The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has negatively affected tourism in Macao and around the world. The crisis has highlighted the importance for industry professionals to engage in continuous study to help them face all kinds of challenges. So says Mr. Lucifer Liang, one of the first-batch postgraduate students at IFTM. He is pursuing the degree of Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Mr. Liang says the experience of weathering the pandemic can produce opportunity for the tourism industry. Post-crisis, businesses will require some time to return to pre-Covid-19 turnover levels. As a result, structural adjustments to such enterprises are likely. That offers room for new features to be developed, to improve existing tourism products and to strengthen service quality. In the long term, he says, the overall development of tourism might benefit from how the challenges are tackled.
Mr. Liang points out tourism remains an important factor in boosting internal consumption in the People’s Republic of China, due to the strong domestic demand for its products. It is likely such domestic demand will resume once the pandemic is under control. Macao and the neighbouring city of Zhuhai have both been capitalising on tourism, using it as a driver for economic growth, he adds.
Mr. Liang says continuous study is really important in tourism. Professionals need a solid base of knowledge and to be equipped with the means to understand the rapid changes affecting the industry.
Game changer
Mr. Liang is a graduate from the School of Tourism Management at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangdong Province. He came into contact with IFTM after taking part in a joint research project involving researchers from the Institute. That led him to apply for a master’s degree programme at IFTM upon completing his bachelor degree studies.
“I realised the need to up my game,” he says, pointing out that IFTM provides a platform where students can both pursue academic development and professional training.
Mr. Liang highlights that IFTM “has good connections with many institutes and universities around the world as well as other international entities.” He says these links allow students to take part in academic and international exchange events elsewhere, to enrich their knowledge and skills.
Mr. Liang says the most enjoyable aspect of his IFTM studies is doing group projects, as they promote student interaction and sharing of experiences. “During group projects, I have been able to assess and improve my reasoning skills and practical abilities,” he says.
Upon completing his master’s degree studies, Mr. Liang plans to find a job in tourism either in Zhuhai or Macao where he can make use of what he has learned. Further down the road, “I might pursue a doctoral degree,” he says.
IFTM launched its first postgraduate programmes this academic year. Enrolment for the postgraduate diploma and master’s degree programmes for academic year 2020/21 is taking place until 31 May. Applications for the PhD programme can be made year-round. All programmes are delivered in English.
