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Congratulations on the Publication of IFTM’s Faculty-Student Cooperation Published in the Journal of China Tourism Research

Publication of IFTM’s Faculty-Student Cooperation Published in the Journal of China Tourism Research

中文摘要 / Summary in Chinese

IFTM attaches great importance to its academic research. Journals are excellent means to convey research findings, latest discoveries and developments, and future research prospects to the public. Journals offer a wide collection of scholarly articles that can be used for understanding the progress of knowledge in a research field and for developing ideas for further research. Thus, academic journals enable communication between scholars, form the basis for the development of further ideas, and track emerging ideas in a specific field. IFTM actively encourages faculty members and students to work together in carrying out academic research projects. Ms. Kong Wai Peng, after completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Retail and Marketing Management Programme (Chinese medium) in 2020, has joined hands with the Assistant Professor, Dr. Ly Tuan Phong, in publishing the research findings upon ecotourism in Macao on a world-renowned international journal – ‘Journal of China Tourism Research’.

Dr. Ly Tuan Phong has interests in conducting research in the area of ecotourism, national park model management, cultural heritage management, tourism development in Southeast Asia, museum development, and tourist behaviour. He has published some journal articles and conference papers in topics related to national park management and concession model in Southeast Asia and China, as well as research in tourist behaviour, and cultural tourism management.

Small cities (e.g., Macao) with fewer natural resources are relatively hesitant in developing ecotourism. However, ecotourism can be in any form anywhere, whenever all stakeholders involved in such businesses are ecologically, economically, and ethically responsible. The published study, done by the above two scholars, therefore tries to identify challenges for small cities in developing ecotourism, by using the four criteria (i.e., ecotourism based in nature; learning opportunities; sustainably managed sites; and ethical and responsible activities).  It also explains reasons discouraging small cities from ecotourism development based on the perspectives of involved stakeholders in nature-based tourism. Macao, with its small size, few natural resources, and the need to diversify tourism products to ease overcrowding issues in the urban touristic areas, was chosen as a case study to fill the research gap. Hence, the detailed evaluation of each criterion on ecotourism development and management presented a clear view of the opportunities and challenges that Macao is currently facing. This finding offers potential solutions for different public and non-public sectors who are attempting to embrace ecotourism.

Ms. Kong is currently a graduate student studying at the University of Saint Joseph, she believes that after working on this academic research, she will be able to take a closer look at the current status of ecotourism in Macao. Besides, it allows her to think about the feasibility in research, henceforth helps with her research work and supports her career development. She strives to link her research with the status quo of Macao, to contribute to Macao’s advancement based on her expertise and she expressed this research conducted aims to achieve theoretical and practical benefits for the society.

The Institute regards this publication as recognition for both the Dr. Ly and Ms. Kong’s academic achievements. In the meantime, the Institute will continue to support various academic research and contribute to the development of the tourism industry in Macao and even the world.