Learning Beyond the Classroom: MBA-HTM Timor Leste Group Field Visit

May 2, 2025 — On Friday afternoon, MBA students from the Hospitality and Tourism Management (MBA-HTM) program at Assumption University of Thailand (AU) had the opportunity to participate in a field visit to Double B Hostel, a 21-room sustainable boutique hostel owned and managed by AU alumna, Khun Benz.

Khun Benz welcomed the group warmly and shared her inspiring vision behind the hostel, emphasizing sustainable design, energy-efficient cooling systems, solar-powered rooftops, and water-saving innovations. Students actively engaged with the host, asking insightful questions about managing diverse tourist segments while navigating regulatory and operational challenges.

The visit included a tour of the hostel’s restaurant, Bite and Bond, where participants enjoyed snacks and drinks, followed by a guided walkthrough of the hostel’s three floors, highlighting various room types and thoughtfully designed facilities. The session concluded with a memorable group photo to commemorate the experience.

This field visit exemplifies practical learning beyond the classroom, enabling students to observe sustainable hospitality practices firsthand and to reflect on how innovative operations contribute to the broader goals of responsible tourism.

Location: 35 Trok Nava Alley, Sao Chingcha, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

Relevant SDGs:

SDG 4: Quality Education – Experiential learning and real-world application for hospitality students.
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Exposure to solar-powered and energy-efficient building systems.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Insights into responsible entrepreneurship and sustainable business operations.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Emphasis on water-saving, energy efficiency, and sustainable design in hospitality management.
SDG 13: Climate Action – Encouraging climate-conscious business practices in the tourism sector.