• Knowledge exchanges between research scholars from various Universities.
• Connection and building network with various Industry experts and excellent personalities.
• Enhance research quality with sharing of various feedbacks and suggestions.
• Enhance research knowledge on how to write research paper, how to find research gap and address the right issue to bring a novel research work in academics.
• Students and young scholars have learn the steps and ways to conduct qualitative research.
• Enhance motivation for students and young research scholars in writing and publishing research paper in Journals.
• Young research scholars are motivated by publishing their research abstract in ITSA abstract book.
• Learnt more about the importance of maintaining sustainability in travel and tourism and hospitality industry.
• Obtained adequate information about the ITSA and its advantages of being a membership of ITSA and procedure to enroll as ITSA member.
• Faculty have gained more information on the realms of professional tourism, skill development, and faculty training, illuminating the essential skills required for success in the travel and tourism industry.
• Students and young scholars have learnt the significance of putting knowledge into practice.
• MoU with Lumbini Buddhist University , Nepal is signed (Copy Attached) covering areas of Tourism & Hospitality Management, Engineering , IT , Law Management & Yoga Sciences.

Pre conference workshop Date 6-02-2025 (Day1):

Prof. (Dr.) M. Sajnani welcomed all delegates, participants, and students, providing an overview of the workshop and the upcoming three-day conference. He explained the theme of the conference and its significance, emphasizing the importance of research, the key steps involved in research writing, the publishing process, and how to handle research paper rejection.

Dr. Bhasin discussed qualitative research, detailing how it is conducted and its relevance and validity. To illustrate her points, she shared an example from one of her published qualitative research papers. She explained the key steps in the research process, including identifying problems, finding research gaps, conducting a literature review, choosing a research methodology, and reporting findings. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of selecting less-explored research areas to ensure the novelty of the work. She has also provided important insights on hypothesis formation. She advised scholars and students writing papers to conduct thorough literature reviews when framing hypotheses, asserting that each hypothesis should be supported by at least three authors. Finally, she noted that relying solely on qualitative data might not enhance a paper's credibility; therefore, employing mixed methods—using both qualitative and quantitative data—can strengthen the research. With these informative insights and engaging interactions with students, she concluded her speech.

Speaker 2: Dr. Vanessa: She discussed the review process and the qualities a reliable research paper reviewer must possess. She emphasized the importance of being unbiased in order to contribute authentic and reliable research work in academia. Additionally, she addressed how to handle paper rejection and improve a research paper using feedback from reviewers at journals that have rejected submissions. The session included an interactive segment with the audience and concluded her speech.

The post lunch session began with a welcome note from Professor (Dr.) M. Sajnani, Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism and Director of the Amity Institute of Travel & Tourism. He introduced the next esteemed speaker from UNWTO, Dr. Omar Valdez, Executive Director of the UN Tourism Academy, who delivered a valuable speech on the theme: "Quality in Tourism Education: Building Capacity for a Sustainable & Competitive Future."

Dr. Omar Valdez captivated the audience as he explored the realms of professional tourism, skill development, and faculty training, illuminating the essential skills required for success in the travel and tourism industry. He painted a vivid picture of the current landscape of travel and tourism, skillfully weaving insights that left a lasting impression. The evening continued with an engaging interaction session, where participants had the opportunity to connect with the esteemed speaker, deepening their understanding and igniting their passion for the field.

Conference Date 7-02=2025 (Day 2):

Prof (Dr.) Mariana Sigala, told about the importance of Regenerative tourism and Wine Tourism, she stated that “Regenerative tourism is a concept that goes beyond simply sustaining the environment and local communities. It aims to actively restore and revitalize them, leaving them in a better state than before.” She also explained Tourism is increasing and by 2024 it has increased by 75%. Engaging local people is very important for Regenerative. She also stated the Importance of WINE TOURISM, Wine tourism, also known as enotourism or vinitourism, is a growing sector of the travel industry that attracts visitors to regions known for their wine production. It offers a unique blend of experiences, combining the pleasures of wine tasting with opportunities to learn about winemaking, explore beautiful landscapes, and immerse oneself in local culture. 

