“Amity Institute of Travel and Tourism celebrates World Tourism Day with a two day Annual Convention”

Date: 9/22/2011 To 9/23/2011

Amity Institute of Travel and Tourism with great enthusiasm and reverence inaugurated and conducted the 8th convention on 22nd Sep - 23Sep 2011 to mark the significance of World Tourism Day which is celebrated all over the world on 27th Sep each year. This was organized in C block auditorium of Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, Sector 125. On the auspicious occasion, pre inaugural session started with introducing the 8th Convention by Prof. (Dr.) Manohar Sajnani, Director Amity Institute of Travel and Tourism, and the welcome of our guest speakers by the senior faculty members of Amity institute of Travel and Tourism, followed by address of three key speakers invited for the day. Mr. D. K Bakshi, Indo-Thai Chamber of Commerce & CEO Global Talent Consultant Co. Ltd. mesmerized the gathering with his motivational address. Mr. Mathew Cooper, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriot, conveyed the importance of linking cultures and his magical journey over the years and Mr. Navin Rizvi, Vice President India & Head Business Development, ICE – Integrated Conference and Events, India shared his vast experience.

From L-R Prof. (Dr.) Manohar Sajnani, Director AITT, Mr. Mathew Cooper, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriot, Mr. D. K Bakshi, Indo-Thai Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Navin Rizvi, Vice President India & Head Business Development, ICE

Mr. Mathew Cooper, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriot addressing the gathering

Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, Founder President, Amity Group addressing the gathering

Prof. (Dr.) Manohar Sajnani, Director, Amity Institute of Travel and Tourism addressing the gathering

Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, Founder President, Amity Group presenting the award to Mr. Ankur Bhatia, Managing Director, Bird Group

Students presenting cultural program during 8th convention

Convocation

“Amity Institute of Travel and Tourism celebrates World Tourism Day with a two day Annual Convention”

Date: 9/23/2010 To 9/24/2010

Amity Institute of Travel and Tourism organized “7th Annual Convention” to mark the celebration of World Tourism Day. The theme identified by the UN World Tourism Organization for this year’s World Tourism Day is “Tourism and Bio-Diversity which is observed worldwide on September 24 every year.

The convention witnessed the presence of travel and tourism industry stalwarts from various organizations who threw light upon the aforementioned theme. The corporate giants made the students aware of the immense potential of travel and tourism industry.

The eminent guests during the valediction of the convention included Guest of Honor, Mr. Inder Sharma, Chairman, Select Group & Chairman Inder Sharma Foundation, Lt Gen (Retd) K.M. Seth,PVSM, AVSM (Retd), President, FAST, Mr. Tushar Pandey, Group Executive Vice President and Country Head, Central & State Govts. – Strategic Advisory Services (SIAG), Mr. M.L. Arrawatia IFS – Secretary – DST & Climate Change & member Secretary – Sikkim State Council of Science and Technology, Govt. of Sikkim and Prof. (Dr.) Philippe Cadene - Attaché for Scientific & University Cooperation, Embassy of France.

Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, Hon’ble Founder President, RBEF & Amity Group of Educational & Research Institution, Maj Gen K Jai Singh, Vice Chancellor, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, Dr. B. Shukla, Pro-Vice Chancellor, (A), Amity University Uttar Pradesh and Prof. (Dr.) M. Sajnani, Director, Amity Institute of Travel and Tourism were present during the valediction of the Annual Convention.

While addressing the august gathering Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, Hon’ble Founder President, RBEF & Amity Group of Educational & Research Institutions said that India is unparallel in various areas globally. Travel and tourism is one of the sectors through which we can make a mark in the world. This industry is significant not only for increasing the GDP of India but will also help in building the image of India on the global map.

Mr. Inder Sharma, Chairman, Select Group & Chairman Inder Sharma Foundation shared that his foundation is looking forward to join hands with Amity University and work for the betterment of the country. Speaking on the hospitality culture of our country he said that tourism and hospitality are it is there in Indian blood and culture for centuries. He added that our domestic tourism is extremely large, vivid and fantastic. We have the culture and the potential but we need to re-establish it in modern terms. He mentioned the five A’s as guidelines for the betterment and upliftment of travel and tourism industry. They are Accessibility, Acceptability, Affordability, Accountability and Audit. He stressed that if one wants to be in the travel and tourism industry one has to continuously upgrade and use lot of common sense as it is a sunshine industry with ample opportunities. Mr. Inder Sharma announced the setting up of a chair in honor of Late Shri Ghulam Naqshband by way of a Scholarship of Rs. 5 lakh for the students of Amity Institute of Travel and Tourism till the corpus fund reaches to 20 lakh for research and training programme.

