UNP Rector Officially Opens ACSTHB 2024 Conference, Presents Speakers From Four Countries

Padang – Rector of Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP), Krismadinata, Ph.D, officially opened The 3rd Annual Conference of Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality Business (ACSTHB) 2024 with the theme “Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism: Driving towards SDGs”. This prestigious event was organized by the UNP Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality at the UNP Hotel & Convention Center on Tuesday (22/10/2024).

In his speech, Krismadinata highlighted the challenges and opportunities of the tourism sector in the face of global issues such as climate change, carbon emissions, and social impacts. “This conference is an opportunity for us to come together and share the best solutions in addressing these challenges. Tourism is not just about economic benefits, but also about social responsibility and infrastructure sustainability,” he emphasized.

He also emphasized the importance of empowering local communities and utilizing technology in improving sustainable tourism experiences. “ Universitas Negeri Padang is committed through education, research, and community service to support the concept of sustainable tourism in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” Krismadinata added.

The conference presented speakers from four countries. From Indonesia, Feri Ferdian, SST, M.M, Ph.D, CHE (UNP), followed by Jeetesh Kumar, Ph.D (Taylor’s University, Malaysia), Prof. Michael Lueck (Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand), and Scott Michael Smith, Ph.D (Assumption University, Thailand).

“International collaborations and in-depth discussions like this are vital to the future of the tourism and hospitality sector. It is not just about what we achieve today, but about how we prepare future generations to prioritize well-being and sustainability,” Krismadinata said in his closing remarks.

The conference, which took place in a hybrid format, provided a platform for academics, professionals and practitioners to share knowledge and best practices. The UNP Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality under the leadership of Prof. Dra. Asmar Yulastri, M.Pd, Ph.D also provided full support in the success of this event.

With the opening of ACSTHB 2024, UNP hopes to contribute to developing sustainable tourism at the national and international levels, while strengthening commitment towards achieving the SDGs.

Also seen attending the event, Vice Chancellor II, Deans, Deputy Deans and leaders in the UNP Environment. Also present was the speaker from Thailand Scott Michael Smith, Ph.D. He thanked UNP for the warm welcome and felt lucky to be able to attend directly in Padang at the conference. (Utr / UNP Public Relations)