The SHTM was proud to partner with the Mongolia Tourism Organisation to co-organise the 15th Asia Tourism Forum (ATF), held in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 11 to 13 June 2026.
Held under the theme "The Asian Paradigm in Hospitality and Tourism", this edition of the ATF took delegates on an illuminating journey through the cultural heritage of Mongolia – a destination that uniquely combines ancient nomadic lifestyles with modern urbanity. The platform brought together tourism scholars, researchers and policymakers from around the world to engage in a crucial dialogue on sustainability, artificial intelligence (AI) and regional co-operation.
Discussions focused primarily on Mongolia's strategic initiatives to stimulate tourism expansion, encourage investment, upgrade infrastructure and position Ulaanbaatar as a major regional tourism hub. "By hosting the forum in Ulaanbaatar", noted Prof Tony Tse, SHTM Professor of Practice, "we are bringing the Asian tourism community to a destination that truly embodies the spirit of discovery and the immense promise of new tourism frontiers".
As Co-Chair of the conference, Prof Kaye Chon, SHTM Dean, Chair Professor and Walter and Wendy Kwok Family Foundation Professor in International Hospitality Management, set the tone for Day 2, by launching a packed programme of paper presentations and a high-profile Plenary Session entitled "Asian Paradigm in Hospitality and Tourism – Capacity Building for the Tourism Industry", during which Prof Tse contributed valuable insights as a panel speaker.
Academic discussions continued on the final full day with a second Plenary Session dedicated to "Tourism Development, Marketing and Sustainability". As a distinguished panellist, Prof Haiyan Song, SHTM Associate Dean, Chair Professor and Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu Professor in International Tourism, guided discussions on how to prepare
the industry for the future. Illustrating the School's unwavering commitment to research excellence, SHTM Ph.D. student Summer Xia and Associate Professor Pearl Lin were awarded the prestigious Second Runner-up Best Paper Award for their co-authored study entitled "Dining as a Relational Third Place: How Subjective Age Shapes Memorability and Attachment for Chinese Seniors".
The Forum concluded with a dynamic closing session highlighting the views of Mongolia's industry pioneers, culminating in inspiring concluding remarks from Dean Chon. The event also marked an important milestone for the School's leadership; in recognition of his lifetime contribution to the field, Dean Chon received the title of Honorary Member of the Tourism Education and Development Society of Mongolia and was awarded the society's distinguished "Medal of Wisdom".
Reflecting on this milestone, Dean Chon described the Forum as a "resounding success", emphasising that "the meticulous planning, organisation and execution of the Forum were flawless. Academic and industry participants, representing 26 countries and regions, returned home with an exceptionally positive and lasting impression of Mongolia".
The SHTM is deeply honoured to have facilitated this meaningful and energising international conference. Through such impactful global platforms, the School continues to empower academics and industry representatives to guide global hospitality and tourism towards prosperity, despite rapid technological and geopolitical changes.
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