University Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism, Panjab University,                                           Chandigarh

 A National Seminar on ‘Omissions, Innovations and Challenges of Tourism and Hospitality Industry’ was inaugurated by Mr. Pawan Kumar Bansal (Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Water Resources) at the University Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism (UIHMT), Panjab University here today. Prof. R.C. Sobti (Vice Chancellor, PU) was the presiding guest, while Prof. Erik Cohen (Tourism author and researcher, Israel) gave the key note address.

Mr. Pawan Kumar Bansal addressing the assemblage said that India can legitimate its culture, history, villages and offers humongous opportunities to attract tourists. “Ours is the second country in the world with a large agricultural and bio-diversity, this can be USP for positioning India as tourist destination on the world map,” he added.  Mr. Bansal also congratulated the UHIMT for training personnel and working hard on promoting tourism and hospitality industry in this part of India. Earlier to this, Prof. Lalit K Bansal, Seminar Chairman gave a warm welcome to the delegates present.

On this occasion, a book written by Prof. Lalit K Bansal and Prashant Gautam, named ‘Tourism and Hospitality Industry- Challenges and Innovations’ was also released with the souvenir of the session. This book is a compilation of assorted researches that address some pressing issues of the contemporary times and that underline the nature of this industry in the 21st century.

Prof. Erik Cohen speaking on the topic said that mobility and performance of the tourists are the main factors on which tourism depends. He also presented his line of observation by saying that, “Places are not great, but they become great with the performances of the tourist.” Seminar patron, R.C. Sobti in his address felt the need of cleanliness and courteous people for the growth of tourism industry. He said that tourism not only adds to the economic growth but also helps in gaining popularity.

On this occasion Dr. R.N. Pandey, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism,  Government of India and Prof. Manjula Chaudhary, Director, Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management were the guest of honour.

The inaugural session was followed by the Plenary session with presentations by Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board on Destination Punjab. The six technical sessions will be held on Sunday.