Through the support from being part of the ASEAN Tourism Research Association (ATRA), the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events (SHTE), Taylor’s University was invited by Prince of Songkla University (PSU) to jointly organize a research session on “Rethinking Resilience and Sustainable Tourism”. This joint event featured keynote speakers and a panel discussion with representatives from both institutions.
The webinar aimed to share the expert knowledge and foster closer relationship in the development of future research in the areas of hospitality, tourism, and events. During the 3-hour hybrid session, around 40 Researchers from PSU attended physically in Phuket, while 84 other Academics, Researchers and Postgraduates attended the webinar virtually. Attendees of the event had the opportunity to listen to keynote addresses by Professor Dr. Bruce Prideaux, Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Prince of Songkla University and Associate Professor Dr. Seyyed Mostafa Rasoolimanesh, Head of Research and Director of Centre for Research and Innovation in Tourism (CRiT), Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management, Taylor’s University.
Some of the points highlighted by both Keynote Speakers included the factors that can impact resilience and sustainability and the concept of sustainability. Another interesting part of the event was the panel discussion with the theme on “Resilience, Revival & Sustainability” that was moderated by YBhg. Datuk Seri Professor Dr. Victor Wee, School of Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Taylor's University and Secretary General, ASEAN Tourism Research Association (ATRA).
The panel speakers for the discussion consisted of Assistant Professor Dr. Chayanon Phucharoen and Assistant Professor Dr. Kullada Phetvaroon from Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Prince of Songkla University; and, Associate Professor Dr. Kandappan Balasubramanian and Dr. Ruth Sabina from School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events, Taylor’s University.
Based on this webinar, many ideas were shared such as building long-term tourism resilience, baseline research into current ecosystem, health, green hospitality, role of technology for sustainability, case study of Phuket’s sandbox, responsible tourism, innovations in hospitality, tourism and events, research opportunities, revenge tourism and co-living spaces. These ideas provide opportunities of projects for collaboration between both universities.
Special thanks to the organizing team from Taylor’s University and Prince of Songkla University in organizing this joint research webinar.