Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) and United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), signed a cooperation agreement in on 13 April during the 25th UNWTO Committee of East Asia and the Pacific and the Commission for South Asia Joint Meeting in Hyderabad, India. Acting President of IFT, Ms. Florence Ian and the Secretary-General of UNWTO, Mr. Taleb Rifai presided over the ceremony. World Tourism Organization is a specialised agency of the United Nations and the leading public international organisation in the field of tourism, with a membership encompassing 155 countries, 6 territories and more than 400 affiliate members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities. UNTWO aims to continue providing leadership to the tourism sector as it moves forward sustainably, creating economic and social opportunities over the world. Cooperation between IFT and UNWTO since 1999, when IFT has been the first educational institution in the world being evaluated under the Tourism Education Qualification (TedQual) system and being granted the "TedQual Certification" in 2000. This certification confirmed the international standard and quality achieved by IFT in tourism education. With the persistence in providing quality tourism education, IFT was invited to represent Macao SAR to be an affiliate member of UNWTO and in later stage being a member of Education Committee contributing to the world tourism education planning and development. UNWTO and IFT agreed to collaborate to promote exchange and training for professionals and young talents in tourism industry. More specifically regarding the collaboration includes: - UNWTO agreed to offer internship placement opportunity to IFT students at its Secretariat; - UNWTO and IFT agreed to combine their efforts in conducting tourism research and studies; - UNWTO agreed to share its global expertise in conducting the joint research and studies; - IFT agreed to offer two quotas of technical placements each year for the organisations of UNWTO Asia Pacific member States to send executives or management candidates to IFT for a six-month training; - IFT agreed to offer two scholarships in each academic year to students from institutes of UNWTO Asia Pacific Member States to participate in IFT's Summer International Exchange Programme. IFT encourages students to explore the world, experience different cultures, equip themselves with practical experiences to meeting the industry requirements and be prepared for the challenges in their future career. In recent year, several students have successfully obtained 3-month to 1-year traineeship and internship opportunities through regional or international recruitment campaigns working for the UNWTO in Spain and Ondorra. The implementation of the agreement facilitated the expansion of IFT's international network and level of worldwide recognition. Both UNWTO and IFT look forward to the tremendous cooperative opportunities that lie ahead.