From June 16 - 17, 2026, in Nice, France,  The University of Da Nang – Danang International Institute of Technology (UD-DNIIT) in collaboration with Université Côte d’Azur (UniCA, France), successfully organized the 3rd Interregional Conference on Tourism between the Côte d’Azur and Da Nang (IMTECAD 2026).

According to Senior Prof. Dr. Le Thanh Nhan, Director of UD-DNIIT, this international academic event is part of a strategic partnership framework involving UD, DNIIT-UD, and UniCA, which currently features the implementation of the International Master’s Program in E-Tourism (Master in E-Tourism – Hospitality – MICE).

The conference brought together all students from the International Master’s Program in E-Tourism alongside scientists, managers, experts, and businesses from both nations. It provided an open forum for academic exchange, knowledge sharing, and professional networking within the hospitality and tourism sectors of two high-potential regions: Da Nang and the Côte d’Azur.

According to the Organizing Committee, the conference featured prominent French professors and academics, including:Prof. Sylvain Antoniotti - Vice President of UniCA in charge of the national Excellence Initiative (IDEX) program, CNRS Research Director, and Director of the Institute of Innovation and Partnership in Flavors, Perfumes, and Cosmetics; Prof. Stéphane Ngo Mai – Vice President of UniCA and representative of the ULYSSEUS European University Alliance; Prof. Franck Sosthé – Director of the Master in Tourism Program at the Graduate School of Economics and Management (EUR ELMI) – UniCA; Prof. Boualem Aliouat – Principal of the IUT – UniCA; Prof. Laurence Faugue – Head of the Commercial Techniques (TC) Department in Cannes, specializing in Tourism Marketing.

The event also welcomed delegates from various associations and enterprises, such as: Mr. Bruno Mercadal – General Manager of the Royal Riviera Hotel (Côte d’Azur); Mr. Pascal Brochiero – Director of the Grasse Tourism Office; Dr. Cao Tri Dung – Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association; Mr. Nguyen Duc Quynh – Director of the Bac My An Tourism Joint Stock Company and Director of MENAS Vietnam Group...

According to the Organizing Committee, the conference featured prominent French professors and academics, including: Prof. Sylvain Antoniotti - Vice President of UniCA in charge of the national Excellence Initiative (IDEX) program, CNRS Research Director, and Director of the Institute of Innovation and Partnership in Flavors, Perfumes, and Cosmetics; Prof. Stéphane Ngo Mai - Vice President of UniCA and representative of the ULYSSEUS European University Alliance; Prof. Franck Sosthé - Director of the Master in Tourism Program at the Graduate School of Economics and Management (EUR ELMI) - UniCA; Prof. Boualem Aliouat – Principal of the IUT – UniCA; Prof. Laurence Faugue - Head of the Commercial Techniques (TC) Department in Cannes, specializing in Tourism Marketing.

The event also welcomed delegates from various associations and enterprises, such as: Mr. Bruno Mercadal - General Manager of the Royal Riviera Hotel (Côte d’Azur); Mr. Pascal Brochiero - Director of the Grasse Tourism Office; Dr. Cao Tri Dung - Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association; Mr. Nguyen Duc Quynh - Director of the Bac My An Tourism Joint Stock Company and Director of MENAS Vietnam Group...

IMTECAD 2026 focused on discussing and sharing interregional cooperation experiences through two core themes: Luxury Tourism and Flavors & Perfumes. These themes reflect the distinctive strengths of both the Côte d’Azur and Da Nang in tourism and cultural development. Notably, the world-famous perfume capital of Grasse was highlighted as a vital cultural and economic resource driving tourism growth.

Key presentations at the conference included:

“Innovation, AI and Digital Technologies for Luxury Tourism Development in Danang” – presented by Mr. Pham Ngoc Loi (Business Development and Innovation Director, MENAS Vietnam Group);

“Expectations of Vietnamese Tourists towards Luxury Travel Packages in Nice – Cannes – Monaco” – presented by Dr. Cao Tri Dung (Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association);

“Managing Luxury Hospitality: The Royal Riviera Experience” – presented by Mr. Bruno Mercadal (General Manager of the 5-star Royal Riviera Hotel, France);

“Introduction and Guided Tour of the Perfume and Flavor Laboratory at UniCA” – led by Prof. Sylvain Antoniotti (Vice President of UniCA);

“Aromas and Perfumes in Vietnamese Tourism” – presented by Mr. Nguyen Duc Quynh (Director of MENAS Vietnam Group);

“Potential for Developing Products from Natural Essential Oil Resources in Central Vietnam” – presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Giang Thi Kim Lien (Vice Director of VNUK Institute for Research and Executive Education – UD).

Delegates also participated in panel discussions, networking sessions, and academic exchanges, alongside a study tour of UniCA's Perfume and Flavor Laboratory. This event serves as an invaluable opportunity to expand the collaborative network linking universities, research institutes, professional organizations, enterprises, and UD-DNIIT Master's students in training and research. Ultimately, it aims to develop a high-quality workforce that contributes to sustainable, innovative, and globally integrated tourism.

UD Media