Lt Gen (Retd) K.M. Seth,PVSM, AVSM (Retd), President, FAST said, “ travel and tourism is pivotal in social, economic and cultural progress of the country. There are lots of scenic destinations in our country which needs to be tracked and developed as tourist attraction. The local people of such places should get involved in the supply chain of local crafts. Another aspect which needs immediate attention is infrastructure which needs huge investments, possible with the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. The Incredible India Campaign which was launched two years back has credibly marked India. At present bio- diversity of India showcased internationally to attract the tourists.

Mr. M.L. Arrawatia IFS – Secretary – DST & Climate Change & member Secretary – Sikkim State Council of Science and Technology, Govt. of Sikkim while giving an insight of Sikkim’s bio-diversity informed the august gathering that Sikkim has the countries 1/3rd bio-diversity which comprises of unusual flora and fauna. 550 varieties of birds, 700 species of butterflies and 7500 medicinal plants are found in Sikkim. The entire state is covered with forests which provide a unique opportunity for the development of tourism in our country. Infact, Sikkim tourism was developed without harming the natural resources. It is earning huge foreign exchange for the country through the regular visit of foreign tourists. The Sikkim Government is working for community development programmes like the hydro power projects for the purpose. The local community is harnessing the natural resources, scenic beauty without disturbing the environment by putting a softer foot. Through the local people the income of the state’s population is also generated. He advised the students to promote the bio-diversity of the state and the country without disturbing the ecological balance.

Mr. Inder Sharma, Chairman, Select Group & Chairman Inder Sharma Foundation was felicitated by Amity Life Time Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution in the field of travel and tourism for five decades.

During the eve of World Tourism Day, a Debate Competition on the theme “Can Tourism be used as an important instrument for the conservation of Biodiversity?” was organized by Amity Institute of Travel and Tourism at Amity Campus, Sector-44, Noida wherein 21 teams from various colleges of Delhi/ NCR participated.

The participants were adjudged by experts from tourism industry including Mr. Rothin Sircar – Managing Director, Tour Lovers India, Ms. Jyoti Koul – Head Analyst, Tourism, VIA , Mr. Love Chopra – Founder Chairman, Mera Career Guide.com and Mr. Joy Dutta Gupta – Managing Director, Omega Travels, who assessed confidence levels, communication sk1lls, body language and overall presentation of the participants.

The first prize comprising of of 4 days and 3 nights holiday package in Port Blair was conferred upon Ms. Sweeny Kumar and Ms. Alka Sengupta from Amity Business School, Ms. Meghna Mathews and Mr. Himanshu Gupta from Amity Institute of Social Sciences who were announced the First Runners-up received 4 days and 3 nights holiday package in Manali, Ms. Kajal Pahwaa and Ms. Pamela Massey from Amity Institute of Education (AIE), who were announced the Second Runners up, were given Meal Coupons of Coffee Shop at Imperial Hotel.

The two best speakers- Mr. Rohan from Amity Institute of Telecom Technology and Management (AITTM) and Ms. Sweeny Kumar from Amity Business School were given 5 days and 4 nights holiday package in France.The Consolation prize, which was 3 days and 2 nights holiday package in Manali, was given to Ms. Meghna Mathews from Amity Institute of Social Sciences

An Inter-Institution Collage Contest on the theme “Tourism and Bio-Diversity” was also organized during the day in which 11 teams from various colleges from Delhi/ NCR participated. Ms. Agneyta Saxena and Mr. Ishaan from IITTM, Pusa Campus received the first prize in the contest, which comprised of a “Certificate of Excellence” and Meal Coupons of Coffee Shop at Imperial Hotel. Ms. Sonal and Ms. Zoya Khan from Amity Institute of Travel and Tourism (AITT)who were announced First Runners up, received Meal Coupons of Coffee Shop at Imperial Hotel

Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, Founder President, Amity Universities addressing the gathering

Mr. Inder Sharma, Chairman, Select Group & Chairman Inder Sharma Foundation addressing the gathering

Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, Founder President, Amity Universities felicitating Dr. Inder Sharma, Chairman, Select Group & Chairman Inder Sharma Foundation

Students performing cultural program during the event

Amity Institute of Travel and Tourism participates in Conference on Incredible India: Managing Destinations

Date: 3/2/2010

Amity Institute of Travel and Tourism, AUUP participated as Knowledge Partner in Conference on Incredible India: Managing Destinations organised at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi on March 02, 2010.

