World Tourism Day celebrations begin at SHTM

SHTM students with guests during World Tourism Day celebration programme on Tuesday.
SHTM students with guests during World Tourism Day celebration programme on Tuesday.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 26: School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (SHTM), in collaboration with Skill Incubation Innovation Entrepreneurship Development Centre (SIIEDC), University of Jammu, organized an insightful event focussing on “Tourism Entrepreneurship: Prospects and Challenges” on the eve of World Tourism Day.
Vivekanand Rai, Director, Jammu Tourism, was the chief guest on the occasion and Prof Rahul Gupta, Registrar University of Jammu was the guest of honour.
In his address, Vivekanand Rai shed light on the diverse avenues within the Tourism Industry that present promising opportunities for entrepreneurs. He emphasized the students that they should come forward and exploit immense entrepreneurial opportunities that the Tourism Industry offers. From sustainable tourism ventures to technology-driven innovations, he highlighted the myriad ways entrepreneurs can contribute to the growth of the sector.
Professor Rahul Gupta, appreciated the efforts of SHTM and SIIEDC in putting together such a thoughtful event.
Professor Alka Sharma, Director, SIIEDC, emphasized the significance of innovation and creativity within the Tourism Industry.
Earlier, Dr Anil Gupta, expressed that the event aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice, equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and inspiration they need to succeed.
The event also featured “Prayatan-pe-Charcha,” a stimulating panel discussion on tourism entrepreneurship. Sunaina Mehta, Joint Director of Jammu Tourism, served as the guest of honour. Distinguished speakers, including Ishaan Verma, Director of J&K Startups Association; Nishu Pandit, Director of Authentic Journeys India and Beyond; Maval Nagpal, Managing Director of Kaffberry Jammu, and Sonaad Gupta, Founder of Villagio Movement, discussed the numerous opportunities and challenges in the tourism and hospitality industry in the Jammu region.
Another highlight of the event was the Start-Up Fair wherein Prof Varsha Mehta, Dean Faculty of Business Studies, JU, was the guest of honour.
In addition to discussions and competitions, the event featured “RELISH,: Skill Based Food Seminar presented by ARC, Hospitality Institute for the civil society.