Training the next generation of tourism professionals in Melbourne

“What excites me the most about the future of the tourism industry is the potential of positive change. We can see a healthier environment, more amazing visitor experiences, and support for local communities.”

— Hoang Tam (Tammy) Nghiem, Victoria University graduate

How Victoria University is building practical skills for a more sustainable visitor economy

Originally from Vietnam’s iconic Phu Quoc Island, Hoang Tam’s early curiosity about travel and culture led her to pursue tourism studies in Melbourne, a city she’d long dreamed of calling home. At Victoria University (VU), she found more than a degree: she discovered hands-on learning, personalized pathways, and a supportive environment that helped her grow as a professional and a person.

Now working with the Victoria Tourism Industry Council, Tammy supports businesses with their sustainable tourism assessments, applying her education to help shape a more responsible industry from the ground up.

Through its School for the Visitor Economy, VU is equipping students across all qualification levels with real-world skills and sector-specific experience. It’s a model that blends academic rigor with practical application, preparing graduates to make a difference in a dynamic and ever-evolving global industry.

Whether through entrepreneurship events, sustainable business projects, or strong industry partnerships, the school is empowering the next generation to lead tourism into a more inclusive, balanced, and future-ready direction.

About the School for the Visitor Economy, Victoria University

Victoria University’s School for the Visitor Economy is a cross-university school providing the local and international tourism, hospitality and event management industries with qualified professionals and research.

School for the Visitor Economy