technology for humanity
Prof. Faye Hao considers research a powerful tool to achieve higher goals in life. Guided by the vision of “Technology for Humanity,” her research bridges technological advancements—such as artificial intelligence, avatars, blockchain, and contactless technologies—with practical value creation in the hospitality and tourism industry.
About Prof. Hao
Prof. Fei (Faye) Hao obtained her Ph.D. from the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM). She has served as a Visiting Scholar at the Conrad N. Hilton College (2021–2022) and the University of Surrey (2019).
Prof. Hao has published over 40 peer-reviewed journal articles in leading journals, including Tourism Management, Annals of Tourism Research, and the International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. Her research has been supported by 21 competitive grants totaling over HKD 27 million (approximately USD 2.83 million), funded by major public bodies such as the Research Grants Council, University Grants Committee, and Innovation and Technology Commission, as well as private sources.
In recognition of her scholarly contributions, she received the 2024 SHTM Research Excellence Award (Outstanding Young Researcher) and the School Award for Outstanding Achievement at the School Board level. She is also recognized among the world’s top 2% scientists for the year 2024. In parallel with her academic pursuits, Prof. Hao has conducted industry training on AI in hospitality for organizations including the Hong Kong Hotel Association, H World Group, and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), reaching participants from over 30 countries.
Education Background
- Doctor of Philosophy in Hotel and Tourism Management
SHTM, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR
Aug 2016 – Sep 2019 - Master of Science in Geography
School of Tourism Management, Huaqiao University, China
Sep 2012 – Jun 2015 - Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Huaqiao University, China
Sep 2007 – Jun 2011
Academic Experience
Assistant Professor
SHTM, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR
Aug 2022 – Present
Research concentration: Technology for humanityPostdoctoral Fellow
SHTM, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR
Jan 2020 – Jul 2022
Research concentration: Technology applications and service innovation in hospitalityVisiting Scholar
Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, University of Houston, USA
Sep 2021 – Apr 2022
Research concentration: Inclusive technology in hospitality and tourismVisiting Scholar
School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Surrey, UK
Jan 2019 – Jul 2019
Research concentration: Application of cognitive psychological experiments (eye-tracking, facial expressions, Galvanic Skin Response) in hospitality research
Academic Services
- Member, School Research Committee, School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
- Program Leader for the MSc/PgD in AI in Hospitality.
- Coordinating Editor, International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. (IF: 9.0; Q1; SHTM list: A+)
- Guest Editor, Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research — Special Issue “Next-Gen of Tourism: Unleashing the Potential of Metaverse, ChatGPT, Blockchain, Web 3.0, and Beyond”. (IF: 4.3; Q1; SHTM list: B+)
- Editorial Review Board Member, Tourism Review. (IF: 11.52; Q1; SHTM list: B+)
- Ad-Hoc Reviewer : Tourism Management, Annals of Tourism Research, International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, International Journal of Hospitality Management, Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research, Journal of Travel and Tourism Marketing, Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management, Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, Journal of China Tourism Research, Tourism Review, Current Issues in Tourism, International Journal of Tourism Management, Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology.
Funded Research Projects and Grants
Dr. Hao has successfully secured 21 research grants, including 15 competitive and peer-reviewed projects funded by leading agencies such as the Research Grants Council (RGC), the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF), and the University Grants Committee (UGC), alongside 6 non-competitive projects supported by industry partners. Altogether, these grants amount to over HKD 27.7 million. Collectively, they advance an interdisciplinary research agenda at the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and hospitality management, with major initiatives spanning avatar-enabled metaverse experiences, blockchain applications in food supply chains, and AI-powered virtual humans for service and brand interaction.
