Bengaluru, February 15, 2016: India International Hotel Travel and Tourism Research Conference, jointly organized byBanarsidas 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 & 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, Taylor’s University, Malaysia and Prof. R. K. Bhandari, Principal, BCIHMCT & President, IIHTTRC. A book – “ Current Issues and Emerging Trends in Hospitality & Tourism Research” (ISBN: 9788192085050) along with 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 was released by dignitaries on the inaugural day .
The Conference explored overall themes related to Hotel, Travel and Tourism during the first two days of IIHTTRC through technical sessions that focused on a wide range of topics namely:- Emerging Trends in Tourism, Travel and Hospitality; Contemporary Issues in Hospitality & Tourism; Natural Disaster, Climate Change & Crisis Management in Tourism & Hospitality; Ecotourism, Green Practices & Sustaining Environment in Hospitality & Tourism; Tourism & Hospitality Economics and Forecasting; Virtual Tourism, e-Tourism, ICT and Travel Technologies; Food Safety, Quality and Innovations; Tourism & Hospitality Marketing Strategies and Consumer Behavior; Hospitality & Tourism Education and Training; Managing Human Resources in Hospitality and Tourism; Tourism & Hospitality Business Strategies and Revenue Management. Ms. Anjira Mehta, a final year student of WGSHA, Manipal, received Best Paper Presenter Award.
A Panel Discussion on “Global Hospitality Education vis-a-vis Indian Hospitality Education” took place on February 12, 2016 comprising of panelists namely: Mr. Ramesh Takulia, Consultant, NCHMCT, Ministry of Tourism & Former Director, L & D, Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces; Dr. Sudhir Andrews, Executive Director, Skill Maker Training Services, Dubai, UAE.; Prof. Y. G. Tharakan, Dean, Le Cordon Bleu School of Hospitality, G.D. Goenka University; Mr. Anthony Page, General Manager, JW Marriott, New Delhi; Mr. Deepak Behl, HR Director, The Grand, New Delhi; Dr. Paulo Mura, Programme Director, Postgraduate Programmes, Graduate School of Hospitality and Tourism, Taylor’s University, Malaysia and Prof. R.K. Bhandari, Principal, BCIHMCT, New Delhi. It was unanimously agreed that a Change in Indian hospitality education is needed through incorporation of new technology as well as restructuring and benchmarking of curriculum. Also, the role of a teacher has to change to a facilitator and students need to be treated as adults who must show curiosity and passion towards learning . Emphasis on the development of entrepreneurial skills through reflective assignments and interdisciplinary projects ought to be a key feature of hospitality programmes.
The highlight of the conference was the Indian Hospitality Congress Awards. The categories of awards felicitated by Prof. Ashish Dahiya, Head – Department of Tourism & Hotel Management, Central University of Haryana, included: Gallery of Legends, Honorary Life Membership, Young Teacher Welcome Award, Promising Training Manager/ HR Director, The Aspiring Researchers of Hospitality, Travel and Tourism, IHC Educators Award (IHCEA) at IHM, College and University Education, President’s Award, Face of the Future and Budding Hoteliers.
The Three day conference culminated in a Culture Trip to “Surajkund International Crafts Mela”, Faridabad, Haryana organized for all the participants and delegates.
Corporate Comm India (CCI Newswire)
