2nd International conference on Advancement in Hospitality and Tourism Industry at GNA University

Jalandhar, April 29, 2019: GNA University organized the 2nd International Conference on Hospitality and Tourism (ICOHOST 2019) in association with Indian Tourism and Hospitality Congress (ITHC) with the theme of Advancements in Hospitality and Tourism Industry: A way ahead at the University Campus. International Speakers, Industry and Academia Experts, delegates and research scholars from more than five countries participated in one day International conference. The International conference brought stalwarts of Academics and Industry at one stage, Prof. (DR.) S. P Bansal, Vice Chancellor Himachal Pradesh Technical University made his presence as Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr P S Siwach, VC, Indus University and Chef Manjit Gill, President, Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA) were guest of honours.
Prof Sandeep Kulshrestha, Director-IITTM of all centres in India (An Autonomous body of Ministry of Tourism), Prof Deepak Raj Gupta, Senior Professor, Jammu University, Chef Sudhir Sibal, Chef Ajay Sood, Chef Gunjan Goela were main speakers at this conference..
Dr. V. K Rattan, Vice chancellor, GNA University welcomed the augusts gathering with a welcome speech. The conference theme was delivered by Chef Varinder Singh Rana, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Hospitality,GNA University. He shared his thoughts on the technological challenges, opportunities, virtual reality and modern food trends which are changing the scenario of hospitality and tourism Industry with delegates.
S. Gurdeep Singh Sihra, Pro Chancellor, GNA University welcomed and conveyed thanks to all dignitaries and released the e-Journal of the conference. The proceeding book of the conference was released by the Chief Guest and other invited speakers.
Prof Bansal, Chief Guest emphasised on government polices, entrepreneurial support by venture capitalists for start ups and shared so many case studies to motivate students to become an entrepreneur. The Keynote address was given by Chef Parvinder S. Bali, Corporate Chef, Learning and Development, OCLD. He stressed on automated sensors, biometric systems, Food library and advancements in Food and beverage service used in star hotels.
International Guest Speaker Naira Mkrtchyan Senior Expert PR & AMP- Information Centre shared the tourism policies and advancements of various countries. Prof Sandeep and Prof Deepak Raj Gupta delivered talks on Futuristic approaches of Tourism and Hospiatlity Industry. Chef Manjit Gill emphasized his talk on sustainable cuisine practices, food ethics and skills required in hospitality Industry.
In total 118 abstracts were received and 72 research papers were presented in four technical sessions at conference, and 61 papers were published in UGC approved journal (IJRAR). Dr Ashish Chopra, Chef T K Razdan, Dr Amit Gangotia, Mr Manish Sharma, Dr Amrik Singh and Dr Ampu Harikrishanan chaired the technical sessions. Chef Mahinder Khairia and Chef Rahul Wali demonstrated lost recipes of India to students. Chef Manjinder and Chef Ashish Raina launched Dark cuisine in which they showcased different dishes prepared using peels of vegetables and fruits.
Mr Gaurav Bathla, Organising Secretary and Dr Kusum, convener of the conference delivered the concluding notes and findings of Conference. Dr. Narendra Awasthi, Registrar, GNA University conveyed the vote of Thanks.