The Academic Symposium has been one of major components of East Asia Tourism Forum 2008 hosted by Tuv Province, Mongolia.

In total seven presenters from six countries have delivered presentations under the theme ‘Ecotourism and Optimal Ways of its Development’ coupled with panel discussion after each presentation.

Presenters introduced their academic research outputs, analytical review summaries and suggestions, while exchanging opinions and information in regards to ecotourism related considerations. The followings are brief summaries of each presentation:

Dr. Jaehee Jung, Professor of Hallym College, Korea has addressed “Key features of ecotourism development’ in his presentation and emphasized the importance of preparing naturalist guides knowledgeable on nature conservation, local customs and ecosystem.

Dr. Valerie Leong Siew Chai, Professor of United College, Malaysia suggests that marketing of ecotourism may well be expanded developed through WEB 2.0 in order to make effective information flow worldwide so as contribute to successful ecotourism.

Dr. Yoshimichi Adachi, Researcher of Tottori Reserch Center, Japan has explained gaps between ideas and practice of ecotourism while introducing ecotourism characteristics within the Japanese context. In addition, he emphasized importance of public-private partnerships (PPP) within ecotourism domain.

Dr. Sunyoto, Professor of Widya Mataram University Indonesia proposed to cooperate in terms of developing regional ecotourism while stressing importance of ensuring travelers’ security based on case examples of Yogyakarta Special Region.

Dr. Oyunchimeg and Dr. Amarjargal (Institute of Commerce and Business in Mongolia) described the current situation and actual issues of ecotourism in Mongolia. They propose that preparing ecotourism specialists and implementing joint EATOF programs would better contribute to effective ecotourism in member countries.

The following is the brief summary of proposals agreed and submitted by delegates representing member provinces for EATOF 2008:

1. Cooperate in preparing specialists qualified at ecotourism and nature tourism

2. Promote activities of voluntary tourism

3. Utilize IT and Internet (eg. Web 2.0, blogs, etc) to exchange information worldwide and expand research on
... ecotourism products and services

4. Organize cross-country eco-tours and ensure security and safety of travelers (eg. anti-terrorism, safety of food,
... transport and their societal impacts while traveling in the Gobi, by sea, by car, etc)

5. Implement joint projects within EATOF member provinces (eco-tours, public awareness. Study tours,
.. exchange program, etc.