International Conference on Coastal Tourism

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh, Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, delivered the opening remarks at the conference.

Attending the workshop were representatives from the British Council - the funding body for the research project; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh - Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities; lecturers from the Faculty of Tourism Studies; researchers from the UK, Germany, Australia, and Japan; tourism industry experts in Vietnam working at the Institute for Tourism Research and Development, National Economics University, Hanoi Pedagogical University, Thang Long University; and representatives from several tourism companies belonging to the Responsible Tourism Club (RTC) network.

Dr. Pham Hong Long (left) and Dr. Hampton present the research results.

During the workshop, Dr. Mark Hampton (University of Kent), Dr. Julia Jeyacheya (University of Bradford), and Dr. Pham Hong Long presented research findings on Ha Long Bay tourism. The advantages and disadvantages regarding management mechanisms, natural resources, infrastructure, and economic and social impacts were raised for participants to ask questions and discuss. In addition, Dr. Jeyacheya highlighted and provided specific examples regarding human resources, a major issue affecting the quality of tourism services in Ha Long Bay.

BBesides the presentation on research findings regarding Ha Long Bay tourism, the workshop also featured a very detailed and insightful presentation by Helen Brunt on "Coastal Tourism – Lessons from Malaysia". This presentation provided a more comprehensive perspective on the sustainable development of coastal tourism.

The workshop provided valuable and useful information for those researching marine tourism, and also offered an opportunity for guests to build long-term collaborative relationships.