The Durban University of Technology’s Department of Hospitality and Tourism lecturers Raeesah Khan and Ronelle Crocker successfully participated in a Seminar on Tourism Resources Exploitation and Environmental Protection for Developing Countries held in Harbin, China, from June 24 to July 7, 2025.

This insightful programme was organised by the Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO), under China’s Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with the Heilongjiang Vocational College of Tourism. The seminar was aimed at providing emphasis on the sustainable development of tourism resources and the importance of environmental protection within the tourism industry.

Speaking on their participation and engagement, Khan said that their participation came through an invitation to attend and the circulation of the invite through the institutional platforms.

“As an alumna of the China Aid Programme, I was invited to apply for this year’s seminar. The opportunity was later circulated within our faculty, where Crocker submitted her application and was also successfully selected. Our Head of Department, Prof Mhlanga, was very supportive throughout the application and preparation process,” said Khan.

She said that amongst the activities that they partook in during the seminar was engaging in classroom sessions on a wide range of topics, including, gastronomy and digital cultural tourism, environmental governance, smart tourism, and tourism policy. They also conducted practical site visits in the cities of Harbin and Nanjing to observe first-hand how tourism and environmental practices are integrated at the local level.

“Throughout the programme, we were involved in a range of engagements, including expert-led lectures and site visits focused on tourism development and environmental protection. These activities provide valuable insights into China’s strategies for sustainable tourism, offer platforms for international exchange, and foster collaborative learning with professionals from other developing countries,” shared Crocker.

Khan relayed that the collaborative and multicultural nature of the seminar is aligned with the DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy particularly its engaged scholarship which enabled them to bring back international perspectives that will enrich student interdisciplinary learning and is in line with DUT’s goal of developing globally competent, socially conscious graduates.

“Participation in this seminar presents significant academic and strategic value for DUT, particularly for the Faculty of Management Sciences and the Department of Hospitality and Tourism. The programme offers access to global best practices in sustainable tourism development, environmental stewardship, and policy implementation, which are highly relevant to our curriculum and research focus areas,” she added.

Khan applauded and acknowledged her colleague’s contribution, saying that Crocker’s expertise and passion for sustainable tourism made her an invaluable companion on the journey, especially in exchanging ideas, reflecting on best practices, and exploring ways to implement their proficiency during the seminar.

Pictured: DUT’s Department of Hospitality and Tourism lecturers Ronelle Crocker and Raeesah Khan.

Thulasizwe Nkomo