SEAMA2025
　Islands Tourism & Hospitality Management

The SEAMA2025, 8th Annual Conference of Islands Tourism & Hospitality Management invites academics, industry professionals, and policymakers to the vibrant city of Beppu, Japan, home to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), a global hub for intercultural exchange and innovation in tourism and hospitality studies. Against the backdrop of Beppu’s renowned onsen (hot spring) culture, this conference offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the evolving concepts of wellness and wellbeing in tourism and hospitality management.

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Reconsideration of Wellness and Wellbeing

In an era of rapid global change, the concepts of wellness and wellbeing are being redefined in the context of tourism and hospitality. Wellness often focuses on proactive and holistic practices aimed at enhancing physical, mental, and emotional health, encompassing activities such as spa treatments, onsen (hot spring) experiences, and mindfulness practices. These activities are increasingly sought after by travelers who prioritize self-care and relaxation in their journeys.

Meanwhile, wellbeing represents a broader, multidimensional approach to quality of life. It encompasses not only personal health but also social, cultural, and environmental harmony. Wellbeing in tourism emphasizes creating meaningful connections with local communities, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable practices that benefit both travelers and host destinations.

This conference will critically examine these interrelated ideas, exploring how traditional wellness practices, like Beppu’s renowned onsen culture, can coexist and evolve alongside contemporary demands for wellbeing in the tourism and hospitality industries. Key questions include:

• How can wellness tourism adapt to the changing needs of travelers in a post-pandemic world?

• In what ways can the hospitality sector contribute to fostering community and environmental wellbeing?

• How can cultural heritage be integrated into modern wellness offerings to provide authentic and enriching experiences?

 

About Beppu:
Located on the island of Kyushu, Beppu is Japan's premier hot spring destination, boasting over 2,000 hot spring sources and a history of therapeutic onsen culture spanning over a millennium. Visitors are drawn to its unique geothermal phenomena, including the famous "hell tours" (jigoku-meguri), as well as its traditional ryokan accommodations and vibrant local culture. Beppu seamlessly blends natural beauty with historical richness, making it the perfect setting for discussions on wellness tourism.

About Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU):
APU, situated on a hilltop overlooking the picturesque city of Beppu and the surrounding bay, is a prestigious institution known for its commitment to fostering global perspectives and sustainable practices. As one of Japan’s most internationally diverse universities, APU welcomes students and faculty from over 90 countries, creating a dynamic environment for cross-cultural collaboration. APU’s College of International Management and College of Asia Pacific Studies are leaders in advancing research in tourism and hospitality, making it an ideal venue for SEAMA2025.

 

Conference Theme and Highlights:
Under the theme Reconsideration of Wellness and Wellbeing in Tourism and Hospitality Management, SEAMA2025 aims to explore the integration of traditional wellness practices and contemporary innovations in tourism and hospitality.

Key topics include:

• Onsen Tourism and Wellbeing: Leveraging Beppu’s onsen culture as a global model for wellness tourism.

• Hospitality Management: Redefining guest experiences through sustainable and culturally inspired practices.

• Sustainability and Community Wellbeing: Addressing the challenges of balancing tourism growth with environmental and social responsibility in island and rural settings.

• Cultural and Historical Dimensions of Wellness: Understanding how heritage and tradition enhance modern wellness experiences.

 

Why Attend?
Participants will engage with leading scholars, practitioners, and industry experts in an inspiring academic environment at APU. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities and its unique position as a cultural and intellectual bridge make it an ideal location to discuss the future of wellness tourism. Attendees will also experience Beppu’s world-class hot spring culture and the warm hospitality that defines this region.

Join us at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University for SEAMA2025 and contribute to shaping the future of wellness and wellbeing in tourism and hospitality management.