On 3 December 2025, the Faculty of International Tourism and Management at the City University of Macau successfully hosted an academic

lecture themed “Cultural Tourism Planning and Development.” The session featured Dr. Kiran Shinde—Associate Editor of Tourism Geographies and Editorial Board Member of Annals of Tourism Research and Tourism Planning & Development—as the keynote speaker. Drawing on

cases from Australia and India, Dr. Shinde provided an in-depth analysis of the similarities and differences in cultural tourism across Western

and non-Western contexts.

Master's Program Director Esther Kou Iok Teng presented Dr. Shinde with a certificate of appreciation and a commemorative gift

Beginning with the concept of cultural landscapes, Dr. Shinde outlined how cultural heritage is constructed and applied within tourism

development. He further explored issues related to heritage governance, promotion, and stakeholder engagement in management

processes. Emphasising the functional role of cultural heritage in destination planning, he noted that cultural resources serve not only as

tourist attractions but also as foundations for shaping destination identity and spatial narratives. Additionally, by demonstrating how the

notion of cultural landscapes can be used as an analytical approach to understanding heritage, he examined how cultural continuity can be

maintained amid rapid tourism-driven transformations, offering students a theoretically grounded perspective.

Dr. Shinde delivering the lecture

During the interactive discussion session, students actively shared their views and raised thoughtful questions. Drawing on extensive

international research experience, Dr. Shinde responded to each point and encouraged students to connect theoretical frameworks with

Macau's local cultural and tourism context, fostering deeper understanding. The atmosphere was dynamic, and academic exchange was

highly engaging.

Academic Lecture

Q & A session

This lecture provided students with valuable international perspectives, further broadening their research horizons in cultural tourism and

heritage conservation while strengthening their cross-cultural analytical and critical thinking skills. Moving forward, FITM will continue to

promote high-quality academic activities on a regular basis, build more platforms for international exchange, and support sustained dialogue and scholarly collaboration between Eastern and Western cultures.

Written By | Yu Xiaoxiao

Edited by | Wang Yaqi

Reviewed by | Esther Kou Iok Teng

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Contact: fitminfo@cityu.edu.mo