Doctoral Student Kelvin Leong presents research results at CAUTHE 2025 Conference in Brisbane, Australia
Doctoral Student Kelvin Leong presents research results at CAUTHE 2025 Conference in Brisbane, Australia
11
Mar
11/03/2025
His paper titled “Two Wings of The Same Bird: Landscapes Conservation and Cultural Tourism Development: A Case Study of The Historic Centre of Macao” examined two distinct types of landscapes in the Macao SAR – the enduring historic urban landscape and the ephemeral landscape that emerges at specific moments.
Leong Ka Hou Kelvin, a Doctoral student at the Department of History & Heritage of the USJ Faculty of Arts and Humanities (FAH), attended the 35th Annual conference of the Council for Australasian Tourism and Hospitality Education (CAUTHE) held at the University of Queensland Business School in Brisbane, Australia, from the 10th to 13th February 2025.
At the conference, he presented a paper titled “Two Wings of The Same Bird: Landscapes Conservation and Cultural Tourism Development: A Case Study of The Historic Centre of Macao” which examined two distinct types of landscapes: the enduring historic urban landscape and the ephemeral landscape that emerges at specific moments. The paper outlined three strategies employed by the Macao SAR government to promote cultural tourism: thematic cultural routes, the integration of arts, heritage, and landscapes, and the use of cultural artefacts. The presentation specifically shared some insights from the case study of “Heritage Stroll with Poetries,” which serves as a model for enhancing cultural tourism experiences by integrating art, history, and community engagement.
The CAUTHE 2025 Conference was a highly enriching experience. The event provided a platform for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers from around the world to share cutting-edge research and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of tourism, hospitality, and events. The diversity of topics, the quality of the presentations, and the opportunities for networking were truly inspiring. It was an excellent opportunity to gain insights into global tourism trends and to learn from the expertise of others in the field.
The importance of community involvement in heritage and tourism development was a recurring theme across multiple presentations. The conference facilitated essential discussions regarding empowering local stakeholders and ensuring the sustainability and authenticity of cultural tourism initiatives. The integration of digital technology in tourism, particularly in the post-pandemic era was another important topic. Presentations discussed the ways digital technologies are transforming the way destinations interpret and present their cultural heritage to visitors.
The conference also offered valuable perspectives on sustainable tourism practices and the persisting issue of overtourism, reminding us about the need for innovative approaches to balance economic benefits with environmental and cultural preservation. Finally, cross-disciplinary collaboration remains essential for addressing complex issues in tourism and hospitality, such as the interplay between economics, culture, and sustainability.
