The Hospitality and Tourism Educators

Message from APacCHRIE President (2026-2027)

It is an honor to serve as President of APacCHRIE and to welcome you to this new term. As the Asia‑Pacific federation of International CHRIE, we build on the global vision of hospitality and tourism education while drawing strength from our regional character. Our mission is to make a lasting impact by empowering our members and future generations to embrace opportunities, adapt to evolving practices, and grow stronger through change.

Hospitality and tourism are industries shaped by continuous evolution and renewal. At APacCHRIE, we celebrate this dynamic spirit by championing lifelong learning, encouraging adaptability, and equipping our community to approach transformation with confidence. Whether engaging with new applications, responding to shifting market trends, or navigating global developments, we remain dedicated to providing our members with the knowledge and resources to flourish and lead with resilience.

This year, I am especially inspired by the collaboration of our board members and the enthusiasm of our newly elected board. Their energy, fresh perspectives, and commitment will help us strengthen our federation, expand our reach across Asia‑Pacific, and create initiatives that empower our members to grow, innovate, and lead with confidence. Equally important is our collaboration with industry partners, whose insights and engagement ensure that our academic work remains relevant, impactful, and closely aligned with the evolving needs of the hospitality and tourism sectors.

I invite each of you to work together and contribute to the growth of our community, the advancement of hospitality and tourism education, and the strengthening of our bonds across the region. With resilience, adaptability, and collaboration at our core, I am confident that APacCHRIE will continue to thrive, inspire excellence, and serve as a beacon of hospitality education for years to come.

Yours sincerely,

Deniz Kucukusta, Ph.D, CHE

APacCHRIE President (2026/2027)