International conference on Tourism development beyond borders

    On 13th October 2017, National Economics University (NEU) hosted an international conference on “Tourism development beyond borders” at Conference hall A, Building 10, NEU, Ha Noi. Many scientists, specialists from national and international universities and educational institutions which carry out tourism professional trainings attended the conference. Besides, representatives from such international organizations as UNESCO and IUCN, and lecturers and students of faculty of Tourism and Hospitality of NEU joined the event.

   In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Tran Tho Dat, President of NEU highlighted that beyond geographical boundaries, tourism has become a global issue. Tourism is concerned not only by the economic value, but equally, by its values of culture and environment, spirit and intellectuality, human exchanges and cooperation, he added. “Tourism today has considerable impact on human life, and vice versa, it is strongly influenced by changes in economic, political, social and environmental conditions as well as awareness and understanding of the society.” Dr. Tran Tho Dat said: ASEAN, one of the most dynamic regions in the world, is the bright spot of international and regional integration. Tourism is considered a pioneering field of initiatives within ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).

   International key note speakers, who are Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yi – Fong Wang from Taiwan University of Science and Technology and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Beatrice Bellini from University of Paris Nanterre, France presented 2 presentations respectively on “Current issues in Tourism beyond borders” and “Typology of Sustainable Tourism Products”, focusing on the significance of applying information technology in tourism and product cycle thinking, undertaking markets before designing tourism products. Besides, Ms. Tran Thi Thu Thuy – expert of UNESCO Culture unit and Ms. Dang Thu Ha from Ha Noi University of Industry delivered their presentations on tourism and the world heritages in Viet Nam and Ethics in tourism. 

   The conference delegates joined an in-depth discussion on training strategies and priorities in order to meet the demand of regional and AEC integration. Challenges mentioned are how to improve the human resources quality. Though Viet Nam tourism fully affirmed its commitments on ASEAN integration, including Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals (MRA-TP), it is obvious that labourors’ foreign language capacity is a barrier, especially in comparison with regional countries’ ones, namely Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia … Many delegates agreed with comments by Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Dinh – Former President of Ha Tinh University, Vice Chairman of Viet Nam Association for Tourism Training – that the main challenge Viet Nam tourism is facing in ASEAN and the world integration includes the following factors: Professional qualifications; Foreign languages; Understanding of cultures of ASEAN countries in particular and the world in general; the last but not least is the labourors’ health.

    At the end of the conference, delegates witnessed the launching of Responsible Tourism Network of Viet Nam (RTNV). This is with the aim of raising awareness of concerned stakeholders in terms of strengthening their connections, advocacy and commitments, taking actions towards a common vision on sustainable and responsible tourism development.

   Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Truong Hoang – Dean of Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality, NEU – delivered conference conclusion remarks. The conference is an opportunity for scientists, administrators, specialists and practitioners among other concerned counterparts in tourism have their further observations on the importance of regional and international integration to tourism development, in accordance with responsible tourism, ethics in toruism, and open new perspectives on future discussions and cooperation./.

  

Chien Thang