The origins of the "One Belt and One Road" initiative proposed by China in 2013 date back to Marco Polo's era of expedition and travel. Today, it is a manifestation of China's neighbourhood diplomacy, fostering friendship along with economic and tourism development. The initiative also provides new concepts, models and space for the growth of around 60 countries along the Belt and Road.
The first "One Belt, One Road, One Tourism"
(OBOROT) International Conference was held in Palembang, Indonesia, on 22-24 November 2018. The conference provided an interactive platform for academics and industry professionals in the tourism field to share their latest research, analyse industry trends and build connections in relation to the "Belt and Road" initiative. The aim was to motivate researchers to conduct research, which is one of the primary activities of higher education.
Tourism is an important pillar in the economies
of many of these countries, and as peace, political stability and tourism go hand in hand, the first "One Belt, One Road, One Tourism" conference introduced the South Sumatra province and its capital city, Palembang, to the world. The initiative also aimed to increase inbound tourism through culinary, culture, history and sports tourism and also to reinforce peace and economic development in the region.
With the full support of the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, the conference was organised by the SHTM, the King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Tourism and the Bandung Institute of Tourism, Indonesia and hosted by Palembang Polytechnic of Tourism and co-hosted by the Bali Institute of Tourism, Lombok Polytechnic of Tourism, Medan Polytechnic of Tourism and Makassar Polytechnic of Tourism.
Seventy-three presenters from 11 countries and regions around the world attended OBOROT 2018. The conference was inaugurated by the Governor of South Sumatra, represented by Head of Tourism Department of South Sumatra Province, Mrs Irene Camelyn Sinaga and Honorary Advisor to the Minister of Tourism, Professor Indroyono, accompanied by the Mayor of Palembang, represented by The Head of Tourism Department of Palembang City Director of Poltekpar; Dr Zulkifli Harahap
MM, Par; Professor Kaye Chon, SHTM Dean, Chair Professor and Walter Kwok Foundation Professor in International Hospitality Management, PolyU; and Dr Nasser Albogami from Jeddah University.
|
|
