The two day International Conference on “Sustainable Practices in Trans-Himalayan Destinations” University of Jammu in collaboration with Department of Tourism , J&K State concluded on 3rd March, 2012. Dr. S.S. Bloeria, Vice-Chancellor, Central University, Jammu was the chief guest for the Valedictory function and Prof. Irshad A Hamal , Vice Chancellor, BGSBU , Rajouri, Dr. Sameer Thapa, Silver Mountain Hotel School Chain, USA, Dr. Samuel Kim, Tourism School University of Korea were the special guests for the valedictory function.
Dr. S.S.Bloeria, Vice-Chancellor, Central University, Jammu in his valedictory address said that for realizing the tourism potential of three different regions of the state, different approaches are required. He further said that the state is doing fairly well in religious tourism but in order to develop sustainable tourism a lot of effort is required for realising the potential of the state for trekking, water sports and winter sports. While concluding his address, he emphasized that we must learn from the successful models of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh. He appreciated the concept of Home Stay and also urged upon the necessity to understand the tourist requirements properly and motivated The Business School to initiate short term courses for training the stakeholders in tourism activity. He congratulated the conference organizing team for selecting a very contemporary theme for the conference which is of high relevance.
Prof. Irshad A Hamal, Vice Chancellor, BGSBU, Rajouri extended the discussion on tourism and ecology by sharing real life experiences and situations. He mentioned that in Trans Himalayan Region, the State of Jammu and Kashmir is very young as the ecology is very fragile. He elucidated upon the comprehensive approach for sustainability of tourism which include environment and ecology, training all the stake holders, benefit of local people and benefit of economy. He stressed on the relevance of active public engagement and cultural sensitivity to achieve competitive advantage.
Dr. Sameer Thapa, Silver Mountain Hotel School Chain, United State of America, in his Key note speech said Sustainable tourism is the Buzz word. The prime focus of his discussion was aligning tourism education and practices for sustainable tourism development which include: social responsibility, environment conservation, cultural preservation, socio –economic balance and co-operation.
Dr. Samuel Kim, Tourist School, University of Korea, in his Keynote speech gave a presentation on ‘Assessment of Medical Tourism in Korea for Development of Competitive Advantage’. He suggested in order for promoting medical tourism major emphasis should be given to improvement of promotional strategies, enhancement of quality of medical service, improvement of legal system, and development of medical service based on information technology.
Earlier, Prof Ashok Aima in his welcome address gave synoptic view on tourism. He described how three regions of the state can be integrated into functional network to reap the benefits for local stakeholders. He shared the results of UGC SAP (DRS-1) major project and was of view that harmonious relationships can be created despite the politico-regional conflicts among the neighboring nations as dividends of peace far outweighed the costs or conflict.
Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Director, The Business School and ICccR and HRM, University of Jammu, in her address appreciated that the theme of the conference is in alignment with tourism issues across the globe. She stated that in order to promote tourism, projection of uniqueness of rich cultural heritage and natural resources should be made.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Parikshat Singh Manhas, Conference Secretary presented the report of the conference and gave a overview of the various technical sessions held during the conference and appreciated the efforts of the foreign delegates who could make for the conference despite of all odds. He expressed his gratitude to the TBS team for making this conference a successful event.
Earlier during the day, two technical tracks were conducted which were chaired by Prof.Ashok Aima and Dr. Alka Sharma and co-chaired by Dr. Vinay Chauhan, and Dr. Jaya Bhasin. Mr. Aubid Hussain and Ms. Naveeda Seher were the coordinators.