Biography
Dr Richard Hrankai (Ph.D.) is an Assistant Professor in the Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration at Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU). His research focuses on sustainability, decision-making, and technology in tourism and hospitality. He has published in leading international journals, addressing critical challenges at the intersection of economic growth, environmental stewardship, and technological transformation.
Dr Hrankai earned his Ph.D. from the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, following a Master’s degree from Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland. Prior to joining HKMU, he was an Assistant Professor at Modul University Vienna in Austria.
He has led funded research projects, most notably a competitive Research Grants Council Faculty Development Scheme (FDS) grant investigating the role of greenhouse gas labels in shaping tourists’ sustainable urban mobility decisions. His studies on accessibility, intermodal transport, and tourist flows provide actionable insights for tackling overtourism and designing eco-friendly transport systems. His second research stream focuses on artificial intelligence and behavioural economics, analysing how AI platforms and cognitive processes influence tourist decision-making.
Beyond academia, Dr Hrankai contributes actively to professional and public forums. He delivered a keynote address at the International Travel Expo (ITE) 2024 and was invited to speak at the International Hospitality & Tourism Research Conference in Switzerland. He has also shared his expertise on sustainable tourism in RTHK’s Vibrant Hong Kong programme, bringing research insights to broader public audiences.
Teaching Areas & Research Interests
- Tourist mobility
- Transport and tourism
- Stated choice experiments
- AI-induced consumer behaviour
- Hotel Asset Management
- Revenue Management
- Food & Beverage Management
Selected Publications
Journal Articles
- Hrankai, R., & Mak, B. (2025). Bridging the affordance-actualization gap in user preferences for AI-assisted trip planning. Journal of Travel Research, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/00472875251322518.
- Hrankai, R., Chan, I. C. C., & Senbeto, D. L. (2025). Understanding the Role of Response Latency on Position Bias in Tourists' Online Travel Planning. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 49(7), 1227-1240. https://doi.org/10.1177/10963480251324553
- Rezai, N., Kiu, T.C.T., & Hrankai, R. (2025). Moderating role of gender on tourists experiences in visiting the middle east destinations: From perceived risk to emotions. Tourism Recreation Research, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1080/02508281.2025.25382.
- Masiero, L., Hrankai, R., & Zoltan, J. (2022). The role of intermodal transport on urban tourist mobility in peripheral areas of Hong Kong. Research in Transportation Business & Management, 100838. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rtbm.2022.100838
- Masiero, L., & Hrankai, R. (2022). Modelling tourist accessibility to peripheral attractions. Annals of Tourism Research, 92, 103343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2021.103343
- Kiatkawsin, K., Bui, N.A, Hrankai, R., Jeong, K. (2021). The moderating roles of sensation-seeking and worry among nature-based adventure tourists. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), 2021. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18042021
Selected Professional & Community Services
- Ad hoc reviewer for Tourism Management, Annals of Tourism Research, Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, Journal of Sustainable Tourism
Modified Date: 18 Sep, 2025
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