Competitive and Peer-Reviewed Research Grants 14 projects awarded, HKD 8,488,789 in total funding | ||||||
Duration | Amount (HKD) | Funding Source | Project Title | PI / Co-PI(s) | Co-I(s) | Project Code / Status |
2023–2025 | 1,446,800 | Innovation and Technology Fund – ITSP, ITC | An interaction framework of hospitality virtual human persona and brand personality consistency | Hao, F. (PI) | Zhang, C.; Li, Q.; Chon, K. | P0043294 / In progress |
2025–2027 | 510,812 | General Research Fund, RGC | Technology meets humanity: Enhancing older adult wellbeing through avatar-enabled metaverse travel experience | Hao, F. (PI) | Chon, K.; Back, K.-J. | 15505324 / In progress |
2024–2025 | 531,800 | Early Career Scheme, RGC | Co-creating value with virtual humans | Hao, F. (PI) | Zhang, C.; Chon, K. | P0047204 / In progress |
2023–2026 | 558,000 | Research Talent Hub – ITF, ITC | An interaction framework of hospitality virtual human persona and brand personality consistency | Hao, F. (PI) | – | PiH/587/23 / Approved |
2023–2026 | 697,500 | Research Talent Hub – ITF, ITC | An interaction framework of hospitality virtual human persona and brand personality consistency | Hao, F. (PI) | – | PiH/588/23 / Approved |
2023–2026 | 1,116,000 | Research Talent Hub – ITF, ITC | An interaction framework of hospitality virtual human persona and brand personality consistency | Hao, F. (PI) | – | PiH/586/23 / Approved |
2023–2026 | 600,000 | VP(RI)’s Special Allocation, PolyU | Multi-modal multi-label tourism statistics inferring from geo-social footprint data | Hao, F. (PI) | Zhang, C.; Li, Q.; Chon, K.; Song, H. | P0045695 / In progress |
2025–2028 | 500,000 | Hotel ICON Research Funding Scheme, PolyU | Smart buffet: AI and IoT for sustainable food waste reduction | Hao, F. (PI) | Yang, J.; Qiu, X.; Ng, W.; Liu, S.; Aman, A. M. | P0057953 / In progress |
2025–2026 | 548,100 | Postdoc Matching Fund Scheme 23/24 (4th round), UGC | Postdoc Matching Fund | Hao, F. (PI) | – | P0052806 / Pending |
2024–2026 | 669,900 | Postdoc Matching Fund Scheme 23/24 (3rd round), UGC | Postdoc Matching Fund | Hao, F. (PI) | – | P0050989 / Pending |
2023–2025 | 669,900 | Postdoc Matching Fund Scheme 23/24 (1st round), UGC | Postdoc Matching Fund | Hao, F. (PI) | – | P0046584 / Completed |
2023–2025 | 100,000 | Mr. and Mrs. Chan Chak Fu Research Assistantship, UGC | Avatar in green training | Hao, F. (PI) | – | P0045911 / Completed |
2023–2025 | 114,977 | Departmental General Research Fund, PolyU (UGC) | A multilevel dual process model of exposure to AI-powered robots in the hotel industry | Shi, X. (PI) | Hao, F.; Shi, H. | P0046041 / Completed |
2025–2027 | 425,000 | Projects of RCDTT, PolyU (UGC) | TourismSim: LLM-driven social agents for city-scale tourist behavior simulation and policy optimization | Ma, W. (PI) | Li, J.; Hao, F.; Wang, D. | P0058789 / In progress |
Non-Competitive Research Grants 6 projects awarded, HKD 18,650,000 in total funding | ||||||
Duration | Amount (HKD) | Funding Source | Project Title | PI / Co-PI(s) | Co-I(s) | Project Code / Status |
2023–2028 | 12,000,000 | Donation, Accel Group Holding Limited | PolyU–Accel Group Holding Limited Joint Laboratory on Metaverse+ | Zhang, C. (Co-PI); Li, Q. (Co-PI); Hao, F. (Co-PI) | Lin, W.; Chon, K. | P0045948 / In progress |
2023–2028 | 5,400,000 | Donation, Minshang Creative Technology Holdings Limited | Generative AI Laboratory in Commerce and Technology | Zhang, C. (Co-PI); Li, Q. (Co-PI); Hao, F. (Co-PI) | – | P0046453 / In progress |
2023–2026 | 500,000 | Start-up Fund for New Recruits, PolyU | Blockchain technology in the hospitality industry | Hao, F. (PI) | Zhang, C. | P0043849 / In progress |
2025–2027 | 250,000 | PolyU Academic Reserve | Generative AI in tourism and hospitality | Hao, F. (PI) | – | N/A / In progress |
2022–2024 | 400,000 | Donation, Accel Innovation Limited | Data science and AI for hospitality | Hao, F. (PI) | – | P0043864 / Completed |
2023–2025 | 100,000 | Research Matching Grant Scheme, UGC | Metaverse in hospitality and tourism | Hao, F. (PI) | – | P0045486 / Completed |
Referred Publications
- Hao, F., Back, K. J., & Chon, K. (2025). Age-inclusive hospitality and tourism: navigating the metaverse travel with avatar. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 37(2), 482-501. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-03-2024-0323. SHTM: A+. Article publication date: 9 October 2024
- Hao, F., Ng, W., Aman, A. M., & Zhang, C. (2025). Technology for sustainability: the impact of avatar-led green training on OCBE and green creativity. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 37(1), 140-160. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-12-2023-1927. SHTM: A+. Article publication date: 5 August 2024