Kumari Shelja, Hon’ble Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty alleviation and Minister of Tourism, Government of India was the Chief Guest of the event. Mr. Sujit Banerjee, Secretary (Tourism), Govt. of India was Guest of Honour.

The Conference was supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India. Students of AITT were special invitees both as delegates as well as volunteers.

The Conference was also addressed by:
1) Mr. MP Bezbaruah, IAS, Former Secretary Tourism, Government of India.
2)Dr. RN Pandey, Addl DG (Market Research), Ministry of Tourism
3) Mr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Addl DG Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India
4) Dr. S. Anbalagan, CEO, Sikkim Tourist Development Corporation (STDC).
5) Mr. Subrat Sahu, Secretary Tourism, Chattisgarh.
6)Mr. O.V. Chaudhary, GM (Tourism) , Madhya Pradesh.
7) Mr. Vivek Nair, Vice Chairman & MD, Hotel Leela Group & Vice Chairperson, WTTC India Initiative.
8) Mr. Anil Bhandari, Tourism Expert
9) Mr. Tushar Pandey, Executive VP, Yes Bank
10) Mr. Rajji Rai, President TAAI.
11) Mr. Rajindra Kumar, President, FHRAI
12) Mr. Mukesh Jagga Past President, ADTOI

Conference on Incredible India: Managing Destinations

Amity Institute of Travel and Tourism observes World Tourism Day

Date: 9/25/2009

Amity Institute of Travel and Tourism organised its 6th Annual Convention on World Tourism Day 2009 on the theme Diversity in Tourism- An Engine to Unite the World at Amity University Campus, Sector-125, Noida.

There has been a remarkable growth and development in the Travel and Tourism Industry in the past decade. To bring awareness about the growing importance of travel and tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic values, Tourism Day is observed worldwide on this day every year.

Eminent guests who shared their views with the distinguished gathering included Smt. Rina Ray, IAS, Managing Director, Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation, Ms. Alice Wang, Country Director, China National Tourists Office, Mr. Rajji Rai, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Mr. Deepak Behl, Director (HR), Hotel International (Eros Group), New Delhi.

Smt. Rina Ray, IAS, Managing Director, Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation said although she is in the bureaucracy but by heart she is an activist. She opined , “ it is of no use blaming the government for all the mishappenings. She advised students to shoulder individual civic responsibilities towards the society and help keep our cities clean to showcase ourselves in the Common Wealth Games. She advised students to bring value, ethics and responsibility together which will then be a win win situation always. Speaking about the training programs initiated by the Government she said that there is a need to see the interpretation of knowledge into practice.

Ms. Alice Wang, Country Director, China National Tourists Office, expressed her gratitude to Amity University on behalf of China tourism. While speaking on the bi-lateral relationship between India and China she said, “there were many reasons behind the tourism bridge of India and China. Especially history and spirituality links the two countries”. She also said that in 2008 Ministry of Indian Tourism built its office in Beijing.” Adding more information she said, “yoga, spirituality and hospitality are the important aspects due to which the bond between the two countries are growing stronger.” She insisted on introducing more students exchange program between China and India since China tourism industry need Chinese speaking people.

Mr. Rajji Rai, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) thanked Amity University to make him be a part of the occasion. He said that the students would have felt astounded to choose a sunrise industry like Amity University. While speaking on the potentiality of the tourism industry he said, “be it in-bound or out-bound there is a vast area to be explored. Tourism can be sub-divided into beach, historical, spiritual, pilgrimage, medical and spa. It has to be tapped in proper way. It is important for the students to bring home the customers and astound the customers to keep coming back again. Our expectations should be to have the best out of the customers to the company. The customer should be your priority.”

While addressing the gathering Mr. Deepak Behl, Director (HR), Hotel International (Eros Group), New Delhi said people looked India with high hopes in the tourism aspect. Indian jewellery, gems, garments, tea, spices and even Information Technology are dominating the world. Now it is seen that people from all over the world are coming to India for relaxing and incredible India campaign has proved it. With the Common Wealth Games round the corner, India is gearing up to make a mark of itself which can only be achieved with students of hospitality and tourism.

