Faculty members from Chiang Mai University (CMU) have been awarded fund by the European Commission through the Erasmus+ Programme, amounting to over 29 million baht. The College of Arts, Media and Technology at CMU, under the leadership of Assistant Professor Dr. Orawit Thinnukool as the Project Steering Committee (PSC) chair, alongside Assistant Professor Dr. Pattaraporn Khuwuthyakorn, Project Manager, and other esteemed colleagues, launched the INNO4Tourism project. This initiative, funded by the EU Commission, seeks to enhance sustainable tourism services through innovative education, modern skills, and technology. The project specifically aims to bolster the tourism industry's competitiveness in Chiang Mai and Phuket.

The INNO4Tourism project has partnered with a diverse group of international organizations from both the European Union and Asia. This collaboration includes educational and tourism institutions such as Prince of Songkla University, National University of Laos, Savannakhet University, Phuket Tourist Association, University of Macedonia (Hellenic Republic), University of Palermo (Italian Republic), CESIE (Italian Republic), and Symplexis (Hellenic Republic), alongside Chiang Mai University. The project involves a dedicated team from Chiang Mai University's College of Arts, Media and Technology, featuring Assistant Professor Dr. Chalermpon Kongjit, Assistant Professor Dr. Acrapol Nimmolrat, (Deputy Director of the Center for Innovation and Digital Technology Management), Assistant Professor Dr. Achara Khamaksorn, (Assistant Dean for ISO30401 System Administration), Assistant Professor Dr. Manissaward Jintapitak, (Lecturer in Animation and Visual Effects), Assistant Professor Dr. Sirikorn Santirojanakul, Ph.D. Lecturer in Modern Management and Information Technology.

This fund is a continuation of the ASTRA project's efforts to develop strategic management and fundraising capabilities within Asian higher education. With funding from the EU Commission, ASTRA has already led to the establishment of an R&D consulting center at CMU, supporting research and innovation.

The INNO4Tourism project is set to run from 2024 to 2026. It aims to make a significant societal impact by adding value to tourism services through sustainability and skill development aligned with the Circular Economy. This initiative reflects CMU's commitment to Sustainable Development Goals 1, 4, and 8, focusing on innovation and sustainable development within the College of Arts, Media and Technology. The kick-off meeting took place at the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus, on March 13-14, 2024.