Dr. Lina Xiong

Bridging Business, Nature, and People

Fall in Colorado

I am a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources (HDNR) at Colorado State University (CSU). With a background in tourism and hospitality marketing, my research began by focusing on internal branding and destination marketing from an internal stakeholder perspective. My teaching also advocates for the voice of internal stakeholders, including service employees and destination residents in tourism.

As a transplant to Colorado, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for nature and open spaces. My business-oriented research has gradually evolved to encompass nature-based tourism and conservation issues, while maintaining a strong focus on the human dimension. Today, my work bridges business management, stakeholder engagement, and human–nature relationships through interdisciplinary approaches that promote sustainability and well-being.

I have led research grants exploring human-wildlife coexistence under rapid urbanization and multiple international cultural exchange projects. As the Director of the China Sustainable Tourism Programs at HDNR, I oversee two successful international collaborative master’s programs: Master of Tourism Management and Master of Park and Protected Area Management – China.

Publications

For a full list of my publications, please visit my Google Scholar profile.

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“道法自然。”

True wisdom for human is one that follows the rhythms of nature.