THM Students Explore Five-Star Front Office Operations and Guest Experience at Avani+ Khao Lak Resort
Connecting classroom learning with professional hotel operations through an immersive workplace learning experience
The Tourism and Hospitality Management Program (THM), International School of Tourism, Suratthani Rajabhat University, provided third-year students interested in hotel careers with an opportunity to study Front Office operations and experience a five-star hotel stay at Avani+ Khao Lak Resort, strengthening their professional knowledge and understanding through real-world hospitality experiences.
The Tourism and Hospitality Management Program is committed to developing students with the knowledge, professional skills, and competencies required for a wide range of careers across the tourism and hotel industries. The curriculum prepares students for diverse professional roles in tour operations, hotels, and other tourism and hospitality-related businesses.
In addition to classroom-based learning, the program places strong emphasis on integrating academic study with authentic workplace experiences. Students are provided with opportunities to apply their knowledge in real hospitality environments, with previous practical learning focusing particularly on food and beverage service and bar operations.
During the first semester of the 2026 academic year, the program expanded its professional development activities to focus on Front Office operations, one of the most important areas of hotel service. Front Office personnel play a key role in welcoming guests, providing information, coordinating services, and contributing to a positive guest experience throughout their stay.
Learning from Real Operations and Experiencing Service as Guests
Third-year students with a particular interest in hotel careers participated in a Front Office study visit at Avani+ Khao Lak Resort, a five-star hotel and resort within the Minors Hotel group as stated in the activity information. Students also experienced an overnight hotel stay, allowing them to examine hospitality service both from the perspective of future service professionals and as actual hotel guests.
Combining a professional study visit with a guest stay experience enabled students to connect classroom knowledge with actual hotel operations. They gained a clearer understanding of Front Office responsibilities, service processes, guest interaction, and the importance of creating positive experiences for hotel guests.
The activity reflects the program's commitment to experiential learning and professional competency development. By learning directly from real hospitality environments, students are better prepared to apply their knowledge during professional training, work-integrated learning, and future careers in the tourism and hospitality industry.
SDG Report & Relevant Goals
This activity contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the following areas:
| SDG Goal | Target Description | Connection to Project |
|---|---|---|
|
Goal 4: Quality Education | Promotes experiential and professional learning through direct exposure to real hotel operations, enabling students to connect classroom knowledge with practical Front Office and hospitality service practices. |
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Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Strengthens students' professional competencies and career readiness for employment in tourism, hospitality, and hotel businesses, supporting their transition from education to meaningful employment. |
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Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Encourages collaboration between higher education and the hotel industry by creating workplace-based learning opportunities, facilitating professional knowledge exchange, and supporting the development of graduates who can respond effectively to industry needs. |
