The Philippines is now following in the footsteps of Malaysia, Macau and Singapore and is opening up several integrated resorts. While resorts such as City of Dreams have already opened, several others are in the development pipeline as the Philippines looks to further develop its tourism industry. Given their academic background in hospitality tourism, the College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management at the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) in Manila, invited Professor Perry Hobson (the PVC Global Engagement), Dr. Andy Nazarechuk (Dean School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Taylor's University) and also Dr. Glenn McCartney (from the University of Macao, SAR-China), to be a part of their International Lecture Series. All three of them have extensive experience in hospitality and tourism, and the topic of this joint 1–day seminar was 'Maximising the Tourism and Hospitality Potential of Manila's Integrated Resort Developments". Dr. Andy Nazarechuk took a historical perspective on how Las Vegas had grown and developed, while Dr. Glenn McCartney provided insights from the massive development in Macau. Finally, Professor Perry Hobson looked to future innovations and development.
Over 350-students signed–up to attend, and despite the large number of students it was made into an engaging and interactive event. Reflecting on the day, Ms. Lilibeth Aragon, Dean of the College of International Tourism and Hospitality said, "We would like to sincerely thank you for making the forum an unforgettable experience for all attendees". Adding that"You were all able to deliver your part excellently, inspiring our teachers on how they can better engage students on meaningful discussions". LPU, like Taylor's University, has had its hospitality and tourism courses internationally recognised by the THE-ICE international accreditation body. For more on the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts at Taylor's University click here.