DTU has officially been selected as the host for the APacCHRIE 2028 conference, an important international event focused on academic research in the field of Tourism & Hospitality.
Since the beginning of 2025, DTU faculty members and PhD students have actively participated in and contributed to various conferences affiliated with APacCHRIE (Asia-Pacific Council on Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Education). Specifically, DTU’s research team presented their papers at the APacCHRIE 2025 conference and previously won the Third Place Best Paper Award at the APF-2025 Forum.
Third Place Best Paper Award at the APF-2025 Forum
The 21st Asia Pacific Forum for Graduate Students Research in Tourism (APF-2025) was held at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) from May 14-16, 2025. The event gathered hundreds of graduate students and young scholars worldwide. APF-2025 is recognized as one of the leading research forums in the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to the creation of strong connections between graduate students and the professional community, expanding its influence, and promoting the sustainable development of the Tourism and Hospitality industry.
DTU research team was awarded the Third Place Best Paper Award at the APF-2025 Forum.
At the APF-2025 Forum, 43 papers were presented by researchers from South Korea, Hong Kong, China, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Laos, Vietnam, and others. As the only representative from Vietnam at the APF-2025 Forum, three DTU PhD students in Business Administration presented their research, including:
• M.Sc. Dang Thanh Dung - Head of the DTU Marketing Faculty,
• M.Sc. Le Thi Khanh Ly - Lecturer at the DTU Vietnam-America Economic and Management Faculty (PSU),
• M.Sc. Lu Thi Thu Huong - Acting Head of the DTU Vietnam-America Economic and Management Faculty (PSU),
Along with two supervising professors:
• Dr. Nguyen Cong Minh, Head of the DTU Graduate School,
• Dr. Nguyen Huy Tuan, Vice - Rector of the DTU School of Economics & Business (SBE)
They presented three research papers:
• "Impacts of Organizational Elements on Intrapreneurship inside Hotels Located in Da Nang City, Vietnam"
• "Retaining Talent in Tourism: The Hidden Connection between Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intention"
• "The Determinants Affecting AI Chatbots Adoption of the Elderly in Tourism and Hospitality"
M.Sc. Lu Thi Thu Huong (in red Ao Dai) - Acting Head of the DTU Vietnam-America Economic
and Management Faculty (PSU), presents her research and actively listened
to the insights shared by the Professional Advisory Board.
The Organizing Committee awarded three Best Paper Awards for the most outstanding research at the APF-2025 Forum. The DTU research team received the Third Place award for the paper titled: The Determinants Affecting AI Chatbots Adoption of the Elderly in Tourism and Hospitality.
This study applied the UTAUT 3 model to examine the factors influencing elderly individuals in adopting AI Chatbots. Through a survey conducted with 210 Gen Z tourists traveling in Da Nang, analyzed using SmartPLS 4.0 software, the research team provided insights into the key factors influencing the adoption of AI Chatbots, such as:
• Ease of use
• Performance expectancy, and
• Social influence
Additionally, the study highlighted the role of personal innovation in forming the habit of using AI Chatbots in real-life scenarios. These findings offer valuable insights to help businesses in the Tourism and Hospitality sector improve the ease of using AI Chatbots, thereby enhancing the experience for elderly travelers and contributing to the overall quality of services in the industry.
The APF-2025 Forum brings together numerous graduate students and young scholars worldwide
M.Sc. Lu Thi Thu Huong shared: "Participating and presenting research papers at the APF-2025 Forum has been a valuable and meaningful experience for me and my research team. As a first-year PhD student, I am truly grateful to DTU for providing the opportunity to engage in an international academic environment and expand connections with professors and researchers from many countries. Each discussion session has provided me with new perspectives and strong inspiration to continue my scientific research. The Best Paper Award is truly a great honor, recognizing the efforts of the research team as well as the quality of education and research direction at DTU."
Earlier, in 2023, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, in collaboration with DTU, organized the 19th APF Forum (APF-2023) at DTU to enhance the quality of education, connecting academic networks, and contributing to the development of the Tourism and Hospitality industry in the Asia-Pacific region, making it more professional and modern.
DTU officially hosts the APacCHRIE 2028 Conference
Following their participation in the APF-2025 Forum, the DTU research team continued to present their papers at the APacCHRIE 2025 conference, held from May 27-30, 2025, at the Marriott Hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The conference featured 234 scientists, faculty members, and graduate students, focusing on the theme "Transforming to the Future: Innovation, AI, and Regenerative Tourism and Hospitality."
The DTU research team pose for a photo with the APacCHRIE 2025 Conference Organizing Committee
The DTU research team presented their paper entitled "The Effect of Trust and Satisfaction on Gen Z’s AI Chatbots Adoption in Tourism and Hospitality." Based on survey data collected from 210 Gen Z tourists in Da Nang City and analyzed using SmartPLS 4.0 software, the study provided detailed insights into the influence of trust and satisfaction on the adoption of AI Chatbots in tourism and hospitality services among this demographic.
Dr. Nguyen Cong Minh, Head of the DTU Graduate School, delivers
a speech at the APacCHRIE 2025 Forum's panel discussion
Dr. Nguyen Cong Minh, participated in a panel discussion alongside prominent leaders from top organizations and hotels across the Asia-Pacific region, including:
• Prof. Dr. Lawrence Fong (Chair) - President of APacCHRIE, School of Business, University of Macau
• Prof. Dr. Kaye Chon - Dean of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, PolyU, Hong Kong, Founder of APacCHRIE
• Dr. Warren Goodsir - Dean of the School of Hotel and Tourism at Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand, Former President of APacCHRIE
• Prof. Dr. Kyungsoo Han - Faculty of Culinary Arts and Food Service Management, Kyonggi University, South Korea, Vice President of APacCHRIE
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pornpisanu Promsivapallop - Dean of Hotel and Tourism Faculty, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand, Regional Consultant for APacCHRIE in Southeast Asia.
The APacCHRIE Conference is an annual event organized by APacCHRIE, the leading association for education in the field of Tourism and Hospitality in the Asia-Pacific region. Following its event in Thailand, the conference will continue in the upcoming years as follows:
• APacCHRIE 2026 will be held in Japan
• APacCHRIE 2027 will be held in Macao
• APacCHRIE 2028 will be hosted in Vietnam, specifically at DTU
Earlier, in January 2025, Dr. Nguyen Cong Minh was officially approved by APacCHRIE to become a member of the association and represent Vietnam in this organization.
DTU ’s Tourism & Hospitality field is currently ranked on prestigious global rankings:
• Top 51-100 worldwide according to the QS World Rankings by Subjects 2026
• Top 101-150 worldwide according to the Shanghai Ranking 2023.
(Media Center)