The First Conference on Industry-Academia-Research Integration in Tourism & MTA Vision Forum took place on January 6 at the Zhuang Weixuan Lecture Hall. The event was hosted by the School of Tourism at Huaqiao University and supported by the Quanzhou Gastronomy Economy Research Center, the Quanzhou Cultural Tourism Economy Research Center, the Huaqiao University MTA Education Center, and the Huaqiao University MTA Alumni Association.

　　The forum focused on strategies for Chinese-style modernization and high-quality development. Discussions were centered on various topics, including the development of the cultural tourism economy, gastronomic economy, world-class tourist destinations, tourism industry innovation, developments in the hotel and restaurant sectors, and the integration of tourism industry and academic collaboration. Over 60 participants attended the forum, including more than 20 government officials and industry experts from organizations such as the Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the Quanzhou Bureau of Commerce, the Quanzhou Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, Quanzhou Cultural Tourism Group, the Jinjiang Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the Jinjiang Xintang Street Office, and other key stakeholders.

　　The event was graced by Wang Xiuyong, Vice President of Huaqiao University, who delivered a welcoming address at the opening ceremony. Other prominent attendees included former Deputy Director of the Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism Chen Guilin, Deputy Director of the Quanzhou Bureau of Commerce Jian Guohong, and Zhou Liangsheng, a senior official from the Quanzhou Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism. The opening ceremony was chaired by Professor Xie Zhaowu, Dean of the School of Tourism and Party Secretary of Huaqiao University.

　　In his speech, Wang Xiuyong extended a warm welcome to all guests and expressed his gratitude for the long-standing support from various sectors, alumni, and friends of the university. He emphasized the importance of sharing research findings to spark intellectual exchange and contribute to the prosperity of the cultural tourism industry. He also encouraged alumni to seize this opportunity for deeper collaboration and mutual growth.

　　During the opening ceremony, the School of Tourism at Huaqiao University signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Quanzhou Bureau of Commerce. The appointment of postgraduate mentors for practical training was also formally announced.

　　The forum featured two keynote speeches. Chen Guilin, Jian Guohong, and Zhou Liangsheng delivered addresses on "The Top Ten Tourism Business Models in High-Quality Development," "Quanzhou’s Actions and Plans to Build a World  City of Gastronomy," and "Quanzhou’s Cultural Tourism Economy: Development and Outlook," respectively. Alumni and industry experts, including Ma Jianwen, General Manager of Hong Kong Tang Nian International Hotel Management Group (Southern Region), and Professor Xie Zhaowu, shared insights on topics such as "The Development Trends and Insights of the Hotel Industry" and "Pathways and Directions for Building World-Class Tourist Destinations in Fujian."

　　Specialized forums were also held, focusing on the development and innovation within the tourism and hospitality sectors, as well as the integration of industry and academic development.

　　This seminar marked the first academic event held in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the tourism discipline at Huaqiao University. It plays a crucial role in advancing the integration of industry, academia, and research within the university’s tourism programs, and it also provides MTA alumni with a platform for sharing insights on the latest developments in tourism.

　　Over the past 40 years, the School of Tourism has built a comprehensive talent cultivation system spanning undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels. The school boasts two national experimental teaching demonstration centers, two national first-class undergraduate program construction points, and five provincial-level research platforms. The Tourism and Leisure Management discipline is ranked among the world’s top in the Soft Science World University Rankings. The MTA Education Center at the School of Tourism is a member unit of the National MTA Education Advisory Committee, a vice-chair unit of the China Tourism Association, and a key team for building professional degree mentor groups in Fujian Province.

Signing of the Strategic Cooperation Agreement

Presentation of Appointment Letters to Postgraduate Practical Mentors

On-site of the Thematic Forum