting them in adopting sustainable approaches, and become increasingly resilient and able to embrace constant change and adaptability as the new norm.

At Monash I collaborated with people from different countries, gaining valuable skills on collaborating within a work setting of cultural plurality, and identifying solutions to intercultural related problems. I have found these experiences to be useful in my current role where I operate in a multi-cultural environment on a daily basis.

The Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management provided me with contemporary project planning and research skills necessary for me to succeed in my career. This course armed me with well-rounded knowledge, vital experience, and the right analytical skills so I could graduate job-ready.

To contribute to the global vision of a sustainable, better future through tourism, tackle ambitious objectives and deal with numerous complexities. It is undoubtedly fulfilling to witness the positive impact that work in tourism can have on the economy, ensuring a better future for local communities.