In a notable demonstration of academic excellence, students from the HNU-ASU Joint International Tourism College (HAITC) made a big impact at the 11th TTRA Asia Pacific Annual Chapter Conference, held from Nov 30 to Dec 3.

Under the mentorship of well-known international scholar Professor Kim Jong-hyeong, five students from the HAITC — Yue Haixin (2022), Gui Yiqun (2022), Hai Tian (2022), Gong Zixu (2023) and Ouyang Huilin (2023) — presented their research and engaged in meaningful exchanges with renowned professors and scholars from around the world.

The HAITC team poses for a photo at the 11th TTRA Asia Pacific Annual Chapter Conference 2024, held from Nov 30 to Dec 3, 2024. [Photo/WeChat account: HAITC]

Kim, an associate professor seconded from Arizona State University, leads the master’s program in tourism management at the HAITC. With a PhD from Indiana University, he is an expert in consumer behavior and experiential marketing. His extensive body of work, featuring approximately 60 papers in top-tier international journals, has earned him global recognition.

Kim was ranked 36th among the world’s most highly cited scholars in sport, leisure and tourism, according to Stanford University’s October 2023 data-update for "Updated science-wide author databases of standardized citation indicators". He was also recognized as the 33rd most prolific tourism SSCI author in China (2001–2021) by Tourism Tribune.

Reflecting on the team's success, Kim said, "I am particularly proud of our students’ hard work and enthusiasm. Their ability to present complex research at such a renowned international forum highlights not only their personal talents but also the high-quality education and mentorship at our institution."

The students echoed Kim's sentiments, sharing insights into their experiences. Yue and Gui, seasoned TM/CRD dual program students, praised the conference for its creative topics and constructive feedback. "This experience has opened new horizons, enriching our research and providing beneficial networking opportunities," they said.

Ouyang, also a senior dual program student, highlighted the engaging environment fostered by the conference. "The interactive discussions and diverse topics have inspired me to incorporate fresh perspectives into my studies in hospitality and tourism management," she said.

Gong, a first-year graduate student in the dual program and co-author with PhD candidate Shi Yuxue, reflected on the impactful nature of the conference. "This international exposure has been inspiring. I’m determined to push academic boundaries and contribute to global discussions in my field," he stated.

Hai, a prospective PhD candidate from the CRD program, emphasized how the conference fueled his aspirations. "Engaging with leading scholars and exploring collaboration opportunities has broadened my professional outlook. It’s also given me key insights into elite PhD programs and cutting-edge research pathways," he said.

The HAITC team’s outstanding performance at the conference underscores the college’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and building global partnerships. Kim and his colleagues are dedicated to encouraging student participation in high-level academic forums, providing them with excellent opportunities for professional growth.

Zhang Xianfeng, vice-dean of the HAITC and the students’ supervisor, expressed pride in their accomplishments. "Conferences like these provide beneficial learning experiences, helping students refine their research for international recognition. The HAITC fully supports students’ global engagements through dedicated scholarships," Zhang stated. She also emphasized the importance of teamwork and shared learning, noting that "our weekly research meetings inspire creativity, boost motivation and drive productivity among the team".

This success story is yet another milestone in the HAITC’s journey to becoming a leading institution in hospitality and tourism education.