News

Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Magazine Partners with Prof. Dr. Hiram Ting (UN Tourism) on Responsible Tourism Development

On August 16, 2025, Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Magazine met with Prof. Dr. Hiram Ting – member of the UN Tourism Expert Council – at Saigon Eco Green Co-operative’s specialty coffee space. Prof. Ting introduced the Responsible Tourism Awards in Southeast Asia (RT Award), a non-profit initiative honoring individuals, organizations, and businesses pioneering sustainable tourism. Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Thi Thu Ha expressed interest in collaborating with the RT Award to promote participation from Vietnam’s tourism community and to potentially host the awards ceremony in Vietnam in the future. The meeting highlighted new opportunities for cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Magazine, RT Award, and the sustainable tourism community.

Prof. Hiram Ting Urges Shift Towards Responsible and Sustainable Tourism

Speaking at the 13th Gadjah Mada International Conference on Economics and Business (GAMAICEB), Prof. Dr. Hiram Ting, President of Responsible Borneo (Reborn), shared his concern that terms like “sustainable tourism” and “green tourism” are often used but rarely put into meaningful practice. He painted a picture of what responsible tourism should look like, focusing on community involvement, youth participation, visitor education, and strong collaboration among stakeholders. Drawing from examples such as the Paku Rock Maze Garden in Sarawak, he urged tourism players and travelers alike to work together in building destinations that are not only profitable but also respectful of the environment, local culture, and community well-being.

Hundreds of Researchers Worldwide Discuss the Social Impact of the Tourism Sector at GAMAICEB 2025

The 13th Gadjah Mada International Conference on Economics and Business (GAMAICEB) was held on 23–24 July 2025 at The Alana Hotel, Yogyakarta, gathering 125 researchers and experts from five countries. With the theme “Bridging Academics and Practices: Boosting Social Impact in Tourism,” the conference explored sustainable and inclusive tourism, community empowerment, and digital transformation. Key speakers included Dr. Andar Danova L. Goeltom, Intan Ayu Kartika, and Prof. Hiram Ting, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between academia and industry to strengthen tourism’s positive social and economic impact. The forum also encouraged cross-disciplinary dialogue and partnerships to address real-world challenges in the tourism sector.

STIEPAR YAPARI Lecturers Shine at
ICRTH 2025 in the Philippines

STIEPAR YAPARI lecturers actively participated in the International Conference on Responsible Tourism and Hospitality (ICRTH) 2025, held in the Philippines from 16-18 June. Led by Titing Kartika , one team earned the "Commended Paper" award, while Prof . Dr. Ahman, the Chairman, delivered a speech on global collaboration in tourism. This achievement highlights the university's commitment to responsible tourism and international academic engagement.

Vietnam Sweeps International Awards

at ICRTH 2025

At the ICRTH 2025 conference and Southeast Asia Responsible Tourism Awards held in the Philippines, Vietnam made a remarkable impact. From academic excellence to community-based tourism and eco-initiatives, the country earned multiple honors — including Best Paper, Gold Awards, and One to Watch distinctions. Highlights include the Sen Charaih Cultural Village, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, student-led heritage projects, and strong academic participation. Vietnam’s presence not only showcased innovation and responsibility in tourism but also affirmed its role as a regional leader in sustainable development and education.

Visit to Borneo Empurau Farm and Resort,
Special Award winner of RTA-SEA 2024

Visited Borneo Empurau Farm and Resort on 24 May 2025 for an enriching experience exploring sustainable aquaculture and rural tourism. The visit offered a closer look at the resort’s unique integration of nature and local culture. A valuable and refreshing experience surrounded by Sarawak’s natural beauty.

Human Behaviour Analysis Practitioner Course

Attended the two-day Human Behaviour Analysis Practitioner Course conducted by Mr. Winston Chang, REBORN’s Strategic Business Partner at Wisma Chemsains, Kuching on 22 and 23 May 2025. The course offered practical insights into understanding human behaviour through patterns, non-verbal cues, and personality dynamics. Grateful for the opportunity to learn from an experienced practitioner.

Responsible Tourism Workshop in
Southeast Asia

The Responsible Tourism Workshop in Southeast Asia was held over three days from May 10 to 12, 2025, in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Attended by tourism experts, academics, and industry players from across Southeast Asia, the workshop focused on developing sustainable tourism practices. Key outcomes include the creation of a Responsible Tourism Module and strategic collaboration between the Journal of Responsible Tourism Management and Emerald Publishing. The event also featured cultural site visits, such as the Paku Rock Maze Garden, and discussions about the upcoming 5th ICRTH in the Philippines. The workshop highlighted regional cooperation and practical strategies to promote responsible tourism in Southeast Asia.

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Developing Padawan as a Green Community Oriented Tourism Destination: A place to Visit, Revisit and Stay

This research recognises Padawan as a green community-oriented tourist destination, where lush natural beauty, sustainable practices, and evolving local culture combine to create a place worth visiting, coming back and staying in. The "green" reflects Padawan's commitment to environmental protection and eco-tourism, which promotes a peaceful interaction between nature and humans. This development is based on community-driven efforts and emphasises the preservation of cultural heritage, local customs, and economic empowerment. Padawan hopes to become a model destination for responsible travellers looking for meaningful relationships and long-lasting experiences by developing a complete framework that combines environmental sustainability and community participation.

Sarawak Youth Talent 2024 Award Giving Ceremony

The Sarawak Youth Talent (SYT) 2024 Award Giving Ceremony was held on November 23, 2024, at the picturesque Borneo Keranji Farm in Bau. The event was graced by YB Datuk Sebastian Ting, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP), adding prestige and significance to this meaningful occasion.

Sarawak Youth Talent 2024 Award Giving Ceremony

Sarawak Hosts the 18th UN Tourism Executive Training Programme on Tourism Policy and Strategy

From October 28 to 31, 2024, Sarawak proudly hosted the prestigious 18th UN Tourism Executive Training Programme (ETP) on Tourism Policy and Strategy at the Sheraton Kuching Hotel. Themed “Revisiting and Redefining Luxury Tourism,” the programme brought together an outstanding assembly of tourism leaders, global experts, and high-level officials, reaffirming Sarawak's growing prominence in the international tourism arena.

Bhutanese Delegation Visits Sarawak for Sustainable Tourism Exchange

From October 24 to 27, 2024, Responsible Borneo had the honor of hosting 11 high-ranking officials from Bhutan, famously known as the "happiest country in the world." This enriching visit was part of Bhutan’s initiative to integrate biodiversity conservation into tourism under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) project, reflecting the country’s commitment to balancing environmental sustainability with economic development.