Academicians, industrialists brainstorm on future roadmap for tourism growth

India’s tourism and hospitality sector went through one of its worst phases because of the pandemic. As per statistical reports, around 21.5 million people, involved in the tourism industry, lost their jobs due to the three waves of COVID-19 that first hit the country in early 2020.

However, the sector is gradually crawling back to normalcy while erasing the existing challenges. It understands the urgency to reinvent itself to adapt to the new normal for business continuity. 

Therefore, to further discuss the roadmap ahead, Dr Alka Munjal, Director of Apeejay School of Management and Anuj Kumar, Assistant Professor at ASM were invited to the recently organised Hospitality and Tourism Conclave held at Taj Palace in New Delhi to share insights on how India can reboot tourism while integrating new ways of doing business to further boost the sector. 

The conclave was conducted by the Services and Export Promotion Council set up by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The conclave also witnessed the presence of dignitaries from the Government of India, who deliberated on topics such as Tourism Export from India in the Global Context, Framework for Tourism Policy, Building Brand India as Tourist Destination: Incredible India 2.0 Campaign, Perspectives from Indian Missions Abroad. The panel members also discussed global challenges, issues, and enablers.

Two experts unpack some of the key areas of risk and opportunity in the travel and tourism sector going forward. Sharing her experience, Dr Munjal highlighted, “The hospitality and tourism conclave was a very timely and important meeting held to discuss the way forward in a post-COVID scenario. The objective was to chalk out  innovative ideas that would accelerate the growth of this sector. The participants shared their suggestions on acceleration of digitalisation, innovation and technological advancements.”

Further, Prof. Anuj Kumar said, “Such conclave helps in understanding the complexities related to the tourism sector, and how this sector will be able to revive after COVID-19. It was a good learning experience from students as well.”