Prof (Dr.) M Sajnani, Dean, Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India. Prof (Dr.) M Sajnani welcomed all the Guest of Honors and esteem Faculties. Sir enlighten the importance of conference and welcomed all Guest of Honor in the conference

Address by Prof. S.P. Bansal, Vice Chancellor, Himachal Pradesh Central University & President ITHC : Prof. S.P. Bansal showed his gratitude towards Honorable Vice Chancellor, Prof (Dr) Balvinder Shukla and congratulation to each and every one present in the conference. He told about the importance of Mahakhumb after long period of time. Sir also shared his knowledge in reference to different schemes like Prasad Scheme in tourism, Dekho apne desh, Ek Bharat Shresht Bharat. Prof. S.P. Bansal shared about the importance of AI, Vocational skill in the field of Academics. At last Sir acknowledged how important the role of Tourism sector in completing Sustainable Development Goal 

Address by Chief Guest, Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Ji ,Hon’ble Union Minister of Tourism & Minister of Culture, Government of India , Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat ji acknowledge about the importance of tourism by enlightening about Mahakhumb in present moment, he acknowledged about the opportunity about development in Tourism sector, he stated that he was very grateful to attend the conference and being part of workshop. Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Ji also enlightens the importance of India culture and traditions, from which we can learn from India. India not only have has number of tourism but also holds a importance in leading largest democracy in the world. Covid-19 has impacted a lot in Tourism and Hospitality industry such as drastic decline in travel and economic losses. But by 2040 tourist will increase up-to 2.6 trillion and make 6 trillion dollar economy. 

He also stated that tourism contribute about 10% of income to gain economy in India. Indians are not only contribute in domestic travel but also they contribute towards International travelling in Asia Pacific regions, Indians are present everywhere. After enlightening the importance of Indian Tourism Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Ji acknowledged about Responsible Tourism schemes such as Paryatan Mitra which will trained about more sustainable measures to be followed by employees in Hospitality and Tourism Industry. More measure are going to take in Hotel Industry such as Green Leaf Rating on Sustainability, Green Hydrogen Mission so as to improve Sustainability in India. At last Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Ji concluded by acknowledging that Sustainability is going to play important role for growth in every aspect.

Address by Prof. Cina Van Zyl, President, International Tourism Studies Association (ITSA) & Conference Joint Chair: Prof. Cina Van Zyl felt very privileged to be the part of ITSA, he stated its historic moments for Amity University to organizes ITSA- amity regional conference for Asia. Prof. Cina Van Zylv explained tourism has a broad landscape in future. In current scenario tourist are exploring new places and explain the importance of tourism, also Indian Traveller are finding several destinations and contributing towards Tourism Industry. Furthermore, Ma’am elaborated about Iconic idols Mahatama Gandhi, Dr. Abdul Kalam in making India a Great Country. She shared has knowledge in relevance to Indian Ancient Wisdom. India has a rich and diverse heritage of ancient wisdom that has been passed down through generations. She acknowledge in relevance to Digital Indian to Global India, India is getting globally recognized, Digital India is not just about transforming India domestically; it also has a significant impact on India's global presence. By developing cutting-edge digital technologies and solutions, India is positioning itself as a leader in the global digital landscape. Exploring tourism is very important as it can lead to transformation in relevance to bridge the gap in Tourism Industry, at last Prof. Cina Van Zyl concluded the importance of Global Leadership in technology, India is steadily rising as a significant player in the global technology landscape, with the potential to become a leader in the coming years. 

Visionary and Leadership Thoughts by Dr Atul Chauhan, Chancellor, Amity University Uttar Pradesh (AUUP) : Dr. Atul Chauhan welcomed all ITSA Members and was feeling very privileged to be part of ITSA Conference, he stated the importance of tourism sector in relevance to economy, Tourism Industry is contributing about 1 Trillion which is increasing GDP. The budget towards tourism and Hospitality sector has increased from 800 crore to 2000 crore. The budget contributes towards in preserving the Historical monuments to state its importance and knowledge behind the monuments. Sir also talked about how tourism is adding its importance in reference fulfilling Sustainable Development Goals. The importance of Responsible Tourism and Regernative tourism. He enlightens the quotes of Vastu Khutumbh “One Earth, One Family One Future”. At last Honorable Chancellor Dr. Atul Chauhan told Tourism can lead to Positive World, by providing enlightening towards education, Health care and by skilling people.

Parallel Technical session was conducted at F2 block, seminar hall, F3 seminar hall, F3 MDP Room, and F2 block MDP. Where many research paper were presented by each presenters and the session concluded with certificates distribution.