- Zhong, H., Zou, Y., Hao, F., Fang, Y., & Ng, W. (2025). Shaping safety: Effective signage for tourist attractions. Tourism Management, 110, 105186. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2025.105186. SHTM: A+. Available online 12 March 2025
- Forson, M. A., Hao, F., & Cheung, C. (2025). Women’s career and imposter syndrome: moderating effects of female role model and diversity management in the hospitality and tourism sector. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 37(3), 939-955. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-04-2024-0512. SHTM: A+. Article publication date: 8 January 2025
- Wu, J., Zhang, C. J., Huang, G. I., Yang, T., & Hao, F. (2025). Taste, trend, and turmoil: Tracking the life cycle of internet-famous restaurants through customer satisfaction. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 126, 104071. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2024.104071. SHTM: A+. Available online 24 December 2024
- Ng, W., Hao, F., & Zhang, C. (2025). Avatar for hotels green training. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 126, 104068. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2024.104068. SHTM: A+. Available online 19 December 2024
- Liu, S., Hao, F., & Qiu, X. (2025). Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) research in tourism and hospitality: insights from bibliometric analysis. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 37(7), 2532-2555. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-11-2024-1638. SHTM: A+. Article publication date: 9 May 2025
- Zou, Y., Zhong, H., Hao, F., & Ng, W. (2024). EXPRESS: Reflective versus Brooding Rumination: Impact on Tour Guides’ Emotion, Flexibility, and Resilience. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/10963480251369506. SHTM: A+. First published online August 8, 2025
- Liu, J., Hao, F., Back, K. J., Aman, A. M., & Zhang, C. (2025). Silver travel in golden age: how virtual travel guided by GenAI-enabled avatars boost well-being for older adults. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 42(3), 267-281. https://doi.org/10.1080/10548408.2025.2456079. SHTM: A. Published online: 17 Feb 2025
- Shi, X., Hao, F., & Yuan, Y. (2025). Long-Term Effects of AI-Powered Robots on Employee Creativity in the Hospitality Industry: Psychological Mechanisms of Human–AI Collaboration. Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19368623.2025.2555367. SHTM: A. Accepted, under production
- Zhong, H., Hao, F., Zou, Y., Liao, J., & Ng, W. (2025). Green practices, golden stars: how hotel ratings shape guests’ pro-environmental behavior. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 1-25. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2025.2523926. SHTM: A. Published online: 22 Jul 2025
- Li, S., Chen, X., Song, Y., Song, Y., Zhang, C. J., Hao, F., & Chen, L. (2025). prompt4vis: prompting large language models with example mining for tabular data visualization. The VLDB Journal, 34(4), 1-26. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00778-025-00912-0. COMP: A. Published 02 May 2025
- Qiang, Q., Nie, J., Zhang, J. C., & Hao, F. (2025). Efficient multi-view discrete co-clustering with learned graph. Pattern Recognition, 111811. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.patcog.2025.111811. COMP: A. Available online 20 May 2025
- Hao, F., Liu, S., Zhang, C., & Chon, K. (2025). Metaverse in tourism: from virtual worlds to sustainable worlds. Tourism Review. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-03-2024-0188. SHTM: B+. Article publication date: 8 January 2025
- Hao, F., Zhang, C., & Park, S. (2025). Next-Gen of Tourism: unleashing the potential of Metaverse, ChatGPT, Blockchain, Web 3.0, and Beyond. Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, 1-3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10941665.2025.2534757. SHTM: B+. Published online: 20 Jul 2025
- Xi, J., Hao, F., Cai, D., Zhang, C. J., & Li, H. (2025). Does the luxury hotel cover photo matter? Understanding the impact of picture value types on consumers’ behavioral intentions on OTAs. Tourism Management Perspectives, 58, 101401. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2025.101401. SHTM: B+. Available online 7 August 2025
- Chon, K., & Hao, F. (2025). Technological evolution in tourism: a Horizon 2050 perspective. Tourism Review, 80(1), 313-325. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-10-2023-0753. SHTM: B+. Article publication date: 7 February 2024
- Aman, A. M., Ng, W., Hao, F., Zhang, C., & Chon, K. (2025). Digital nudge persuasiveness of avatars in restaurants toward healthy choices and happy diners. Tourism Review. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-07-2024-0567. SHTM: B+. Article publication date: 29 January 2025
- Qiu, X., Hao, F., Kong, H., Wang, K., Liu, S., & Liu, J. (2025). Exploring the drivers of customer experience quality in smart hotels: A content and fsqca approach. Journal of China Tourism Research, 1-26. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19388160.2025.2542173. SHTM: B. Published online: 06 Aug 2025
