The Department of Tourism and Travel Management organised a guest lecture series on December 6, 2023, catering to both undergraduate and postgraduate students at the Umsawli Campus. The featured speaker for the event was Harshit Bawri, the Founder of Go Somewhere, located in Meghalaya Shillong, specializing in Travel Agency and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), Mr. Ebor Tariang, the Founder of Ri Sawkun Homestay and Gerald Duia, the Founder of Duia Trailblazer.

Throughout the lecture series, Harshit Bawri shared practical insights derived from his professional journey, shedding light on the challenges encountered in the field. The lectures placed a spotlight on critical aspects of the hospitality and tourism sector, delving into topics such as Home Stay, Travel Agency and Tour Operations, Adventure Tourism, and MICE. The overarching objective was to furnish students with a comprehensive understanding of these diverse areas within the industry.

Mr. Ebor Tariang, the Founder of Ri Sawkun Homestay, was acknowledged as the Gold Award winner for Sustainable Leadership by the Government of Meghalaya. During his presentation, he underscored the importance of accommodation in the realm of tourism and provided insights into the process of transforming a residence into a homestay, drawing from his own experiences.

Gerald Duia, the Founder of Duia Trailblazer, was also recognized with the Gold Award in the Travel Enterprises Category by the Government of Meghalaya, specializing in Adventure Tourism and Tour Guiding. In his talk, Duia shared his recent delegation experience to Thailand, where he represented the Tourism Department, focusing on efforts to enhance tourism in Meghalaya.

In summary, the lectures aimed to elevate students’ knowledge by integrating practical experiences and insights from seasoned industry experts, fostering a deeper appreciation for the various dimensions within the dynamic field of hospitality and tourism.