Globally, tourism has been among the hardest hit sectors by the COVID-19 pandemic. The tourism sector, however, has also grown in number of tourists and economic impact strongly, especially post-covid. The tourism and hospitality sector's visibility and relevance in Vietnam's economy, society, and culture continues to increase, and cuts across political, policy, and social levels of the country. Vietnamese government and society increased understanding of tourism's significance for the country has led to greater support and excellent initiatives (both in the private and public sector), that no doubt will place Vietnam as one of the most competitive destinations not only in Southeast Asia but the world. As our global travel industry re-emerged from the setbacks imposed by COVID-19, is Vietnam ready for the change and to emerge as one of the top destinations in the world? This forum will bring together practitioners and academics to discuss the latest industry and scholarly trends and propose solutions to problems faced by the entire sector in Vietnam. The theme – Rethinking Tourism and Hospitality in Vietnam – will also address the progress made in the pandemic’s aftermath and how policy makers and the tourism sector have been able to adapt and rethink tourism to make the sector more resilient and ensure it is on track towards the 2030 global agenda for sustainable development.
| Time | Details |
| 13:00 – 13:30 | Registration and reception |
| 13:30 – 13:40 | Welcome remarks by RMIT Representatives, RMIT University, Vietnam |
| 13:40 – 13:50 | Introduction to THM program and 5 Years of Excellence by Senior Program Manager, Dr. Lei Tin Ong (Jackie), RMIT University, Vietnam |
| 13:50 – 14:00 | Guest speakers introduction, Agenda Brief and Kahoot Quiz |
| 14:00 - 15:00 | Concurrent sessions |
Academic session #1: New Frontiers in Tourism Research in Vietnam Moderated by Dr. Justin Pang - RMIT University Vietnam Panelists: Dr. Jung Woo Han - RMIT University Vietnam Ms. Hien Duong Vietnam - National University Ms. Thuy Pham - RMIT University Vietnam |
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Practitioner session #1: Airlines as the Barometer of the Tourism Industry: Evidence from Vietnam Moderated by Mr Vincent Quach - RMIT University Vietnam Panelists: Mr Jason Choi - Cathay Pacific Airways Ms Wendy Vu - Qatar Airways |
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| 15:00 – 15:10 | Tea Break |
| 15:10 – 15:55 | Concurrent sessions |
Academic session #2: Sustainable Tourism Development in Vietnam: Principles and Practice Moderated by Dr Daisy Kanagasapapathy - RMIT University Vietnam Panelists: Ms Soline Le - RMIT University Vietnam Mr Ken Atkinson - Grant Thornton Vietnam Mr Miquel Martorell - MQL Sustainable Tourism Services |
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Practitioner session #2: Innovation in Hospitality and Food & Beverage Operations in Vietnam Moderated by Mr Rok Pintar - RMIT University Vietnam Panelists: Mr. Mario Mendis - Sofitel Saigon Plaza Hotel Mr Craig Douglas - The Grand Ho Tram Strip Resort and Casino Ms Corina Luong - L’Herbanyste, Planta and Wild Thyme |
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| 15:55 – 16:00 | Break |
| 16:00 – 17:00 | Plenary Forum moderated by Senior Lecturer and Research Cluster Lead, Dr Nuno Ribeiro, RMIT University Vietnam |
| 17:00 – 17:10 | Roundtable closing remarks by Head of Management Department, Associate Professor Trung Nguyen, RMIT University, Vietnam |
| 17:00 – 19:00 | Intermission – Travel to Evening Gala location (Sofitel Saigon), where closing ceremony and evening reception will take place (transportation from RMIT campus to Sofitel provided, first come, first serve) |
| 18:30 | Doors Open. Welcome guests |
| 19:00 – 19:10 | Welcome remarks by Associate Professor Seng Kok, Interim Dean of Students, RMIT University, Vietnam |
| 20:50 – 21:00 | Evening closing remarks by Dr Jackie Ong, Senior Program Manager, Tourism & Hospitality Management, RMIT University, Vietnam |
