International conference on critical issues for sustainable tourism development in South East Asia

  Vietnam National University – University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH) organized an International conference with the topic: “Critical issues for sustainable tourism development in South East Asia” on 2 November 2017 at USSH’s conference room, under the arrangement of Faculty of Tourism Studies. The conference, which attracted scholars, researchers and lecturers from national and international institutions in Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Philippines and Viet Nam and within the frame of the German DAAD-funded project “Sustainable Tourism Development in Vietnam”, in partnership with Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism of Hue University and University of Social Sciences and Humanities. The conference is a forum for sharing academic and practical case studies and experience on sustainable tourism development in South East Asia. 

  The conference contains two main sessions “Sustainable Tourism Development: From Theory to Practice” and “Tourism Destination Management”, among a lot of other such discussion themes as how to deal with issues of balancing between preservation and development, especially in heritage sites, dealing with climate change and pollution, and ensuring local communities get benefits from tourism especially in the context of many accommodation establishments owned by foreign investors.

   Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh – Rector of USSH, at his welcome remarks, 6 South East Asian countries delegations present today not only share their expertise, experience, but also contribute their interventions in United Nations solutions for sustainable development, Ministry level’s strategies of responsible tourism development. At the opening speech, Prof. Dr. Steingrube Wilhelm – University of Greifswald, Germany shared the outcomes of 4 year project “Sustainable Tourism Development in Vietnam” which include: Destination management in Hue; Tourism and Regional Planning; and Tourism consulting.

   There are many other issues are put on the table by conference participants, among which one critical issue addressed: how to make sure nobody gets hurt and enjoy benefits from community-based rural tourism (CBRT) model. Prof. Dr. Kalsom Kayat – University Utara Malaysia concluded: It’s necessary for CBRT is facilitated with the involvement of the following factors: community, partnership; collaboration and empowerment. In respective areas that need to be done, Dr. Kayat mentioned: management towards competitiveness; conservation of resources and creation of benefit to the community. Therefore, the sustainability of CBRT is maintained.

   At “Critical issues for sustainable tourism development in South East Asia”, once again, it’s affirmed that in order to have sustainable tourism development, international communities are in the need of genuine cooperation. Furthermore, they should give hands to deliver practical actions and go on carrying out researches, and proposing solutions for policies, products and marketing.

Chien Thang