Key Elements of a Successful Tourism Dissertation Discussion Section
Writing a tourism dissertation is a major academic achievement, marking the culmination of a student’s formal education and their ability to apply both theory and research to real-world contexts. Among all the chapters in a dissertation, the discussion section is often considered the most intellectually demanding. This is the part where students interpret their findings, link them back to the literature, and reflect on their significance. In tourism studies, where research often bridges academic theory and industry practice, a strong discussion section can make the difference between a good dissertation and an exceptional one.
1. Clear Interpretation of Results
The discussion section should begin by directly addressing the main findings from the results chapter. In tourism research, findings may include patterns in tourist behavior, stakeholder perceptions, sustainability challenges, or destination marketing effectiveness. Instead of simply restating the data, students must interpret what these results mean. This involves explaining why certain patterns occurred and what implications they have.
For example, if a study on visitor satisfaction at a cultural heritage site shows low satisfaction due to poor signage, the discussion should explore how this impacts visitor experience and long-term destination competitiveness. The interpretation should be thoughtful, evidence-based, and tied closely to the original research questions or hypotheses.
2. Connection to Existing Literature
A critical element of any successful discussion is the integration of findings with the academic literature reviewed earlier in the dissertation. This demonstrates the student’s understanding of where their research fits within the broader scholarly conversation.
Tourism students should ask:
- Do my findings support or contradict existing studies?
- How do my results expand on what is already known?
- What gaps in the literature does my research help to fill?
For instance, if a student’s findings confirm that digital marketing significantly influences travel decisions among Gen Z tourists, this should be compared with existing literature on digital media trends in tourism. Contradictions or new perspectives should be acknowledged and analyzed — not ignored.
3. Real-World Implications for Tourism Practice
Unlike many other disciplines, tourism has a strong applied component. A good discussion chapter doesn’t just engage with academic theories but also explores how the findings can be used by industry practitioners, policymakers, or destination managers.
For example, if the study reveals that eco-conscious tourists are more likely to revisit destinations with visible green certifications, the student should discuss how tourism operators can use this insight to design more effective sustainability programs and marketing strategies.
Including such real-world implications demonstrates not only academic maturity but also professional relevance — a key trait for tourism graduates aiming to work in the industry.
4. Acknowledgment of Research Limitations
No research is perfect, and acknowledging the limitations of the study adds credibility to the discussion. This doesn’t weaken the dissertation — on the contrary, it shows that the student is aware of the research boundaries and is thinking critically about their work.
Common limitations in tourism dissertations may include:
- Small or non-representative samples (e.g., only surveying tourists at one site)
- Limited timeframes (e.g., only collecting data during peak season)
- Researcher bias (especially in qualitative studies)
- Access restrictions (e.g., inability to reach certain stakeholders)
After stating the limitations, students should briefly mention how these may have affected the results or generalizability of the findings.
5. Suggestions for Future Research
Every strong discussion chapter includes recommendations for further study. These suggestions should flow logically from the limitations or unexplored areas identified in the research.
For example, if a dissertation focused on tourist satisfaction at urban destinations, future research could explore satisfaction at rural or coastal sites for comparison. Or, if the study used only quantitative methods, students might suggest follow-up qualitative research to gain deeper insights.
By doing this, students position their work within an ongoing academic journey, showing that their research is part of a larger conversation.
6. Structured and Coherent Writing
Beyond content, structure and clarity are essential. A well-organized discussion section typically includes:
- An introduction (briefly restating the research aim)
- Thematic sections based on key findings
- Literature integration in each section
- A conclusion summarizing key points and linking to the conclusion chapter
Tourism students should aim for a logical flow, clear transitions, and precise academic language. Overly descriptive or disorganized writing can obscure even the best insights.
Conclusion
The discussion section of a tourism dissertation is the intellectual heart of the research — the place where data becomes insight, and findings are transformed into knowledge. To succeed, students must interpret their results clearly, engage critically with existing literature, acknowledge limitations, and highlight both theoretical and practical implications.
By mastering these elements, tourism students not only enhance the quality of their dissertation but also demonstrate the critical thinking and communication skills that are essential for success in the academic and professional worlds.