Prof. Roy Ballantyne with Vice Chancellor for Universidad Austral de Chile (Valdivia),
the Federal Finance Minister and Dr David Solnet at a recent meeting in Chile.
SERNATUR
The University of Queensland (UQ) and the Servicio Nacional de Turismo (SERNATUR) Chile have signed a memorandum of understanding that will promote collaborative research, innovation, regional planning, policy development, executive training and mentoring between the two organisations.
Professor Roy Ballantyne and Dr David Solnet from the University’s School of Tourism spearheaded the development of the agreement on behalf of the University. Additionally, the Chilean Ambassador to Australia, Jose Luis Balmaceda, provided critical assistance in the creation of this agreement.
“Naturally, our focus will be on the development of joint activities in tourism such as staff development, research, teaching for the purpose of capacity building and service to the community. The School of Tourism has a great depth of expertise in these areas.” Prof Ballantyne.
According to Dr Solnet, “This is a great opportunity for the School of Tourism as we should see a constant exchange of research, students and collaboration with the Chilean National Tourism Agency (SERNATUR) during a time where Chile is moving toward an increased focus on tourism as part of a federal government initiative to promote sustainable tourism activities for economic growth. Part of the role for UQ in this partnership will be to facilitate a mentoring process whereby members of SERNATUR will come to Australia and work along side tourism planners and marketers in Australia (eg. with Tourism Queensland).
This cooperation is in alignment with a broader UQ strategy of partnering with Chilean government and industry to develop tourism-related activities in Chile, particularly in relation to building educational, training and research-related infrastructure.
Media Enquiries Contact
Cate Clifford
Communications & Marketing
The University of Queensland
School of Tourism
c.clifford@uq.edu.au
Phone: +61 7 3346 6259
Mob: 0408 627 330
School of Tourism
GPN 3 (Building 39A), Level 4
Brisbane QLD 4072
Australia
www.tourism.uq.edu.au
Phone: +61 7 3346 8717
Fax: +61 7 3346 8716