From Monday, July 6th to Wednesday, July 8th, the Asia Pacific Tourism Association (APTA) 2026 Annual Meeting was held at the Hilton Fukuoka Seahawk (Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City). The meeting, co-sponsored by our university and the APTA, aims to promote the development and research of the tourism sector in the Asia Pacific region.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Tuesday the 7th, Special Advisor Kenji Tsugami touched upon the challenges to sustainable growth in the tourism industry, which has seen remarkable development in recent years, and stated in his opening remarks, "I hope that this conference will become a platform for meaningful dialogue and innovative ideas that will support the further growth of the tourism industry."
During the conference, keynote speeches, research presentation sessions, and panel sessions were held to share the latest knowledge, fostering lively discussions among researchers and practitioners from Japan and abroad. Approximately290 participants, mainly from the Asia-Pacific region, gathered to share a wide range of insights on the challenges and future prospects surrounding the tourism industry.
Furthermore,Department of Tourism in the Faculty Faculty of Collaborative Regional Development at our university, which has obtained the "TEDQUAL" international certification from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), provided full cooperation in the operation of the conference. Faculty and students worked together to prepare for the event, with students serving as volunteer staff, handling tasks such as registering international participants and guiding them around the venue. Through interaction with researchers and practitioners from around the world, it became a practical learning opportunity for international hospitality and communication.
Our university will continue to deepen collaboration with researchers and practitioners both domestically and internationally, further enhancing education and research in the tourism sector. At the same time, we will strive to cultivate human resources who can connect local communities with the world.
[Department of Tourism]
