World Tourism Day 2026 Observed at Mizoram University

Aizawl | Oct 1, 2026: The Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Mizoram University, observed World Tourism Day 2026 on September 29, 2026, under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.” The programme was held at the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management and was graced by Prof. U.K. Sahoo, Vice-Chancellor-in-Charge, Mizoram University, as the Chief Guest; Dr. C. Zoremsanga, Scientist D and Academic Head, NIELIT, Aizawl Centre, Mizoram, as the Keynote Speaker; and Prof. Bhartendu Singh, Dean-in-Charge, SEMIS, Mizoram University, as the Guest of Honour. Dr. Pankaj Kumar, Head, Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, also attended the programme.

The programme began with a melodious welcome song presented by the students of MBAT&H of the department, followed by the felicitation of the distinguished guests on the dais by Dr. Pankaj Kumar. In his welcome address, Dr. Kumar highlighted the importance and relevance of this year’s World Tourism Day theme and its significance for the growth of the tourism and hospitality industry.

The session was followed by an address by Prof. Himanshu Bhusan Rout, Professor, Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Mizoram University. He spoke about the development and contributions of the department over the years and also introduced the department’s prestigious journal, Tourism Praxis. The journal was officially released by the dignitaries on the dais.

Guest of Honour Prof. Bhartendu Singh highlighted the significance of railway connectivity in boosting tourism footfall in Mizoram and discussed how it could be developed and operated in a sustainable manner.

The Keynote Speaker, Dr. C. Zoremsanga, Scientist D and Academic Head, NIELIT, Aizawl Centre, Mizoram, spoke about advancements in Artificial Intelligence and their impact on the tourism and hospitality industry. He highlighted the transformation from traditional AI to generative AI and agentic AI, and discussed how these developments could transform the sector in the coming years. He also emphasised that advancements in AI present both opportunities and challenges, particularly in relation to security and privacy.

The Chief Guest, Prof. U.K. Sahoo, Vice-Chancellor-in-Charge, Mizoram University, delivered the presidential address. He highlighted the importance of the responsible and ethical use of AI by students. He also emphasised how digital technology and Artificial Intelligence could contribute to the development of tourism in Mizoram and help place the state on the national tourism map.

The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Lalrosanga, Faculty, DTHM, Mizoram University, followed by the National Anthem.

The programme was attended by faculty members from various departments, including Prof. L.S. Sharma and Prof. Irene Lalruatkimi, Head, Department of Mass Communication, along with faculty members, research scholars and students of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management.

As part of the World Tourism Day observance, a Professional Barista Training Workshop was also conducted at the department by a trained professional from Inovatique Equipments, Guwahati, in association with Tribeland Coffee, Mizoram University.