KU VC unveils vision for newly carved ‘Depatt of Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Studies’

Srinagar: Vice-Chancellor University of Kashmir Prof Talat Ahmad on Tuesday unveiled the vision for the newly-carved Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Studies at the varsity.
Addressing academics and officers on the occasion, Prof Talat said the new department aims to provide quality education and training in tourism, hospitality and leisure management alongside developing internationally-competitive and socially-responsible managers, professionals and entrepreneurs.
“It is a momentous occasion because tourism is a very important sector in Jammu and Kashmir, where we need well-trained professionals at various levels to develop and project Jammu & Kashmir as an international tourist destination,” Prof Talat said, asserting that the new department intends to carry out research in key areas of tourism and hospitality to contribute to the requirements of Jammu & Kashmir in these sectors.
Dean Academic Affairs and Head Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Studies Prof Shabir A Bhat assured national and international collaborations in tourism management in line with the department’s vision of serving as a nerve center for destination development and management in sync with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Prof Bhat said the department intends to strengthen its linkage with the Industry while undertaking Policy Research in significant areas of tourism and hospitality.
In his special remarks, KU Registrar Dr Nisar A Mir assured his full support to the development and progression of the new department in terms of infrastructure and human resource.
Apart from offering PG and PhD programmes at present, he suggested launching of certificate and diploma courses to train youth of Jammu and Kashmir in key areas of tourism management and hospitality which, he said, have tremendous scope and potential in Jammu & Kashmir.
The new department plans to start more programmes in future, including BVoc in Tourism and Travel Management and a Master’s Programme in Hospitality Administration.
The vision-unveiling ceremony was attended by senior officers of the university, including Special Secretary to Vice-Chancellor Dr Tanveer A Shah, apart from faculty members from the Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Studies.
Dr Riyaz A Qureshi gave a power-point presentation about the new department while Dr Shahnawaz presented a vote of thanks.