On July 1, Professor Kevin Hannam from the FOB attended the School of Tourism and Hospitality Research Associates Conference – 2024 held at the University of Johannesburg’s School of Tourism and Hospitality in South Africa. The conference aimed to facilitate information sharing on topical research issues in the sector and to foster networking and collaboration amongst top scholars and senior postgraduates.

The theme of this conference was "Future Pathways within Tourism Research," attracting internationally renowned tourism scholars. The conference included keynote speeches from invited speakers, networking opportunities, and field visits, providing a rich platform for academic exchange among participants.

During the conference, Professor Hannam delivered a presentation titled "Industrial Heritage Tourism in Macau: Reinventing the Lec Long Firecracker Factory," sharing his research findings in industrial heritage tourism. In addition, several researchers presented their current studies in the context of tourism and hospitality, covering a range of topics such as AI, workforce policies post-Covid, industrial heritage, ecotourism and climate change, sustainability, and good governance, as well as gender cues in wine marketing.

Through this conference, Professor Hannam established valuable connections with scholars from various countries, which not only facilitated the sharing of academic resources but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations. His research showcased on the international stage further enhanced the influence of the City University of Macau in the field of tourism and hospitality management, while also increasing the university's global visibility.