Speech for the conference

On the onset, ladies and gentlemen, I confess that I feel extremely privileged to be amongst the galaxy of thinkers, preachers, practitioners, policy-makers, researchers from the field of tourism and hospitality and, most importantly, the trailblazers from ours and other Universities. Honorable Vice Chancellor, H N B Garhwal University, Srnagar; Honble Chairman Graphic Era University, Dehradun, the tourism & hospitality academicians par excellence- Prof. S C Bagri: Honble Vice Chancellor- Zee Himgiri University, Dehradun and Prof. O P Kandari- Ex Vice Chancellor, Bundelkhand University, the dignitaries from the whole of the country and outside, learned delegates, the entire organizational family and dear students A very good morning to each and every one!! On this auspicious occasion, I would like to go back to the past with the insight into the very conception of the idea to organize a conference on this extremely important aspect of the industry. Am sure that you will agree to the fact that Tourism & Hospitality are considered to be highly dynamic sectors of economy around the world. We have observed that the motivational spectrum of the tourists keeps on changing at an unexpected pace and so are the demand patternshence it becomes very difficult to cope up with the amazingly popping-up perceptions, as well as, expectations and; in order to ensure competitive edge along with realization of optimum benefits infused by the developmental process; we have to plan, manage and implement the needed changes in the supply side that too in a limited time frame and obviously through limited resources-these maybe related to finance or human resource or technical knowhow or politico-bureaucratic will power. What I am trying to express is that there is an escalating requirement for constant prognosis of the business environment, and hence we will be trying to focus on the first part of the theme, i.e. modern state. Coming to the second part, viz. problems. I think the house will unanimously be in agreement to the fact that developmental planning is a futuristic process, in which we work on some assumptions based on our prior experiences and observations.

Now, these assumptions might not be foolproof, and if these are not there is probability of facing some problems. The brighter side is that these problems also lead us to come out with more effective and efficient systems and models, in addition to widening our knowledge base. Though the delegates will discuss this component in details, yet I, with my understanding of the subject, would like to categorize these as analytical, market & marketing oriented, motivational (on the part of Government and political system), community related (unawareness/ passiveness or unfriendliness), innovative hick-ups and lack of professionalism..to cite a few. There is no denying the fact that there are lots and lots of things to do, and more than those to achieve, in these fascinating industries and to quote Junior B ..an idea can change our lives and, therefore, I am eagerly expecting to have a whole gamut of innovative ideas, implementable suggestions and may a blue print for holistic growth of tourism and hospitality industry of the country. And why not to have high expectations, because: Kaun kahta hai aasman men surakh nahin hota Ek paththar to tabiyat se uchchalo yaron I am extremely thankful to(you better know ke kis kis ko makhkhan lagana hai)