TOURIST: POST-PROJECT EVALUATION MEETING

In the evening of March 17th, 2021, the Steering Committee of project TOURIST* at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City joined the virtual TOURIST’s Post-Project Evaluation Meeting. The occasion marked the end of TOURIST after more than 03 years of spreading knowledge of sustainable tourism in Vietnam and Thailand.

The meeting welcomed the attendance of representatives from FH JOANNEUM Gesellschaft mbH (Austria), Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (Finland), Universidad de Alicante (Spain), University of Social Sciences and Humanities – Vietnam National University Ha Noi, Hue University, University of Social Sciences and Humanities – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, and universities from Thailand: Payap University, Kasetsart University, Burapha University, and Prince of Songkla University.

Beginning the meeting, Ms. Eva Holmberg of Haaga-Helia University gave an introduction on the sustainable tourism model at Porvoo campus and the relationship between universities and sustainable tourism. For her part, Dr. Anita Macek summed up the main activities of the project, gave a report on the results of work packages, and proposed a roadmap for the completion of the remaining tasks. In regard to student exchange activities, Dr. Anita Macek and other university representatives agreed to a common schedule of virtual and in-person internships for the students of Thailand and Vietnam. On the side of Vietnam, Dr. Do Thi Xuan Dung of Hue University and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Long of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities Ha Noi put forward solutions to ensure task completion meets the European Union’s requirement of quality.

Ms. Eva Holmberg of Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Finland

Dr. Oana M. Driha of Universidad de Alicante, Spain

At the meeting, the effectiveness of the project and the implementation of the many work packages were evaluated by the project member universities. The project coordinators were appreciative of the efforts of the steering committees of each university in completing the work packages and realizing the objectives of the project. After 40 months of implementation, the project has yielded valuable lessons in developing sustainable tourism and widely introduced innovative financial solutions in tourism to Vietnam and Thailand. In terms of limitations, issues regarding administrative procedures; disparity in laws and regulations between the European Union, Thailand, and Vietnam as well as unforeseen complications caused by COVID-19 were noted. Representatives from universities in Thailand mentioned difficulties due to the insufficient project management capacity, and technical knowledge. Through their experience, the Thai representatives stressed the role of the coordinator in ensuring member universities meet the demand for quality and that progresses on work packages are on schedule.

Delivering the final remarks, Dr. Anita Macek expressed her great appreciation for the time and work which the project members have dedicated to the completion of TOURIST. The delegates pledged to continue to support the activities of the Sustainable Tourism Development Centers in the coming time to achieve the goal of improving the quality of tourism activities of both Thailand and Vietnam.

(*) TOURIST – “Competence centers for the development of sustainable tourism and innovative financial management strategies to increase the positive impact of local tourism in Thailand and Vietnam” – spans from 2017 to 2021 and is funded by Erasmus+ Foundation of European Union, coordinated by FH Joanneum University (Austria). Vietnamese university partners include Hanoi National University - University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Hue University and Ho Chi Minh City National University - University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

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