Mangaluru : A two-day national conference ‘Advanced and Innovations in Tourism and Hospitality Management’ organised by Mangalore University MBA department in Mangalagangothri on Thursday,

Presiding over the inaugural function Mangalore University Vice Chancellor Prof K Byrappa said, even smaller countries have developed infrastructure and attract thousands of tourists per day and million dollars of income.

Nowhere in the world can one find as much places of historical significance and spiritual shrines, as in India. But, there are no good roads and other basic amenities in most of these tourist spots.

He said tourism should go hand in hand with hospitality. Unfortunately, hospitality in many tourist spots in India is not up to the mark and lacks professionalism.
All these areas, need a lot of improvement, he added.

While countries like Singapore, Thailand and Italy have developed the tourist spots within a span of around 25 years to be the favourite hotspots in the world, gathering a significant amount of revenue. They have also excelled in hospitality services, he added.

Indian Institute of Travel and Tourism, Goa, Nodal Officer Prof Sutheeshna Babu S, in his inaugural address said that Tourism plays a major role in shaping global economy and is an integral part of human life. Tourism contributes to GDP of the country in a significant way. Also it has a distinct aspect of creating jobs.

Eighty five percent of tourism business enterprises are micro, small and medium scale enterprises and support budding entrepreneurs. Sustainable tourism has been followed by many countries for good economic prospects. In India, tourism has fetched a foreign exchange of Rs seven billion during last year.

In India, Central and state governments have taken initiatives to bring out schemes under hospitality. The Ministry of Tourism has implemented skill development programmes towards the same, he said.

MBA department Chairman Dr Mallikarjunappa also spoke. Travel magazine ‘Vogue’ and Student placement CD of MBA (Tourism Administration) were released by Vice Chancellor. Coordinator Prof Mustiary Begum and others were present.