On September 24, 2009 a debate on the theme, ‘Diversity in Tourism- An Engine to Unite the World’ was organized and the winners were Nishant and Vinayak of Amity School of Telecommunication and Management, first runners up Vandana Rathore and Anupam Tiwari of Amity International Business School, second runners up Neha Rajesh and Aneet Bagga of Amity Business School, first consolation prize winners Nidhi Kedial and Suyash Mathur of Indian Institute of Travel and Tourism, second consolation prize winners Sonia Dhondey and Shawal from Amity School of Hospitality.

Cultural dance performed during event

Inauguration of the event

Ms. Alice Wang, Country Director, China National Tourists Office addressing the gathering

Punjabi dance performed by students

From L-R Ms Rina Ray, IAS, Managing Director, Delhi Touirism and Transport Development Corporation, Maj Gen K.J. Singh, Vice Chancellor, Amity University, Mr. Rajji Rai President, Travel Agents Association of India

Mr. Deepak Behl, Director (HR), Hotel International (Eros Group), New Delhi addressing the gathering

Finalists of Miss Hong Kong Beauty Pageant 2010 visit Amity University Campus

Date: 6/21/2010

Despite summer break, Amity campus became vibrant and lively when 15 finalists of Miss Hong Kong Beauty Pageant 2010 visited Amity University, Sector-125, Noida.

The entourage of the contestants included media from Hong Kong which recorded each and every important moment of the visit and Mr. Erictsang -the great Star of Hongkong who is accompanying the girls during the tour.

The contestants- Ms. Alice Wong, Ms. Suyen Cheung, Ms. Janice Cheung, Ms. Connie Man, Ms. Lisa Ch’ng, Ms. Janice Lam, Ms. Krizia Ho, Ms. Phoebe Pang, Ms. Crystal Li, Ms. Queenie Ma, Ms. Elle Lee, Ms. Ria Tong, Ms. Toby Chan, Ms. Kitty Li and Ms. Sammi Cheung were cordially welcomed and garlanded by Ms. B Shukla- Pro Vice Chancellor (Academics) and Dr. Manohar Sajnani- Director, Amity Institute of Travel and Tourism.

The contestants were taken around the sprawling campus of Amity and were shown the state of the art infrastructure and facilities offered by the University. The contestants even walked the ramp exuding unparallel confidence, grace, finesse and gaiety. They interacted with some of the Amity students, who thronged the plaza to catch a glimpse of unparallel beauties.

Felicitating the finalists with mementoes, Dr. Manohar Sajnani said that it’s a proud moment not only for Amity but for the entire country for being the host to the finalists of such a reputed contest. It will boost the tourism and thereby, bonhomie between the two countries. He expressed his hope that the contestants had a good time in India and will always remember India as a country with unparallel aesthetic beauty and rich cultural heritage.

The visit was coordinated by Mr. Sandeep Kapur- VP, Creative Travel India Private Limited.

Miss Hong Kong Beauty Pageant is one of the biggest events of Hong Kong that is held every year. TVB organizes this beauty pageant. Wai Yin Association is the organizer for all official contestants. Every year the finalists are taken to some other country for a week or so where their ability to go beyond their comfort zone is assessed. This time the pageant includes a travelogue on India from June 14 – June 20, 2010, wherein the finalists were apprised with the age old rich culture and traditions of India

The fifteen finalists, ranging between 20 to 27 years of age, visited various locations in India to showcase different facets of Indian life and national growth. The contestants were basically taken to three different cities of India-Delhi, Jaipur and Agra and were shown the main tourist attractions of these cities including Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Iskon Temple etc. Small competitive events were organized at these places like “Preparing masala tea”, “Ironing of clothes”, “Dancing on Indian numbers” etc. and these beauties were marked for their performance in different competitions. The contestants’ adaptability and patience was put to test at every stage during the tour. The Grand Finale of Miss Hong Kong Beauty Pageant 2010 is scheduled on July 31, 2010 at Hong Kong.

Finalists of Miss Hong Kong Beauty Pageant 2010 visits Amity University Campus

Dr. Balwinder Shukla, Pr VC (A), Amity University and senior officials of Amity University presenting mementoes to Finalists of Miss Hong Kong Beauty Pageant

Finalists of Miss Hong Kong Beauty Pageant 2010 at Amity University Campus