The pre-kickoff meeting for the Tourism Zero Management project, led by Dr. Orawit Thinnukool who coordinator of CMU, brought together 25 participants from various universities to discuss the initiative aimed at enhancing tourism education in Thailand, China, and Lao PDR while addressing environmental challenges. 

CMU coordinator emphasized the importance of collaboration and expressed gratitude for the participants' commitment. Key partners, including representatives from CMU, Prince of Songkhla University, and the National University of Laos, setting the stage for discussions on the project overview, work plans, and the establishment of monthly meetings for progress updates.

During the meeting, significant contributions were made by various partners, including Suksit Suvunditkul from the Thai Hotel Association and George Triantafyllou from Simpaxis, who highlighted the importance of collaboration and shared insights on managing EU-funded projects. Dr. Pattaraporn Khuwuthyakorn from CMU outlined the project's objectives, focusing on zero waste management in the hospitality and tourism sector. The discussions also covered project management tools and the necessary agreements for successful implementation, underscoring the need for effective communication among partners.

Additionally, our associated partners include various tourism and hotel associations and research centers that are pivotal in supporting our mission.Over the next 36 months, we will work diligently to achieve our specific objectives, which include:

• Assessing the current practices, needs, knowledge, and skills gaps in zero waste management within the tourism and hospitality sector
• Developing new courses on zero waste management for sustainable hospitality operations.
• Strengthening the skills of HEI teaching staff on zero waste management.
• Improving the skills of future workforce (students) in the tourism and hospitality sector in alignment with market and environmental needs.
• Enhancing reskilling and upskilling of the current hospitality and tourism labor force.
• Raising awareness on zero waste practices and careers in the sector.
• Modernizing the academic offerings of HEI Hospitality and Tourism Departments towards innovative zero waste tourism.

Reported by ARR