Bhubaneswar, Feb 7: The Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism Management, SOA University here organized a three-day international symposium on “Fostering Tourism for Global Peace: Opportunities & Challenges” in collaboration with International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) India Chapter and Indian Tourism & Hospitality Congress (ITHC) from February 1. The objective of the symposium was to create a platform for academia as well as industry professionals to discuss and debate & Challenges for the larger interest and benefits of tourism.
In particular, the role of IIPT India Chapter and ITHC is important as they are joining with SOA University in taking the mission of spreading the novel idea of peace through tourism globally.
In furtherance to the initiative, a memorandum of understanding was signed between IIPT India Chapter and SOA University to set up a Centre of Excellence in Bhubaneswar to churn out future leaders for the tourism industry in the country.
Ambassador of the Republic of Macedonia Dr Toni Atanasovski inaugurated the International Symposium and said that “Exchange of ideas can benefit all and particularly civilization that date back to thousands of year”.
Advisor cum Dean and Director, International Symposium Prof Stitikanta Mishra, Vice-Chancellor SOA University
Amit Banerjee and Chairman, Advisory Board SOA University Prof. Damodar Acharya, Registrar BB Pradhan participated in the symposium.
President United Federation of Travel Agents Association Joseph Borg Olivier, USA, Director of Research, The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management Dubai Sanjay Nadkarni and Deputy Dean, Tourism, Events & Recreation, Taylor’s University, Malaysia Toney K Thomas attended the event as speakers.
The other dignitaries who participated in the symposium included MP Prasanna Kumar Patasani, former bureaucrat Vivek Pattanayak and Former Chairman OPSC and Buddhist Monuments, Development Council, New Delhi Dr Arvind Alok.
The main theme of the international symposium revolved around the deliberations made by all the speakers was the importance of heritage & culture for peace and security; inclusive social development; inclusive economic development; and for environmental sustainability.
Subsequently, it was stressed upon that in order to achieve this, proper planning was required as well as a management framework for ensuring and enabling sustainable development and community engagement.More than 300 Delegates and participants from different parts of the country, faculty, Staff and Students of Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism Management were in attendance during the symposium.
