Tourism Marketing Management — A proud academic achievement has once again been accomplished by a student through the successful publication of a scientific article in a reputable international journal. The article, entitled “Zoo Visitor Typology, Motivation, and Behavior in FaunaLand Ancol, Indonesia,” was officially published in the journal Leisure/Loisir on March 28, 2026.

This research examines zoos as tourist destinations that not only function as recreational spaces but also play significant roles in education and conservation. In recent developments, zoos have become part of experience-based tourism, where visitors come with diverse motivations and exhibit different behaviors during their visits.

Through research conducted at FaunaLand Ancol, the author aims to identify visitor typologies based on their motivations and behaviors. This approach is considered essential in gaining a deeper understanding of tourist characteristics, thereby supporting more effective and targeted destination management. In addition, this study contributes to the development of tourism studies, particularly in the area of tourist behavior.

During the publication process, the author faced various challenges, ranging from writing the article in academic English to navigating the rigorous selection process of international journals. The article was initially rejected by several journals before finally finding one that aligned with the scope of the research.

Furthermore, the research process was also marked by internal challenges, including a temporary loss of motivation (burnout). However, driven by the commitment to graduate on time and supported by the supervisor, Mr. Taufik Abdullah, the research was ultimately completed successfully. The revision stages, which had to be completed within a short timeframe, along with the publication waiting period of approximately seven months, were all part of this journey.

This achievement is expected to inspire other students to continue producing scholarly work and contributing to the academic field. It is also important for students to actively consult with their supervisors and select journals that align with their research topics in order to increase their chances of publication.

Author : Raffi Ardiansyah