Brian J. Tyrrell

Brian J. Tyrrell

Brian J. Tyrrell
Professor, Stockton University - New Jersey, U.S.

Brian J. Tyrrell is Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Stockton University. He also serves as a Research Fellow with the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism (LIGHT) at the college. He has previously taught at the University of Nevada Las Vegas' William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration and at Purdue University where he also completed his Doctoral Studies in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Prior to his career in education and research, Dr. Tyrrell held management positions in the lodging industry for over a decade. He serves on several boards including the Atlantic City Hotel and Lodging Association, the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy and the New Jersey Travel Industry Association, where he currently serves on the executive board. His research interests include consumer behavior in the hospitality and tourism industries and for the past six years Dr. Tyrrell has been focused on the tourism industry in the state of New Jersey. Two years ago, Dr. Tyrrell edited a book entitled "Casino Gaming in Atlantic City, a 30 Year Retrospective"; the book is now on its second printing. Dr. Tyrrell lives in Galloway Township with his wife of thirteen years, Amy, and their three children Kelly, Reagan and Molly.

THE GLOBAL VOICES AT THE GHANA CENTRE FOR CHINA STUDIES

On August 13, 2025 Brian J. Tyrrell, Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Stockton University, shared with the Ghana Centre for China Studies his perspective on why the UAE is appealing to Chinese tourists.

Lead:

The UAE has emerged as one of the go-to-destinations among Chinese tourists this year, surpassing traditional favourites, like some European cities and the Maldives. According to data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), in 2024 Dubai welcomed 824, 000 Chinese tourists, a 31 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Question:
Why is the UAE appealing to Chinese tourists?
Professor Brian J. Tyrrell:

I wouldn’t claim to be an expert in this regard, but I would imagine it is the substantial investment and state of the art facilities. It’s very attractive.
There’s also been negative trends in international visitation to the United States so I’m confident the UAE would’ve benefited from that as most nations would have.
I do find fascinating how many of the Middle East nations have been able to capitalize on diversifying their economy through investments in the tourism infrastructure.

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