To promote academic exchange in the field of tourism management, to explore new research trends, theories, and methods, and to provide a platform for dialogue among young and excellent scholars, the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management (FHTM) at Macau University of Science and Technology (M.U.S.T.) successfully organized the The 1st International Early-Career Researcher Conference in Hospitality and Tourism from May 10 to 12, 2024. Dr. Gabby Walters, Associate Professor with the University of Queensland’s Business School and Deputy Associate Dean (Research) for the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law, and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Vacation Marketing; Prof. Hanqin Qiu, Distinguished Professor, Dean of the International School of Cultural Tourism of Hangzhou City University; Prof. Jinsoo Lee, Professor of the Marketing School of Hotel and Tourism Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Managing Editor of Journal of Travel & Tourism; and Prof. Ben K. Goh, Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Macau University of Science and Technology were invited as the keynote speakers.

Group Photo

Welcome Speech by Professor Ben K. Goh, Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Professor Ben K. Goh, Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management delivered the welcome speech to scholars attending the conference. He expressed that the FHTM is committed to cultivating and developing talents in the hotel industry through collaborations with renowned enterprises and academic institutions. He also encouraged all participants to actively engage in exchanging perspectives, ideas, and experiences in various aspects of tourism. It is hoped that all attendees can gain inspiration and motivation from this conference.

(From Right) Professor Jiang Zhihong Presented the Souvenir to Associate Professor Gabby Walters

(From Right) Professor Jiang Zhihong Presented the Souvenir to Distinguished Professor Qiu Hanqin

(From Right) Professor Jiang Zhihong Presented the Souvenir to Professor Jinsoo Lee

Roundtable Forum

In addition to the keynote speeches, the conference also included two days of concurrent academic sessions and roundtable forums. An unforgettable networking experience was provided to participants with a Gala Dinner held at the St. Regis Macao the following evening. This conference is a significant academic international event for scholars, professionals, young researchers, and master’s and doctoral students from academia and industry to engage in in-depth exchanges. It will also contribute to promoting Macao as a world-class tourism and leisure center and a hub for multicultural exchange and collaboration. The conference aims to explore the numerous challenges and opportunities brought about by the tourism industry and to create a better world for the current and future generations.

Distinguished guests attending the conference included Jiang Zhihong, Vice-President of Macau University of Science and Technology; Zhu Yizhun, Associate Vice-President Professor of Macau University of Science and Technology; Aliana Leong, Associate Vice-President of Macau University of Science and Technology; Timothy Lee, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management; Eliza Iek, Head of Academic Registry; Feng Junguo, Administrative Officer of the School of Graduate Studies; and Wong Weng Chou and Zhang Yang, Assistant Deans of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management, as well as over 200 industry leaders, experts, and scholars from around the world.

Academic Conference Scene

Guests Presented with the Best Paper Award