The Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Phuket Campus, successfully organized the “PSU Info Day and Appreciation Day 2026: Together for Sustainable Tourism” on 17 June 2026 at the Smart Classroom, Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism. The event was held under the framework of the INNO4Tourism Project: Innovative Curricula for Lifelong Learning of Sustainable Tourism Workforce and brought together more than 70 participants, including representatives from tourism and hospitality enterprises, faculty members, students, alumni, and partners from both the public and private sectors. The strong turnout reflected the strength of collaborative networks dedicated to advancing sustainable tourism education and workforce development. The event aimed to disseminate the achievements and outcomes of the INNO4Tourism Project, provide a platform for knowledge exchange between academia and industry, and express appreciation to industry partners and network organizations for their continuous support in education, internship opportunities, and student development initiatives.
The event commenced with opening remarks by Associate Professor Dr. Pornpisanu Promsivapallop, Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus. In his address, he emphasized the vital role of collaboration between universities and industry in producing high-quality graduates who can meet labor market demands and adapt to the rapidly evolving tourism industry. This was followed by a presentation on the progress and achievements of the INNO4Tourism Project by Associate Professor Dr. Tatiyaporn Jarumaneerat, Project Leader of INNO4Tourism. She highlighted the project's commitment to fostering lifelong learning and curriculum innovation, stating:
“Sustainability is not merely a concept to be taught in the classroom; it is a critical skillset and mindset that tourism professionals must possess. The INNO4Tourism Project aims to create a learning ecosystem that connects universities, industry partners, and learners to collaboratively develop a workforce that is prepared for the future of sustainable tourism.”
A key highlight of the event was the keynote lecture entitled “How the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET) is Incorporated in Sustainable Tourism”, delivered by Mr. Antonio Carles Ramirez, UN Tourism TedQual Auditor. His presentation provided valuable insights into the integration of global ethical principles into tourism education and sustainable tourism management, emphasizing the importance of responsible tourism practices in both academic and professional contexts. Participants also engaged in an academic discussion session entitled “Designing Sustainable Future Workforce,” moderated by Dr. Patthawee Insuwanno and Associate Professor Dr. Tatiyaporn Jarumaneerat. The discussion explored the competencies and skills required for the tourism and hospitality workforce of 2040, focusing on digital literacy, data analytics, sustainability knowledge, and the characteristics of graduates who will be equipped to meet future industry demands.
In the afternoon, attendees participated in the workshop “Hospitality and Tourism Entrepreneurship: Smart Tourism Analytics,” conducted by Dr. Nichapat Sangkew, Lecturer at the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism. The workshop aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills in data analytics and the application of digital tools for strategic business decision-making. These competencies are increasingly essential for entrepreneurs and professionals seeking to adapt to the rapid digital transformation of the tourism and hospitality industry. The event concluded with notable success, welcoming representatives from more than 30 tourism, hospitality, and service-sector enterprises. The active engagement between industry representatives, faculty members, and students fostered meaningful academic and professional exchanges, strengthened collaborative networks, and generated valuable recommendations for curriculum enhancement, internship development, and graduate preparedness.
The outcomes of the event underscored the strong partnership between the university and industry stakeholders in developing a highly qualified tourism workforce equipped with ethical awareness, digital competencies, and a deep understanding of sustainability principles. These outcomes align closely with the objectives of the INNO4Tourism Project, which seeks to enhance the capacity of tourism and hospitality professionals and prepare them to address future challenges in the global tourism sector. The successful organization of PSU Info Day and Appreciation Day 2026 represents another significant milestone for Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus, in advancing sustainable tourism education and strengthening collaborative networks that contribute to the long-term development of Thailand’s tourism workforce and industry.