- Rabiul, M. K., Hasan, M. K., Karim, R. A., & Hao, F. (2025). The Role of Meaningfulness and Customer Incivility Between HRM Practices and Service Recovery Performance. International Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Administration, 1-25. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15256480.2025.2534703. SHTM: B. Published online: 15 Jul 2025
- Hao, F., Guo, Y., Zhang, C., & Chon, K. (2024). Blockchain= better food? The adoption of blockchain technology in food supply chain. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 36(10), 3340-3360. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-06-2023-0752. SHTM: A+. Article publication date: 9 February 2024
- Hao, F., Aman, A. M., & Zhang, C. (2024). What is beautiful is good: attractive avatars for healthier dining and satisfaction. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 36(12), 3969-3988. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-09-2023-1490. SHTM: A+. Article publication date: 25 March 2024
- Hao, F., Park, E., & Chon, K. (2024). Social media and disaster risk reduction and management: How have reddit travel communities experienced the COVID-19 pandemic?. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 48(1), 58-83. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/10963480221081115. SHTM: A+. First published online March 1, 2022
- Ng, W., Hao, F., & Zhang, C. (2024). From Function to Relation: Exploring the Dual Influences of Warmth and Competence on Generative Artificial Intelligence Services in the Hospitality Industry. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 10963480241292016. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/10963480241292016. SHTM: A+. First published online October 4, 2024
- Pang, Q., Hao, F., Xiao, H., & Bao, J. (2024). Community empowerment: Pro-poor tourism income distribution. Annals of Tourism Research, 106, 103764. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2024.103764. SHTM: A+. Available online 2 April 2024
- Zhang, C. J., Liu, Y., Zeng, P., Wu, T., Chen, L., Hui, P., & Hao, F. (2024). Similarity-driven and task-driven models for diversity of opinion in crowdsourcing markets. The VLDB Journal, 33(5), 1377-1398. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00778-024-00853-0. COMP: A. Published 17 May 2024
- Qiu, R. T., Park, J., Hao, F., & Chon, K. (2024). Hotel services in the digital age: Heterogeneity in guests’ contactless technology acceptance. Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management, 33(1), 33-56. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19368623.2023.2239219. SHTM: A. Published online: 24 Jul 2023
- Liu, S., & Hao, F. (2024). Engaging with avatar in virtual regenerative tourism. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 41(6), 864-879. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10548408.2024.2350053. SHTM: A. Published online: 16 May 2024
- Hao, F., Guo, Y., Zhang, C., & Chon, K. (2024). Revolutionizing the restaurant industry: exploring the implementation and impact of blockchain technology on the dining experience. Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, 1-14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10941665.2023.2298426. SHTM: B+. Published online: 31 Jan 2024
- Liu, S., & Hao, F. (2024). Metaverse and regenerative tourism: the role of avatars in promoting sustainable practices. Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, 29(7), 869-884. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10941665.2024.2350401. SHTM: B+. Published online: 13 May 2024
- Wong, C. C. K., Chu, T. W. P., Chang, L., Moyle, B., Filep, S., Hao, F., & Vada, S. (2024). Exploring Chinese tourists’ well-being through a confucian lens: a multi-focal model. Journal of China Tourism Research, 21(3), 712-738. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19388160.2024.2398789. SHTM: B. Published online: 08 Sep 2024
- Hao, F., Qiu, R. T., Park, J., & Chon, K. (2023). The myth of contactless hospitality service: customers’ willingness to pay. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 47(8), 1478-1502. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/10963480221081781. SHTM: A+. First published online March 4, 2022
- Guo, Y. M., Ng, W. L., Hao, F., Zhang, C., Liu, S. X., & Aman, A. M. (2023). Trust in virtual interaction: The role of avatars in sustainable customer relationships. Sustainability, 15(18), 14026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su151814026. Published: 21 September 2023
- Hao, F., & Chon, K. (2022). Contactless service in hospitality: bridging customer equity, experience, delight, satisfaction, and trust. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 34(1), 113-134. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-05-2021-0559. SHTM: A+. Article publication date: 23 September 2021
