Experiential learning and teaching in hospitality and tourism was the subject of the international conference organized by the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism (20-23 May, 2014). The conference opened with a highly supportive speech by Standing Vice President Professor Zhang Shuguang and the scene was set by a dynamic keynote address by Professor Cathy Hsu of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HKPU) with high levels of audience participation. She was followed by another exciting keynote address by Professor Brian King (HKPU) who compared his experiences in three continents. The next keynote address was Professor Carson (Kit) Jenkins (University of Strathclyde) who reflected on his deep experience of the link between experiential learning and effective development. Professor Hanqin Qiu (HKPU) came next with a very well researched analysis of the varieties and balance of experiential learning approaches in her own institution. This was complimented by Professor Geoffrey Wall’s (University of Waterloo) fulsome and engaging account of his experiences as a learner and a teacher. Finally, Professor Michael Parnwell (MUST) gave an eloquent address on the role of fieldwork and how the outside could be brought into the classroom. In a session on experiential learning and cultural heritage Professor Gerald Lidstone (Goldsmiths, University of London) gave an illuminating keynote on the role of creativity at Goldsmiths College. A total of 39 academics contributed papers at the conference drawn from many different countries, many of which were multi-authored. On the last day of the conference, 28 participants accompanied Professor Michal Hitchcock on a walking tour of the historic center of Macau focusing on the paintings and drawings of the city by the British artist, George Chinnery.
