I have had the chance to submit and present a TDK thesis twice so far, but I never viewed either occasion as a competition, at least not in relation to the other students. The real competition is never with the other participants, but with myself - pushing the boundaries of my knowledge and abilities. The presentation of the scientific work was preceded by nearly a year of research activity. This period not only enriched me with new discoveries and scientific knowledge, but also contributed to developing my own research perspective.

My thesis examines the role of tour guide interactions and behavior in tourists’ emotional reactions and decision-making processes, highlighting the importance of tour guides’ emotional interactions, which can influence tourist satisfaction and behavioral patterns.

Speech and presenting myself are part of my daily life, but presenting in a scientific context is a completely different experience. The conference took place in a diverse community, in the presence of a supportive and competent jury, where the work and commitment to research truly represented value. The expert feedback following my presentation reinforced my belief that the relevance and impact of my research also holds significant value for the scientific community.

Winning first place was a huge honor, but the most important aspect for me is the experience and knowledge I gained during this time. I hope my work will contribute to the development of scientific discourse in tourism and leave a long-term mark in the field. Éva Dr habil. Happ, Department of Tourism and Hospitality, associate professor, my supervisor’s guidance and belief in my ability to carry out my research at a higher level has been a key factor in my success. Therefore, I always dedicate my final words to her, as without her, I could not have achieved all that I have accomplished.

Photo: Eliza Raffai