Udayana University's Faculty of Tourism 2025 Public Lecture: Adaptation, AI, and 'Human Touch' as Keys in Tourism

• Posted by: Admin
• Selasa, 30 September 2025
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Bukit Jimbaran, 30 September 2025 – The Faculty of Tourism at Udayana University (Unud) held a Public Lecture themed "Future Skills in the Global Tourism Industry" on Tuesday (30/9) at the Unud Lecture Building. The event, attended by new students of the Faculty of Tourism, aimed to equip them with an in-depth understanding of post-pandemic industry developments and the skills needed to compete globally.

The Vice Dean for General Affairs and Finance of the Faculty of Tourism at Unud, Yayu Indrawati, S.S., M.Par., Ph.D., in her opening remarks, emphasized the importance of this lecture as initial preparation for the students. It is hoped that the participants will not only grasp theory and practice but also be able to adapt and make a real contribution to the future tourism industry.

Post-Pandemic Tourism Trends: From Sustainability to 'Bleisure'

The main material was delivered by Gusti Ngurah Agus Adi Putra, General Manager of Honai Resort Ubud, with Setya Mukti Mahanani, S.Hum., M.Sc acting as the moderator. The speaker explained that global tourism trends have undergone significant changes post-pandemic. The growing trends include:

• Sustainable Tourism

• Wellness Tourism

• Digital Nomad

• Bleisure (Business and Leisure Travel)

Furthermore, he highlighted that current tourism standards focus on sustainability. The technological aspect is also becoming increasingly unavoidable, with the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) already being implemented, for example, in reservation systems.

Essential Student Skills: Adaptation and the Technology-Human Combination

Facing the onslaught of technology like AI, Agus Adi Putra affirmed that the main key to survival is the ability to adapt and the keenness to identify and solve problems (problem solving).

Several other skills highlighted as crucial for future tourism leaders include:

• Financial Management

• Cross Management, which allows human resources to gain experience in various departments.

• Digital Storytelling to build strong connections with the audience.

He further stressed the importance of soft skills such as effective communication, leadership, critical thinking, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. He delivered an inspiring message that tourism is not just about where we go, but about the experience created. Career success in tourism does not only mean becoming a "tech expert," but becoming an expert who can combine technology with a human touch.

At the end of the session, the moderator concluded that the new students must prepare themselves holistically. In addition to mastering technology, they are required to possess good soft skills and public speaking abilities to be able to compete in the dynamic global tourism industry.