- Hao, F., & Xiao, H. (2021). Residential tourism and eudaimonic well-being: A ‘value-adding’analysis. Annals of Tourism Research, 87, 103150. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2021.103150. SHTM: A+. Available online 1 February 2021
- Hao, F., Xiao, Q., & Chon, K. (2020). COVID-19 and China’s hotel industry: Impacts, a disaster management framework, and post-pandemic agenda. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 90, 102636. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2020.102636. SHTM: A+. Available online 5 August 2020
- Hao, F. (2020). The landscape of customer engagement in hospitality and tourism: a systematic review. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 32(5), 1837-1860. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-09-2019-0765. SHTM: A+. Article publication date: 5 May 2020
- Chon, K., & Hao, F. (2020). The five constants: A Confucian business model for the hospitality industry. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 44(7), 1051-1071. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1096348020936342. SHTM: A+. First published online June 29, 2020
- Hao, F., & Chon, K. (2021). Are you ready for a contactless future? A multi-group analysis of experience, delight, customer equity, and trust based on the Technology Readiness Index 2.0. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 38(9), 900-916. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10548408.2021.1997878. SHTM: A. Published online: 10 Jan 2022
- Hao, F., Zhang, S., & Xiao, H. (2021). A return to innocence: Guimi tourism and women empowerment. International Journal of Tourism Research, 23(6), 971-983. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jtr.2457. SHTM: A. First published: 20 April 2021
- Hao, F. (2021). Acceptance of contactless technology in the hospitality industry: extending the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2. Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, 26(12), 1386-1401. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10941665.2021.1984264. SHTM: B+. Published online: 06 Nov 2021
Conferences
- Liu, X. W., Hao, F., Qiu, J., & Ng, W. L. (2025, June). Voices unheard: Exploring discrimination in the hospitality industry through the employee perspective. OBOROT 2025, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
- Yang, J. F., & Hao, F. (2025, May). Digital transformation in hospitality: How smart check-in transforms performance. 23rd APacCHRIE Conference, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
- Qiu, X. W., Hao, F., Liu, S., & Ng, W. L. (2025, May). A new destination visual marking: The affordances and constraints of generative AI travel selfie. 23rd APacCHRIE Conference, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
- Qiu, X. S., Hao, F., Wang, K., & Liu, S. (2025, April). Enabler or disruptor? Unpacking generative AI affordances and constraints in travel photography. 21st Asia Pacific Forum, Hong Liu, J. C., Hao, F., & Zhang, C. (2024, June). A bibliometric review on ESG in hospitality and tourism research. IMPACT 2024, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Liu, X. J., Hao, F., & Qiu, R. T. (2024, June). Research on diversity, equity, and inclusion in hospitality and tourism: A bibliometric perspective. IMPACT 2024, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Aman, A. M. F., & Hao, F. (2024, June). Employee well-being research in hospitality and tourism: A bibliometric review. IMPACT 2024, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Liu, J. C., Hao, F., & Zhang, C. (2024, June). Investigating the mediating role of psychological needs satisfaction between virtual tour experience and tourist satisfaction. Global ESG Conference, Jeju, South Korea.
- Qiu, X. S., Hao, F., & Liu, S. (2024, June). Revolutionizing tourism and hospitality: Unveiling AI insights through a bibliometric lens. IMPACT 2024 Conference, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Aman, A. M. J., Hao, F., & Liu, S. (2024, May). A bibliometric review on employee well-being research in hospitality and tourism. COAST 2024, Weihai, China.
- Liu, J. C., Hao, F., & Zhang, C. (2024, May). A bibliometric analysis of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) in hospitality and tourism: Current landscape and future research directions. COAST 2024, Weihai, China.
- Qiu, X. S., Hao, F., Kong, H., Wang, K., & Liu, S. (2024, May). Artificial intelligence (AI) in tourism and hospitality: A dual perspective on methods and applications. COAST 2024 Conference, Weihai, China.
- Qiu, X. H., Hao, F., & Li, H. (2024, May). Sustainable tourism research in China: Review of its evolution and new trends. 22nd APacCHRIE Conference, Seoul, South Korea.
