(APacCHRIE)

Dear ICHRIE and APacCHRIE Members

It is with deep honor and humility that I step into the role of president of APacCHRIE for the 2025–2026 term. I extend my warmest greetings to each of you. I would also like to thank our founding president and all past presidents of APaCHRIE for their visionary leadership and dedication. Their contributions have laid a strong foundation for APacCHRIE’s growth and influence across the region. I am committed to continuing their remarkable legacy they have built.

For the year ahead, I invite you to join me in embracing three guiding themes: Empathy, Connection, and Insight. Empathy is the heart of hospitality. As educators, researchers, and practitioners, we lead with understanding. Our ability to listen deeply and to act compassionately defines the strength of our community. Connection is our foundation.

Over the coming year, I hope to foster richer collaborations and a renewed sense of belonging among our members. Insight is our shared future. Our collective knowledge shapes the hospitality and tourism industry. Let us continue to spark new ideas, question with courage, and build a better future through shared wisdom. I am committed to listening, learning, and leading with openness.

As a faculty member at Kyonggi University since 1999, and as a member of ICHRIE since 2001 and APacCHRIE Since 2003, I am deeply grateful for the chance to share ideas with inspiring colleagues I keep thinking about why I am here as a president of APacCHRIE. I believe I can do all this through him who gives me strength, together with our passionate ICHRIE and APacCHRIE members.

The APacCHRIE2026 conference will be held in Osaka, Japan from 28-31 May 2026.

I warmly welcome you and look forward to meeting all of you. Thank you for your trust and passion!

Yours sincerely,
Kyungsoo Han President
APacCHRIE (2025–2026)