On September 3, the Department of Integrated Resort and Tourism Management successfully held its 2025 Advisory Board Meeting at the Faculty of Business Administration, University of Macau. The meeting aimed to provide a platform for advisors from the tourism and hospitality industries to exchange ideas and share their valuable insights regarding industry development. The event brought together 10 advisors from both local and international tourism and hospitality management sectors, along with Prof. Michael King Man HUI, Vice Rector (Academic Affairs) of the University of Macau; Prof. Jun YU, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration; Prof. Li MIAO, Head of the Department of Integrated Resort and Tourism Management; members of the department’s executive committee; and faculty and students.

During the meeting, Prof. Michael King Man HUI and Prof. Jun YU first congratulated the successful renovation and official launch of the renovated Hospitality Lab, symbolizing continuous innovation and enhancement of teaching facilities. They also expressed sincere gratitude to the expert advisors for their presence and emphasized that the faculty’s ongoing progress in teaching and research relies heavily on strong support and close collaboration with the community.

Following this, Prof. HUI, Prof. YU, and Prof. MIAO jointly hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Hospitality Lab.

After the opening ceremony, Prof. Amy Siu Ian SO and Prof. Lawrence Hoc Nang FONG moderated a roundtable discussion, engaging the advisors in in-depth discussions on three key topics:

  • Visitor Numbers vs. Visitor Value: How to strike a balance between quantity and quality?
  • Managing Overtourism: What should Macau prepare for possible overtourism?
  • Strategic Transformation Amid New Reality: Adjusting strategies for businesses and destinations.

 

During the forum, Mr. Chong Nin SAM, Advisor at Sands China Ltd., and Dr. Raymond LO, Senior Vice President, Head of Global Marketing and General Manager of Altira Macau and Mocha Clubs of Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd., presented extensive industry data to illustrate the current state of Macau’s tourism industry, providing attendees with a clear contextual understanding. Prof. David CÁRDENAS from the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA, emphasized the importance of visitor value and return rates, using Las Vegas as a case study. Mr. Steven Ng, President of Board of Director of the Macau Hotel Association, pointed out that overtourism poses challenges to urban development and public service systems, highlighting the need for proactive resource planning.

After the roundtable discussion, Prof. Rico Long Wai LAM, Registrar of the University of Macau and faculty member of the Faculty of Business Administration, attended a tea break sharing session. During the session, PhD student Tiger Chan presented two paintings to the Hospitality Lab: one titled Longevity (Peach) and the other Plum Blossom (Plum), symbolizing the nurturing of talents far and wide.

During the tea break, Prof. LAM engaged in conversations with expert advisors, executive committee members, and student representatives from the department.

Following the sharing session, the advisors and executive committee members held an internal meeting to discuss the latest developments in the department’s degree programs and provide strategic advice for its future direction.

This Advisory Broad Meeting not only fostered deep exchanges between academia and industry but also injected new energy and direction into the department’s teaching and research. In the ever-evolving tourism landscape, the Department of Integrated Resort and Tourism Management at the University of Macau remains committed to openness, innovation, and collaboration, working together with the industry to explore future possibilities and promote sustainable development of Macau’s tourism sector, thereby creating greater value for society.

Expert Advisory Committee Attendees：

Prof. David CÁRDENAS (Dean of the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, University of Nevada, Las Vegas)

Mr. Chong Nin SAM (Advisor, Sands China Ltd.)

Dr. Raymond LO (Senior Vice President, Head of Global Marketing and General Manager of Altira Macau and Mocha Clubs, Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd.)

Ms. Porcia LEUNG (Senior Vice President – Marketing and Communications, SJM Resorts, S.A.)

Dr. Barry IP (Vice President of Learning and Advancement, Wynn Resorts Limited)

Mr. Zhenxiang WANG (General Manager of the Human Resources and Administration Center, Wanda Hotels & Resorts)

Ms. Linda WONG (Assistant Senior Vice President of Public Relations, Galaxy Entertainment Group)

Mr. Osborn LO (President, Macau Federal Commercial Association of Convention & Exhibition Industry)

Mr. Steven NG (President of Board of Director, Macau Hotel Association)

Mr. Benjamin HONG (Executive Director of Learning & Talent Development, MGM)