Bengaluru, February 11, 2016: India International Hotel Travel and Tourism Research Conference, jointly organized by Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology and Indian Hospitality Congress from 10 th to 12th February, 2016 was inaugurated by Mr. Anil Bhandari, Chairman, AB Smart Concepts and Former Chairman and MD, ITDC, India,Prof. Ashish Dahiya, Head – Department of Tourism & Hotel Management, Central University of Haryana, Dr. Paolo Mura, Senior Lecturer &Programme Director of the Postgraduate Programmes, Graduate School of Hospitality and Tourism, School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts, Taylor’s University, Malaysia,andProf. R. K. Bhandari, Principal, BCIHMCT & President, IIHTTR Con February 10, 2016 at BCIHMCT, New Delhi.
Mr. Anil Bhandari, in his opening remark stressed on the importance of research specifically referring to the heritage and culture as a product to offer to the tourists. He advised, “Implication of education is a must, where students should apply what they learn in order to reap benefits”.
Prof. R. K. Bhandari expressed the importance of innovation as a driving force for the Travel and Tourism Industry. He added, “In view of the rapidly changing needs and expectations of the customers, we need to emphasize on the improvement of the quality of product to ensure better level of services and customer loyalty”.
Dr. Paolo Mura gave a key note address on “The Crisis of the ‘Crisis of Representation’ – Mapping qualitative tourism research in Asia”. He highlighted the need for understanding the benefits and right usage of taking up more of Qualitative Research in the field of Tourism Studies. Dr. Mura closed his session with a thought provoking question, “Is it time for new non-western research paradigms?”
Mr. Steve Borgia, CMD, IND eco Leisure Hotels Pvt. Ltd gave an insight on the sustainable, responsible, rural tourism that his company has incorporated through a presentation titled “See India with New Eyes”. He stated that India is like a lotus unlimited with ample opportunities.
Various technical sessions comprising of paper presentations by delegates will be a part of the conference. Original articles, research papers and case studies that highlight the issues related to different aspects of specified themes, from academicians, practitioners and policy makers, will be published in a Book, “Current Issues and Emerging Trends in Hospitality & Tourism Research” (ISBN: 9788192085050). Selected papers shall also be published in the annual Hospitality Management Journal, “ Indian Journal of Applied Hospitality & Tourism Research” Vol. 8, (ISSN 0975-4954) A Special Issue: A Panoramic Perspective of Travel, Tourism & Hospitality.
A Panel Discussion at the Auditorium shall cover issues related to Global Hospitality Education vis-a-vis Indian Hospitality Education on February 12, 2016.
The highlight of the conference would be the Indian Hospitality Congress Awards. The categories of awards include: IHC Educators Award (IHCEA), an award to recognize teachers/educators at FCI, IHM, College and University level; Young Teacher Welcome Award; Aspiring Researchers Welcome Award; Promising Training Manager Award; Honorary Life Membership Award and Face of the Future Award.
Corporate Comm India (CCI Newswire)
