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In this article, we’ll introduce you to some incredible speakers who are making waves in the fields of tourism research, hospitality management, and destination marketing. With years of hands-on experience and a passion for improving the industry, they offer valuable insights into the changes happening across the globe and the opportunities ahead!
Prof. Kaye Chon
Professor Kaye Chon is the Dean, Chair Professor, and Walter Kwok Foundation Professor in International Hospitality Management at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, Hong Kong Polytechnic University. A distinguished figure in hospitality education, he has published over 200 research papers and authored or edited 10 books. He also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing and the Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, contributing significantly to global tourism studies.
Noor Ahmad Hamid
Noor Ahmad Hamid is an expert in destination marketing, association management, business development, and event management with over 35 years of global experience.He launched his career with the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (now Tourism Malaysia), dedicating over 16 years, including a tenure in Los Angeles managing the US travel market. Later, he transitioned to the corporate sector, focusing on international sporting events and tourism investments.
As Regional Director, of Asia Pacific, for the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Noor managed membership growth, operations, and training from Kuala Lumpur. During the pandemic, he played a key role in revitalizing Malaysia’s business events industry as COO of the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau. Noor's outstanding contributions earned him induction into the Hall of Leaders by the Events Industry Council in 2022 and the China MICE Hall of Leaders Award in 2018. He is a graduate of MARA Technological University (UITM), Malaysia, with a degree in Tourism Administration.
Prof. Timothy Lee
Prof. Timothy Lee is a distinguished tourism researcher and strategist at Macau University of Science & Technology (MUST). With extensive academic and industry expertise, he focuses on tourism development, policy, and destination marketing. His work has contributed to shaping tourism strategies in Asia and beyond, making him a respected figure in the field.
Dr. Birgit Trauer
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Dr. Birgit Trauer has over 30 years of experience in tourism, academia, and consultancy. She holds a PhD in Tourism Management from The University of Queensland, where her research focused on adventure tourism experiences. Her work contributes to the design of tourism experiences across adventure, cultural, sport, food, and wellness tourism.
Dr. Trauer has published in top academic journals and contributed a chapter to the SAGE International Encyclopedia of Travel and Tourism (2017). She authored The Way of the Peaceful Traveller – Dare to Care and Connect (2020).
Her professional background spans international roles in universities across Canada, England, Austria, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, and the UAE. Before academia and consultancy, she worked in the airline industry, travel agencies, tourism resorts, and health and fitness as a tour guide and trainer.
Now an independent educator, researcher, and consultant, Dr. Trauer integrates emotional intelligence and compassionate communication into her work. Her focus is on fostering healthy relationships and personal and professional growth. She is involved with global tourism organizations like the Institute of Tourism, the World Tourism Network, and the International Institute of Peace through Tourism.
Nandini Lahe Thapa
Nandini Lahe Thapa is the Senior Director of PR and Publicity at Nepal Tourism Board, where she also oversees the Crisis Cell. With extensive experience in public relations and crisis management, she plays a key role in shaping Nepal's tourism image. Through strategic communication, she enhances the country's global tourism presence, ensuring effective responses to challenges and promoting Nepal as a premier travel destination.
Nepal Traveller is the official magazine publisher for the forthcoming, Nepal India China Expo (NICE), bringing you exclusive insights, in-depth event coverage, and pre-event updates. Stay connected with us for more!