Conference Date 8-02-2025 (Day 3):

“Shaping sustainable future: The impact of partnership, collaboration and evidence- based policy making”.

Dr. Akshita Tiwari, Assistant Professor, Amity School of Hospitality, emcee of the session extended a warm welcome to all the delegates, participants and student present in the hall. She invited Prof. Christof, giving a brief introduction of the key note speaker.

Prof. Christof, The Discipline Leader for Tourism and Hospitality Events and Course Coordinator for Tourism and Hospitality at the School of Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, gave a speech on the topic “Putting Knowledge into Practice: Focus on Transformation.”

Key points highlighted in his presentation included: The importance of putting knowledge into practice, the journey and history of sustainability, the pillars of sustainability, development thinking and planning, rethinking how we grow, use, and consume products, thirty years of sustainable policy, the socio-cultural, environmental, and political impacts of sustainability, the challenges posed by over-tourism, the concept of sustainable tourism and potential pathways forward, the need for government action to find solutions and implement meaningful change, the importance of global partnerships.

He also referenced the example of the Asian Society for Waste-to-Energy (ASWTO), discussing key issues, indicators, and data collection strategies that can support better study, policy development, and decision-making. Additionally, he noted the significant progress made in evidence generation regarding sustainable tourism, as well as the gap between evidence generation and practical application. He emphasized the importance of networking in addressing these challenges. With these points, he concluded his speech.

Dr. Akshita Tiwari thanked Prof. Christof for his valuable key notes and invited the next esteem speaker Dr. Vanessa GB Gowreesunkar to give her speech on Young Scholars and Philip Pearce TRINERGY Program.

Dr. Vanessa GB Gowreesunkar, Vice President of ITSA and Associate Professor at IIM Sirmaur began her speech with a detailed introduction about ITSA. Founded in 2006, ITSA is now eighteen years old. Its mission is to bridge the gap between research and academics while promoting the quality of education and research for the benefit of society. She emphasized that detailed information about ITSA is readily available on their website, where one can access a wealth of important resources. The speaker highlighted that education is the most powerful weapon for changing the world, and ITSA aims to produce knowledge through a unique platform. A major role of ITSA is to support and connect researchers globally. She also discussed how to become a member of ITSA, noting that membership is free of charge. Additionally, she outlined the advantages of being an ITSA member and detailed the eligibility criteria. Accompanying her speech, she presented a PowerPoint showcasing the success journey of Philip Pearce. She further elaborated on how ITSA members are involved in the paper review and publication process, stating that they are very responsive and reliable.

The session concluded with a question-and-answer segment, where the audience posed various inquiries regarding networking, project handling with incentive funds or payments, publication criteria, and procedures.

Parallel Technical session was conducted at F2 block, seminar hall, F3 seminar hall, F3 MDP Room, and F2 block MDP. Where many research paper were presented by each presenters and the session concluded with certificates distribution.

Conference Outcome Report by Joint Conference Chair – Prof. (Dr.) M. Sajnani, Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism, Director of Amity Institute of Travel & Tourism. Prof. (Dr.) M. Sajnani provided an overview of the conference outcomes, sharing insights about the esteemed guests of honor and dignitaries present during the opening ceremony.

Address by Prof. (Dr.) Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor AUUP & Conference Chair. Prof. (Dr.) Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor of AUUP, expressed her gratitude for the success of the conference. She addressed the dignitaries, thanking them for enriching the event with their knowledge and insights. Additionally, she encouraged the audience to recognize the significance of hospitality and tourism in contributing to job creation and economic development.

Valedictory Keynote Address by Guest of Honor, Dr. Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Dr. Suman Billa highlighted the importance of tourism for our economy. He reported a rise in international visitors, stating that in 2023, there were 17 million tourists. The leisure and business sectors accounted for 6.93 million travelers, and projections indicate that by 2029, the number of tourists will reach 20 million. Outbound tourism is also on the rise, with 27 million Indians traveling abroad, which is expected to grow to 44 million (business) and 15 million (leisure) by 2029. However, Dr. Billa noted that our current capacity is not aligned with this potential growth, posing significant challenges. Hotels are currently operating at 60% greater capacity than available. To address these challenges, he urged individuals and stakeholders to take initiative and seize the opportunities presented by the growing tourism sector.

Conference DATE 9-02-2025 Day 4: Post Conference Tour- Agra Visit (For Registered Paid International Participants Only)