Contemporary Issues in Tourism Research: Multidimensional Perspectives from Domestic and International Scholars

Gathering wisdom and multi-dimensional perspectives from prestigious scholars and experts
The workshop was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Vietnam, the Ambassador of the Socialist Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka to Vietnam, representatives of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Office in Vietnam, the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Education, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Rikkyo University (Japan) and many leaders of management agencies, organizations, businesses, and domestic and international research institutes.   In her opening speech, Associate Professor, Dr. Dang Thi Thu Huong - Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU affirmed that the conference is not only an academic event gathering the intelligence and multi-dimensional perspectives from scholars, policymakers, and leading experts at home and abroad, but also a special milestone to celebrate 80 years of academic tradition, 30 years of establishment of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, and 30 years of establishment of the Faculty of Tourism Studies (1995 - 2025).

The conference received 59 scientific reports, demonstrating the diversity and depth of current tourism research. In-depth discussions revolved around three main topics: Tourism development and impact: focusing on new tourism models such as fisheries-based tourism in Sri Lanka, heritage tourism, economic impacts of MICE tourism and renewable tourism; Tourism Destination Management: addressing African cultural heritage tourism, destination attributes, competitiveness issues, historical relic management in Vietnam and destination branding; Digital transformation in Tourism and socio-economic impact: studying the spillover effects of agritourism in India, the impact of technology, social media and emotional intelligence on the tourism industry.
Forum for academic cooperation and orientation for sustainable tourism development
In his welcome speech at the workshop, Dr. Ha Van Sieu - Deputy General Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism said that according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), global tourism revenue will reach 1.7 trillion USD in 2024, up 11% compared to 2023 and 14% higher than in 2019. The average spending per trip reached 1,160 USD, compared to 1,000 USD before the pandemic, showing that the average spending value of tourists has increased significantly. However, the recovery process is still uneven. Some areas have exceeded the 2019 level, while others still face limitations in connectivity, human resources and sustainability.
In Vietnam, tourism is also on the rise. In 2024, Vietnam will welcome 17.5 million international visitors and 110 million domestic visitors, with total revenue reaching VND840 trillion - a clear demonstration of market confidence and effective policy orientation. In the first 9 months of 2025, Vietnam welcomed 15.4 million international visitors, an increase of 22% over the same period last year.

“The tourism industry today is driven by knowledge, driven by technology and oriented by human values ​​- aiming for memorable experiences, while preserving and sustainably developing destinations with the community” - Dr. Ha Van Sieu emphasized, at the same time affirming the essential role of research and education in orienting the transformation of tourism in the new era.
The workshop is an opportunity for scientists and tourism managers from many countries to exchange experiences, share research results and discuss practical cooperation solutions.
Outstanding presentations from Prof. Dr. Mizukami Tetsuo (Rikkyo University - Japan); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Long (Faculty of Tourism Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities), Dr. Bui Van Manh - Director of Ninh Binh Department of Tourism... brought many in-depth perspectives, creative ideas and practical recommendations. This is also a useful reference source for policy makers, academics and businesses, contributing to promoting the sustainable development of tourism in Vietnam in particular and the world in general.

Prof. Dr. Mizukami Tetsuo - Vice Principal of Rikkyo College, Rikkyo University (Japan) presented a paper Assoc.Prof.Dr. Pham Hong Long - Chairman of the Science and Training Council, Faculty of Tourism Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities

The international conference “Contemporary issues in tourism research” is considered an important academic forum, connecting networks and promoting cooperative solutions to urgent issues in the tourism industry in Vietnam, the region and the world, and is also a highlight demonstrating the spirit of extensive international cooperation in tourism research of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU.
Faculty of Tourism Studies - 30 years of pioneering in tourism training and research
Faculty of Tourism Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU was established on October 21, 1995 with the mission of laying the foundation for training high-quality tourism human resources in a scientific, integrated and modern direction.
After 30 years of development, the Faculty of Tourism has become a pioneer and leading prestigious unit in the field of tourism training and research in Vietnam.
The Faculty has built a complete training system from Bachelor, Master to Doctorate, being the first unit in the country licensed to train at all three levels. With a team of elite lecturers and an extensive international cooperation network, the Faculty has trained more than 55,000 bachelors, 660 masters and 16 doctors, making a great contribution to the development of Vietnam's tourism industry.
The Faculty of Tourism and many individuals have been honored to receive many noble awards from the State and all levels and sectors. In particular, the Faculty received a Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister (in 2002), and was awarded the Vietnam Tourism Award 2025 with the title of "Best Tourism Training Institution" by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. This is a worthy recognition for the tireless efforts, a source of pride and great motivation for the Faculty to continue to strive.