‘Tourism can promote peace, boost economy’
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Sirmaur, in collaboration with Atithya, a Tourism and Hospitality Club, and Yuva Tourism Club, celebrated World Tourism Day here today. The event, supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, revolved around the theme ‘Tourism and Peace’, aiming to highlight the crucial role of sustainable tourism in fostering peace and social entrepreneurship.
A range of events was organised to engage students, faculty, and industry experts in discussions and activities centred on tourism’s potential to contribute to peaceful and inclusive societies. The highlight of the celebration was an insightful panel discussion titled ‘Tourism and Social Entrepreneurship: Fostering Peace through Inclusive Business Models’. The session witnessed participation from prominent speakers across sectors, each providing a unique perspective on the link between tourism and social harmony.
The panel featured key industry leaders such as Dr RK Suman, Regional Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Col Rajiv Bhargava (Retd), Partner at Geranos Getaways; Sunil Singh Rana, founder of Thirty-Six Holidays Pvt Ltd; Narendra Bharadwaj, CEO of Colors of India; and Rajshree Bhargava, managing director of Geranos Getaways. The experts discussed how tourism, through inclusive and sustainable business models, can act as a bridge between communities, promoting peace and prosperity.
Addressing the gathering, Dr RK Suman emphasised, “Tourism is not just about economic gains but also about connecting cultures and fostering a sense of global unity. Through innovative, inclusive business practices, the tourism industry can contribute significantly to creating peaceful, harmonious societies.”
The event also featured various student activities, including case competitions that challenged participants to propose innovative solutions for sustainable tourism development. The winners were honoured by Dr Suman with certificates and awards, recognising their creative contributions to the field. The students who excelled in the heritage week quiz were also felicitated with mementoes from the Ministry of Tourism.
Dr Neha Sharma, faculty in-charge for World Tourism Day, highlighted the significance of the event. She said “Tourism has the power to bring people together and foster peace through shared experiences. We encourage students to build organisations focused on sustainable tourism. We aim to prepare them to take on leadership roles in shaping the future of tourism in India.”
By focusing on sustainable tourism practices, the institute aims to contribute to a future where tourism is a tool for positive change, both economically and socially.
