Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 22: The Department of Travel and Tourism Management of the Central University of Jammu marked the celebration of World Tourism Day today at its Temporary Academic Block.
The department is holding the World Tourism Week from 22nd to 27th September, 2014. The Theme for this year is `Tourism and Community Development’.
On the inaugural day of the week, Vice chancellor, Prof Devanand stressed the need for developing tourism, as it was major contributor to country’s GDP, 9 percent at present. The key objective of the World Tourism Day 2014 theme was to fulfill the Millennium Development Goals, said the VC and emphasized the need for developing tourism in J&K State particularly in the Jammu division.
The keynote speaker Dr A K Khanna, Superintendent, Archaeological Survey of India talked about the 5000 year old heritage of India. He said that tourists come to India because of its diversity i.e. 6 seasons, several regions and change of language, culture and food after every 100 kilometers, he said giving the example of Rajasthan, which is 365 days tourism destination.
He aimed at developing Mubarak Mandi as a tangible heritage of Jammu and also suggested plans of developing food court, shopping complex and handicrafts in Jammu region, which would contribute in development of local communities.
Earlier, Prof Deepak Raj Gupta, Head Department of Tourism and Travel Management, in his welcome address, highlighted the campaign of ‘Incredible India’. Further, he highlighted the alternate forms of tourism like eco tourism, medical tourism, voluntourism, etc, which contributes to the development of the local community.
Guest of honour, Rakesh Gupta, president Chamber of Commerce, shared his experience about working in Raj Travels in Mumbai. He encouraged the students to become successful entrepreneurs.
Deans of the Schools, Heads of the Departments, senior officers of the University, faculty, and students were also present in the function.
The afternoon session had an interactive session with entrepreneurs.
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