- Hao, F., Qiu, X. H., & Li, H. (2024, May). Customer experience quality and complexity in smart hotels: Findings from a mixed method approach. 22nd APacCHRIE Conference, Seoul, South Korea.
- Liu, J. C., Hao, F., & Zhang, C. (2024, May). Metaverse travel: Investigating the factors of senior technology acceptance. 22nd APacCHRIE Conference, Seoul, South Korea.
- Liu, J. C., Hao, F., & Zhang, C. (2024, April–May). GenAI-powered virtual tours: Promoting well-being among the elderly. 2nd PolyU Research Student Conference, Hong Kong SAR, China; COAST 2024, Weihai, China.
- Aman, A. M. F., & Hao, F. (2024, April). What is beautiful is good: Attractive avatars for healthier dining and satisfaction. 2nd PolyU Research Student Conference, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Hao, W. L., Hao, F., Zhang, C., & Ng, W. L. (2024, March). Leveraging avatars for environmental stewardship in the hospitality sector. Managing Tourism Across Continents Conference, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Forson, M. C., Hao, F., & Cheung, C. (2024, January). Imposter syndrome and women’s career advancement in the hospitality and tourism industry. 29th Graduate Education and Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism, Miami, USA.
- Forson, M. C., Hao, F., & Cheung, C. (2023, June). Empowering women in the hotel workplace. IMPACT 2023, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Guo, Y. K., Hao, F., & Chon, K. (2023, June). Unveiling the future of dining: An examination of blockchain adoption in the restaurant industry. IMPACT 2023, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Liu, S. K., Hao, F., Zhang, C., & Chon, K. (2023, June). Empowering regenerative evangelism in the metaverse travel. IMPACT 2023, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Liu, S. F., & Hao, F. (2023, July). Exploring the role of avatar in enhancing awareness in regenerative tourism. 3rd Global Congress of Special Interest Tourism & Hospitality, Macau, China.
- Hao, C., Hao, F., & Zhang, C. (2023, July). Trust in hospitality service robots: The influence of Godspeed scale. 10th Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Marketing and Management (AHTMM), Arusha, Tanzania.
- Pang, Q., Hao, F., & Xiao, H. G. (2023, July). Pro-poor tourism: Does tourism income distribution matter to tourists? Asia Pacific Tourism Association (APTA) Conference, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
- Guo, Y. K., Hao, F., & Chon, K. (2023, July). Revolutionizing restaurant supply chains: The power of blockchain technology. Asia Pacific Tourism Association (APTA) Conference, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
- Jing, K., Hao, F., Zhang, X., & Zhou, Y. (2023, April). Personalized semantic matching for web search. 2023 IEEE 39th International Conference on Data Engineering Workshops (ICDEW), Anaheim, USA.
- Hao, F. (2022, June). Contactless service in hospitality. IMPACT 2022, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Hao, F., Xiao, H. G., & Chon, K. (2021, January). Lifestyle sojourn and eudaimonic well-being. 26th Graduate Education and Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism, Houston, USA.
- Hao, F. (2020, December). COVID-19 and Mainland China’s hospitality industry. IMPACT 2020, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Hao, F., Qiu, R. T., Park, J., & Chon, K. (2020, May). High-tech, low-touch: Contactless service in the hospitality industry. APacCHRIE 2020 Conference, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Hao, F. (2017, June). The self-reflexive of a neo-tribe: A transcendental phenomenological study of Couchsurfing. 3rd Global Tourism and Hospitality Conference, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Teaching Experience
Lecture
- HTM570 Innovative Experience Design, 2024/25. MSc (Hangzhou). Class size: 51.
- HTM575 Sustainable Luxury and Design, 2024/25. MSc. Class size: 22.
- HTM3228 Smart Service Design in Tourism and Hospitality, 2024/25. Undergraduate. Class size: 32.
- HTM3228 Smart Service Design in Tourism and Hospitality (lecture and two tutorials), 2023/24. Undergraduate. Class size: 34.
- HTM4311 Hotel Professional Development (Sessions 1 & 2), 2023/24. Undergraduate. Class size: 180.
- HTM4311 Hotel Professional Development (Sessions 1 & 2), 2022/23. Undergraduate. Class size: 180.
- HTM5801 Statistics for Research in Tourism and Hospitality Management, 2022/23. Doctoral. Class size: 7.
