Signing Ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding between Institute for Tourism Development Research and Korean Culture and Tourism Institute

On October 28, 2024, in Hanoi , the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute for Tourism Development Research (ITDR) and the Korean Culture & Tourism Institute (KCTI) was held.

Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan – Director of ITDR and Dr. Kim Sae Won – President of KCTI signed the agreement, witnessed by Dr. Pham Van Thuy – Vice Chairman of Vietnam National Authority of Tourism; representative of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; KOICA expert, and researchers for the two Institutes.

In his opening speech, Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan emphasized that the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute for Tourism Development Research and the Korean Culture & Tourism Institute is a milestone that not only reflects the increasingly deep connection between the two organizations, but also the strong commitment of both sides for the sustainable and responsible development of the tourism industry. Up to now, the cooperation between the two institutes has a long history of 20 years (first signed in 2004), has achieved certain results contributing to promoting the common development of tourism in the two countries; through each signing stage, the cooperation contents have gone into more depth, more practical, suitable to the development needs of both sides, timely supplemented and expanded the cooperation contents, especially in the field of training and human resource development, organizing international seminars and talks to improve the capacity and skills of the team of experts; focusing on joint research projects, sharing information, promoting smart and sustainable tourism development and minimizing environmental impacts. Also at the event, Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan believes that this MOU will create many practical and effective values for the tourism industry of both Vietnam and Korea. And the interest and support of the relevant parties is the driving force for both sides to realize the set goals.

Attending and giving a speech at the ceremony, Dr. Pham Van Thuy – Vice Chairman of Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, on behalf of the VNAT’s leaders, congratulated and highly appreciated the efforts of both Institutes in building and developing cooperation between Vietnam and Korea. Also at the event, Vice Chairman Pham Van Thuy assigned ITDR to closely coordinate with the KCTI to realize the cooperation contents to ensure common principles and promote the cooperative relationship between the two Institutes that has been built over the past 20 years.

On behalf of KCTI, Dr. Kim Sae Won – President, thanked the leaders of the VNAT and the leaders of ITDR for organizing the signing ceremony with a solemn atmosphere and a warm welcome. Dr. Kim Sae Won highly agreed with the cooperation contents, affirmed close coordination between the two sides as well as proposed new cooperation contents to meet the development requirements in the new period. She further emphasized that the cooperation between the two Institutes is not only implemented in each content but also more broadly strengthens the relationship between the two countries, opens up many cooperation opportunities, and contributes to the development of the tourism industry of the two countries. With 20 years of cooperation, the relationship between the two Institutes has become closely connected, friendly and like a family, for the goal of sustainable development. Also through the event, she requested the VNAT to continue to pay attention and create conditions for the two sides to further develop the comprehensive cooperative relationship, especially promoting the joint implementation of programs and projects on tourism development, training, fostering, and exchanging tourism experts…

At the MOU Signing Ceremony, the two sides highly agreed to sign the Memorandum with the following main contents: Cooperation in training & human resource development, Exchange of researchers and experts, Implementation of joint research projects, Organization of seminars and workshops on tourism, Exchange of tourism information and data.

Hopefully in the future, the cooperative relationship will continue to be promoted for the benefit of the two Institutes and, above all, contribute to promoting tourism and cooperation between the two countries to meet the development requirements./.

News & photos: Cuong Tran