I’m grateful for the opportunity to present my research at the APacCHRIE 2024 Conference, held on 24–26 May 2024 at Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea, with the theme “Big Leap Forward: Reshaping, Innovation, and Opportunity.” This international gathering of scholars and professionals in hospitality, tourism, and education provided a dynamic platform for sharing forward-thinking ideas that shape the future of our industries.

My presentation, titled "Optimizing Resources for Smart Tourism Development: A Sequential Explanatory Study of Selected Smart Cities in the Philippines," delves into how strategic resource management and smart city initiatives can support sustainable tourism growth in the Philippines. 

Abstract:
This study investigates the transformation of Philippine smart cities into sustainable smart tourism destinations. Employing a sequential explanatory design with SEM and thematic analysis, it uncovers a strong influence of smart initiatives on tourism development. Findings underscore the significant role of smart city components—especially leadership structures, innovation, and social infrastructure—in fostering smart tourism and sustainability. The study concludes with a robust framework advocating for strategic technology deployment and stakeholder collaboration, providing actionable insights for policymakers and urban planners aiming to harness smart city capabilities for enhanced tourism development.

Keywords: Smart Cities, Smart Tourism, Sustainable Tourism, Resource Management, Tourism Planning

How to Cite this Presentation:
Cabug-os, M. M. (2024). Optimizing resources for smart tourism development: A sequential explanatory study of selected smart cities in the Philippines. In APacCHRIE (Ed.), Proceedings of the APacCHRIE 2024 Conference: Big Leap Forward – Reshaping, Innovation, and Opportunity (pp. 1145–1157). Yonsei University.
Source: https://www.apacchrie.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/APacCHRIE-2024-Stand-up-Presentation-2.pdf

In today’s rapidly evolving world, sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. As industries adapt to new challenges, the tourism sector is stepping up with innovative, tech-driven solutions to minimize environmental impact while enhancing efficiency.

In my recent speaking engagement, I had the opportunity to discuss "Promoting Sustainability through Smart Initiatives", highlighting cutting-edge approaches like smart energy management, waste reduction technologies, and digital infrastructure advancements. These solutions are not only reshaping the tourism landscape but also paving the way for a more sustainable future.
 

In the digital age, data is more than just numbers—it’s the key to smarter, more efficient, and more personalized tourism experiences. As travelers demand more seamless and customized journeys, Big Data has emerged as a game-changer in the industry, influencing everything from destination planning to customer engagement.

In my recent talk, "Decoding Destinations: The Role of Big Data in Tourism", I explored how analytics, AI, and digital tools are revolutionizing tourism. This presentation covered topics such as smart tourism ecosystems, data-driven decision-making, predictive analytics, and the integration of AI and blockchain in travel.
 

Ang Tao Te Ching ni Lao Tzu
Translated by Florentino T. Timbreza
Link HERE.

The "Tao Te Ching" is a unique book filled with valuable teachings related to human wisdom, ethics, meaningful living, and effective leadership. It describes the "Tao" as the supreme reason in everything. According to Lao Tzu (sometimes spelled as Lao Tsu or Laozi), the "Tao" is nameless because it transcends all that can be named. It is beyond any single designation, as assigning it a name would imply limitation or confinement. The "Te" refers to the natural self or the essence of a being, suggesting that every creature has its inherent state of being unaffected by its surroundings.

The MBA Oath: Setting a Higher Standard for Business Leaders
By Max Anderson and Peter Escher
Link HERE.

The MBA Oath: Setting a Higher Standard for Business Leaders emerges as a crucial intervention in the aftermath of the 2008 US economic collapse, offering a path towards corporate transformation. This book meticulously outlines the downfall of US business practices, the MBA community's response to the call for change, and the methods to ensure this transformation is both feasible and sustainable.

Note: This review was originally written on October 17, 2012.