To promote academic exchanges between early-career researchers in hospitality and tourism management and their global peers, and to jointly explore the latest research methodologies, emerging development trends, and potential opportunities and challenges in this field in the era of globalization, the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management (FHTM) at Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) hosted the 3^rd International Early-Career Researcher Conference in Hospitality and Tourism from May 8 to 10, 2026.

The conference invited several distinguished keynote speakers from the international tourism and hospitality field, including Professor Perry Hobson, President of the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE); Dr. Ying Wang, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Vacation Marketing; Professor Su Lujun from the Business School of Central South University; Dr. Huang Dan, Associate Professor at the College of Tourism, Sichuan University and Managing Editor of Tourism Management Perspectives; and Professor Ben K. Goh, Dean of the FHTM at MUST. Professor Goh and Assistant Dean of FHTM, Jose Weng Chou Wong, served as conference chairs.

More than 200 people attended the opening ceremony, including Chair Professor Zhu Yizhun and Chair Professor Chen Yong, Vice-Presidents of MUST; Ms. Amy Chu, Head of the Academic Affairs Office at MUST; Ms. Eliza Iek, Head of the Registry at MUST; Ms. Miranda Lam, Head of the General Affairs Office at MUST; Mr. Keawe Lei, Head of the Finance Office at MUST; as well as industry leaders, experts, and scholars from around the world.

Group photo

During the opening ceremony on May 8, Vice-President Chen Yong delivered a speech, extending a warm welcome to all attending scholars. He affirmed the development achievements and academic standing of the FHTM at MUST, and encouraged early-career researchers to actively engage in research discussions and seek win-win cross-disciplinary collaborations. Subsequently, Vice-President Zhu Yizhun presented souvenirs to the guests.

Vice-President Chen Yong Delivered a Speech

(From right) Vice-President Zhu Yizhun Presents a Souvenir to Professor Perry Hobson

(From right) Vice-President Zhu Yizhun Presents a Souvenir to Dr. Ying Wang

On May 8 to 9, academic sessions were held across parallel sub-forums. The program incorporated both oral and poster presentations, providing a comprehensive platform for scholarly exchange. Oral sessions featured substantive research contributions, while more than 30 posters exhibited on the second-floor podium of Block O attracted significant engagement from participants.

Speakers Delivered Presentation

Poster Exhibition Scene

As an international academic event fostering in-depth dialogue between academia and industry, the conference brought together academic experts, industry leaders, and early-career researchers from around the world, injecting strong momentum into the development of the Greater Bay Area and the high-quality advancement of the hospitality and tourism industry.