International Conference on sustainable development through tourism and hospitality management convened by CGC Landran

A two-day international conference on ‘Sustainable development through the tourism & hospitality management’ successfully concluded at CGC Landran, today. Organised in campus by Chandigarh College of Hotel Management, CGC Landran in collaboration with Indian Tourism and Hospitality Congress, the convention sought to explore and understand the various ways in which tourism and hospitality sectors could become effective contributors in promoting sustainable development resulting in economic & social betterment of businesses and communities respectively while ensuring minimum damage to the environment and the planet.  The key highlights of the conference were panel discussions on sustainable tourism, keynote addresses revolving around the theme by seasoned academicians and industry experts in addition to paper presentations by researchers drawn from across the region. 170-plus research papers and case studies were accepted for the conference while an abstract book was also released on the occasion. 

Among the dignitaries present on day one  were, Dr. Sudesh Thakur, Scientist, ISRO, as chief guest, Mr. Frederick Young, MD, GEM Pvt. Ltd., England, United Kingdom, as guest of honour, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Saxena, Associate Professor, Assam University, Prof. (Dr.) P.N. Hrisheekesha, Campus Director, CGC Landran, and  Dr. Rajeev R. Mishra, Director Principal, CCHM, CGC Landran. Day two of the event was graced by the presence of Chief Guests, Prof. S.P. Bansal, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Himachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh University, Prof. Kuldip Chand Agnihotri, Ex-Vice Chancellor, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, keynote speakers including Prof. Prashant Gautam, UIHTM, Panjab University, Dr. Charlito P. Cadag, President, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, Philippines, Mr Filmor J.Murillo, International Relations Officer & Associate Professor, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, Philippines as the guest of honour, among others. 

Prof. (Dr.) Saxena shared his views virtually via a presentation on sustainability trends in the hospitality industry focused around waste reduction, energy and water conservation, food preparation including adoption of eco-friendly material and designs by hospitality brands and establishments. He also underlined the subtle difference between sustainable development and green development emphasising that their ultimate goal is one i.e. preservation of natural resources and the environment. Dr. Thakur, highlighted the importance of strengthening the rural economy which he said, if harnessed well, could become the biggest contributor to sustainable development. Putting forth case studies of startups which promote agri tourism, village/rural tourism, concept of farm stays etc. he emphasised how these startups will provide employment, livelihood, and growth opportunities to all stakeholders involved thereby promoting sustainable development in the truest sense.

The conference concluded with the best paper authors being felicitated with certificates and cash prizes.