APTA 2016
Conference Report
Under the chairmanship of Dr. Yeong-Hyeon Hwang (Dong-A University, Korea), and with special support from Beijing International Studies University (BISU), the 22nd Asia Pacific Tourism Association Annual Conference at Legendale Hotel, Beijing was held from June 1 to 14, 2016. A total of 227 valuable delegates (including board members and VIPs) came from 24 different countries or regions (Korea, USA, Australia, Canada, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Macao, Mexico, New Zealand, Netherland, Turkey, UK, German, France, Denmark, Finland and Zimbabwe). They were academics, researchers, industry practitioners, and city/government officials, and making the conference such a huge success by sharing their innovative ideas for revamping the hospitality, leisure, and tourism industries.
After double-blind reviewing processes, a total of 144 research papers were selected to present in poster/concurrent sessions at this conference. The issues of this year’s research presentations were categorized into eight domains: Tourism Marketing, Ecotourism, Special Interests Tourism, Mental Health, Education, Information & Technology, Human Resource Management, and Corporate Social Responsibility. During the conference, two keynote speakers were invited to give speeches about tourism issues in China. Specifically, Mr. Fan Bai presented the topic of “Tourism Investment Trends in China and BTG’s practices” and Mr. David Chai presented the topic of “Development Trends of OTAs in China and the Case of Alibaba (Alitrip)”. For the graduate panel session, Dr. Cathy Hsu and Dr. Chris Ryan who have been globally recognized in hospitality and tourism were invited as primary panelists to discuss how graduate students can develop their academic careers more effectively and efficiently.
Among the 156 papers presented, The Best Paper Awards were presented (1) to Clement Kong Wing Chow for his paper -“Passenger Satisfaction and Organizational Learning in the Chinese Airline Industry” and (2) to Zhou Bo and Li Ningqiao for their paper – “The impact of the High-Speed Train on Regional Tourism Economies : Evidence from China”. As a valuable part of the award ceremony at this conference, the Founder’s (Dr. Hai-Sik Sohn) Award was given to Prof. Kaye Chon at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University to recognize his dedication to promoting the hospitality, leisure, and tourism industries in Asia Pacific region. Additionally, the APJTR Article of the year 2015 was given to Bob Mckercher and Feier Chen for their paper – “Travel as a Life Priority?”.
Sponsorships were very important to the APTA2016 Beijing conference. The assistance provided by our sponsors (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Beijing International Studies University, Institute for Tourism Studies, University of Missouri, Hawaii Tourism China, Busan Tourism Organization, Dong-A University, Korea Tourism Organization Wakayama University, and Busan Culture & Tourism Festival Organizing Committee) made this conference more ample and remarkable.
Overall, the APTA 2016 Beijing Conference undoubtedly promoted more exchanges between leisure, tourism, and hospitality industries. This conference was also utilized as a significant academic platform for scholars and industry professionals to exchange their research outcomes and industry trends. With more valuable content, the APTA 2017 Conference will take place in Busan, South Korea.
Awards
APTA Founder’s (Dr. Hai-Sik Sohn) Award
Prof. Kaye Chon, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
APTA 2017 Best Papers
- Clement Kong Wing Chow. “Passenger Satisfaction and Organizational Learning in the Chinese Airline Industry”
- Zhou Bo and Li Ningqiao. “The Impact of the High-Speed Train on Regional Tourism Economies : Evidence from China”
APJTR Article of the year 2015
Bob Mckercher and Feier Chen. “Travel as a Life Priority?”
