3 - 5 APRIL 2024 | MODE: HYBRID

ORGANIZED BY

DEPARTMENT OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM

VISHWAKARMA UNIVERSITY, PUNE

REPORT for Day-1 | 03-04-2024

1. The first lecture of the day was conducted by Dr. Rohit Borlikar, Assistant Professor at Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, M.P. In his lecture he pointed out the heightened environmental consciousness, which is imperative to explore initiatives that foster harmony between tourism development and environmental preservation. He explained how communities play a pivotal role in this endeavour, serving as stewards of their cultural and natural heritage.He showcased examples from India where communities' have embarked upon innovative approaches to sustainable tourism. The Spiti Valley's homestay initiatives, where locals open their homes to tourists, offering authentic cultural experiences while mitigating environmental impact. Similarly, the Sundarbans community-based ecotourism projects exemplify partnerships between communities, governments, and NGOs to conserve biodiversity and uplift local livelihoods.He also delved into the principles underpinning these initiatives, exploring their socio-economic benefits, environmental safeguards, and cultural preservation efforts. By studying these models, we can glean invaluable insights into fostering sustainable tourism practices worldwide, ensuring the long-term viability of our planet's most cherished destinations.
2. The second lecture was conducted by Dr. Rohan Bhalla, Assistant Professor at Symbiosis International University, Nagpur Campus. In his lecture he explored the profound relationship between urban desolation, rural renaissance, and the pursuit of well-being and sustainability. In a reply to a question by a student He gave the example of Bengaluru, a city emblematic of India's rapid urbanisation. Bengaluru's exponential growth has led to various socio-economic and environmental challenges such as shortage of water, congestion, pollution, and diminishing green spaces. He explained how the travelling from urban to rural destinations not only rejuvenates weary urban souls but also revitalises rural economies, fostering community-led initiatives and preserving local cultures and ecosystems. He also suggested how embracing travel as a tool for personal well-being and environmental stewardship, one can bring a transformative power of sustainable tourism in fostering holistic development and fostering a symbiotic relationship between urban and rural realms.

REPORT for Day-2 | 04-04-2024

1. The first lecture of the day was conducted by Dr. Vo Thi Nga (Victoria Vo), Director (Department of Restaurant Management) at Hoa Sen University, Vietnam. In her lecture she presented the intricate nexus of sustainable urban development and tourism, with a spotlight on community participation, drawing insights from Vietnam's dynamic landscape. Vietnam, a burgeoning tourist destination, exemplifies the fusion of traditional charm with modern sustainability initiatives.She gave examples from Vietnam of Hotels like Fusion Maia in Da Nang which embodies the ethos of integrating community engagement through sourcing locally-produced goods, promoting cultural exchanges, and implementing eco-friendly practices. Destinations like Hoi An showcase the transformative power of community-led initiatives in preserving heritage while fostering tourism growth sustainably. The city's participatory approaches, such as the "Clean Up Hoi An" campaign driven by locals, demonstrate the pivotal role of community involvement in maintaining environmental integrity and enhancing visitor experiences.
2. The second lecture was conducted by Dr. Dalwinder Kaur Dhillon, Senior Lecturer at Manipal GlobalNXT University, Malaysia. Surprisingly she had joined us from a café in Los Angeles, USA to keep her commitments with respect to timings. In her lecture she explained how education serves as the cornerstone for fostering awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the principles of sustainability among stakeholders, from industry professionals to travellers themselves. She pointed out that by integrating sustainability concepts into curricula at all levels of education, from primary schools to tertiary institutions, we can sow the seeds of responsible tourism practices early on, nurturing a generation of conscious travellers and industry leaders.Questions from students lead her to elaborate on how education empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to critically evaluate tourism activities, make informed choices, and advocate for sustainable practices. She highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches that blend environmental science, economics, sociology, and ethics, education equips learners with a holistic perspective essential for addressing the multifaceted challenges of sustainable tourism. Her lecture focussed on the pivotal role of education in cultivating a culture of sustainability within the tourism sector, exploring innovative pedagogical strategies, successful case studies, and future directions for advancing sustainable tourism through education.

REPORT for Day-3 | 05-04-2024

1. The first lecture of the day was conducted by Dr. Pramendra Singh, Assistant Professor at Lovely Professional University, Punjab. In his lecture he highlighted the concept of sustainability as pivot to life, especially in a culturally rich and diverse country like India. He elaborated that the sustainable tourism practices not only ensure the preservation of natural resources and cultural heritage but also foster socio-economic development within communities. He gave multiple examples from India, famously of Bhim Bhetka caves and Khajuraho caves. He also shared his own personal experiences and how that has led him to be more responsible around tourist attractions.He highlighted that around, historical sites, and vibrant cultures, there is always an opportunity for sustainable tourism initiatives. Collaborative efforts between local communities, government bodies, and tourism stakeholders play a paramount role in achieving sustainability objectives. His lecture explored the essential question of how community engagement, empowerment, and benefit-sharing mechanisms and can be instrumental in mitigating negative impacts while enhancing the socio-cultural fabric and economic prosperity of host communities.
2. The second lecture and the last lecture of the lecture series was conducted by Dr. Arkadiusz Tomasz Tomczyk, Lecturer at Bournemouth University, U.K. In his lecture he highlighted the importance of today's rapidly evolving tourism landscape, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and how revenue management strategies present a compelling avenue towards smart sustainability. His lecture focussed on the synergistic approach to leverage AI so that tourism stakeholders can gain valuable insights into consumer behaviour, market trends, and environmental impacts, enabling them to make informed decisions that balance profitability with environmental preservation.Through some research articles he highlighted how by using AI empowered systems one can dynamic pricing models that respond in real-time to fluctuations in demand and resource availability, fostering greater efficiency and resilience in the tourism sector. He also made sure to share in his lecture to that it is crucial to ensure that these technologies are deployed ethically and responsibly, with careful consideration given to issues of privacy, equity, and cultural sensitivity.

The summary of the lecture series was shared by our student Ms. Lindsay Britah and vote of thanks to all the speakers and student volunteers was presented by the Head of the Department, Prof. Aarti Suryanwashi. Feedbacks and learnings from students were collected for each lecture throughout the lecture series.

At the National Students Research Conference organized by the Centre for Indian Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Studies at Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Architecture, Pune, on the 26th and 27th of September 2024, Pravin Sawant, a BAIDD III Sem student from the Department of Interior Spaces, presented his research on "Historical Structure, design and Identification, evaluation and classification of internal elements on Raigad Fort," guided and co-authored by Prof. (Ar.) Amruta Gangakhedkar.

Pravin’s creative exploration of Raigad Fort, highlighted through a handmade model of its internal elements, earned him significant praise from dignitaries, including Dr. Kavita Murugkar, Principal, BVDUCOA. As the only student with an interior design background at this architecture-focused conference, his work stood out for its originality and depth. Both the Department of Interior Spaces and the Faculty of Architecture are proud of Pravin for his exceptional achievement.