Executive Development Programme (EDP)
1. Rosewood Hong Kong Leaders’ Meeting (Hong Kong, December 2025)
AI for Hospitality: Foundations, Applications, and Ethics – Delivered a keynote session to 80–100 senior hotel leaders, providing strategic insights into AI-driven digital transformation and ethical adoption in hospitality.
2.Planned Executive Seminar with PATA Nepal Chapter (Kathmandu, Nepal, November/December 2025)
AI in Hospitality and Tourism – Invited to lead a two-day seminar for hospitality executives, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, covering AI frameworks, ethical governance, and applied innovation.
3.ICCA Expert Consultation on Ethical AI (Malaysia, August 2025)
Ethical AI in the Global MICE Sector – Served as expert consultant, training industry leaders on empowerment, risk mitigation, and governance frameworks for AI adoption in business events.
4.Executive Education for Quanzhou High-Star Hotel Executives (Fujian, China, August 2025)
AI and Metaverse for Sustainable Hospitality – Conducted a tailored programme for hotel and cultural tourism leaders, focusing on metaverse-enabled sustainability and AI-driven efficiency.
5.Executive Training with H World Group (Shanghai, China, June 2025)
AI Adoption in Hotel Operations – Designed and delivered a full-day masterclass for 39 Regional General Managers overseeing 1,100 hotels, focusing on personalization, automation, and large-scale digital transformation.
6.Generative AI Workshops with Hong Kong Hotels Association (Hong Kong, May 2025)
Generative AI for Hotels – Delivered workshops to 100+ senior hotel leaders, introducing adoption frameworks, case studies, and live demonstrations to accelerate organizational digital strategies.
7.Winter School, PolyU SHTM (Hong Kong, January 2024)
AI in the Hotel Industry – Delivered an intensive module on AI transformation in hospitality for international postgraduate and executive learners.
Invited International Lectures and Teaching Engagements
1.University of Delaware & University of Southern Maine (USA) – AI in Hospitality and Tourism: Academia Meets Industry
Delivered an invited online lecture at the NENA Federation Global Forum on AI’s role in bridging academia and industry (March 2025).
2.Aspire College & Kathmandu University (Nepal) – AI in Hospitality
Led an invited session on AI adoption and applications in hospitality education and practice (March 2025).
3.Guangxi University (China) – Technology for Inclusion: Metaverse Travel and Senior-Friendly Innovation
Presented a lecture on inclusive metaverse travel and senior-friendly digital innovation in tourism (December 2024).
4.Southeast University (China) – Digital Innovation and Smart Hospitality
Shared insights on smart hospitality ecosystems and digital transformation strategies (December 2024).
5.Beijing International Studies University (China) – Smart Service Innovation in Hospitality: From AI to Metaverse
Delivered a lecture on AI and metaverse-driven service design innovations in hospitality (December 2024).
6.University of Houston (USA) – Warmth-Competence Stereotyping in Contactless Hospitality Service
Presented at the Ph.D. Colloquium on stereotype effects in contactless hospitality contexts (November 2021).
7.Modul University Vienna (Austria) – Post-COVID Service Innovation and Technology in Hospitality
Discussed service innovation strategies and technological responses to the pandemic (November 2021).
8.Prince of Songkla University (Thailand) – A Contactless Future for the Hospitality Industry
Lectured on the rise of contactless services and their implications for hospitality (October 2021).
9.Modul University Vienna (Austria) – A COVID-19 Management Framework for the Hotel Industry
Outlined a structured framework for hotel management responses during the COVID-19 crisis (November 2020).
10.Prince of Songkla University (Thailand) – The COVID-19 Pandemic and China’s Hotel Industry
Delivered a lecture on China’s hospitality sector responses and recovery strategies (October 2020).
11.University of Surrey (UK) – Destination Marketing and Management
Taught a postgraduate module on destination marketing and management for tourism students (May 2019).
Honors and Awards
- School Award for Outstanding Achievement 2024 at School Board Level, PolyU, 2024.
- Research Excellence Award – Outstanding Young Researcher (2023-24), PolyU-SHTM, 2024.
- Ideation of Start up project Hotel Blockchain, PolyU X HKSTP Co-Ideation Programme (Cohort PolyU23-03), 2023.
- National Scholarship, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, 2014.
- National Scholarship, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, 2008.
Prof. Hao is now leading THE Lab, an interdisciplinary team based in SHTM, PolyU. THE Lab comprises 10 members, including 2 postdocs, 7 PhD students, and 1 research assistant.
