World Tourism Day 2025: Himachal Pradesh Central University Highlights Responsible Travel

Tourism and Sustainable Transformation: Himachal University Hosts Cultural and Academic Week

Every year, World Tourism Day is celebrated on 27th September. This day creates awareness about how tourism plays a crucial role in achieving cross-cultural understanding and world tourism development. Tourism is not merely about exploring new places; it helps to improve economies, create jobs, protect the environment and promote different cultures. Looking at the importance of tourism, the Central University of Himachal Pradesh has declared a week-long celebration from 22-27 September of World Tourism Day. Following the theme of "Tourism and Sustainable Transformation" into consideration, the university places special emphasis on sustainable tourism and environmental sustainability.

Eager to develop leadership and sustainable management in the tourism and hospitality industries, the university also celebrates a week of events from an academic, cultural, and community perspective, with learnings from Portugal, Greece, and India. The Himachal University Faculty of Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality Management will organise all the activities. The programme has the vision of promoting the philosophy to the management of travel and tourism for supporting social inclusion, sustainable development, the environment, cultural conservation, and economic advancement. The national vision for India, "Viksit Bharat 2047," and specifically in terms of Himachal Pradesh as a prime target for development in sustainable tourism, has been in sync with this year's World Tourism Day celebrations.

Some of the defining academic events would be a lecture by a well-known archaeologist on the 23rd of September, who found links between Greece, Portugal, and Himachal Pradesh through his studies in Portugal. His finding of a Roman mosaic of the Battle of Hydaspes would be an important addition to hospitality management in tourism because it has given new materials on how history can shape the modern tourism narrative.

In addition to lectures and seminars, the university has lined up a series of cultural events, such as heritage walks, street plays, and performances that focus on eco-friendly living and waste management, directly aimed at both the students and the local community and designed to raise awareness and encourage engagement beyond the classroom. This week also includes exposure visit opportunities, such as a visit to a waste treatment plant and the historical Kotla Fort, as well as a tree plantation drive in an adopted village near the university.
A seminar titled "Sustainable Transformation in Tourism" will be staged on 26th September, during which a series of experts from academia, government, and industry will converge. Students will also participate in a speech competition articulating the ideas on how tourism can become more sustainable and inclusive in sensitive regions such as Himachal Pradesh. Expectedly, these shall form part of the general discussion contribution toward the greater global university initiative theme on responsible tourism.

Closing the celebrations will be a stakeholders' conference providing a platform for dialogue across sectors on policy and strategy. Participants from various sectors will probe how tourism can be a positive influence, especially for areas vulnerable to the impact of mass tourism. Definitely not just a celebration, this initiative of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh has a much deeper sense. This is a clear commitment to connect systematic academic training to actual real-world problems and address university news in India in terms of sustainable leadership. The university encourages deep thinking directly related to the impacts of tourism in structuring a tomorrow where tourism serves mankind as well as the earth.

Editor’s Note

The Central University of Himachal Pradesh’s week-long celebration of World Tourism Day 2025 was more than a ceremonial observance. Embracing the theme of Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, the university marked its presence as a leader, promoting responsible tourism and environmental sustainability. Adapting the holistic approach, through a blend of academic, cultural and community events, the event showed a deeper commitment to sustainable management and nurturing of future professionals in tourism and hospitality management. The inclusion of international perspectives from Portugal, Greece, and India adds a rich layer of cross-cultural learning, reinforcing tourism’s role in fostering global understanding. The scholarly highlight, a visit by a world-famous archaeologist—provides an interesting connection between history and contemporary tourism. His discovery of a Roman mosaic representing the Battle of Hydaspes not only enhances historical insight but also makes a valuable contribution to hospitality management in tourism by illustrating how heritage can influence modern travel stories. Even more remarkable are the cultural activities within universities, including heritage walks, street plays, and eco-themed performances. These events involve both students and the locals, promoting hands-on understanding of the environment and sustainable development. The exposure trips to a waste treatment facility, Kotla Fort, and the tree plantation drive in an adopted village indicate the university's commitment to experiential learning and community engagement. The "Sustainable Transformation in Tourism" seminar and the student speech competition are avenues for reflection and innovation. These debates, in alignment with India's "Viksit Bharat 2047" vision, underscore Himachal Pradesh's potential as a model for the development of sustainable tourism. The final stakeholders' conference gathers the voices of the government, academia, industry, and civil society, further emphasising the value of inclusive policy-making in mass tourism-sensitive areas.

Skoobuzz observed how institutions can effectively bridge the gap between theory and practice in travel and tourism management. This initiative, which benefits both humanity and the planet, sets a precedent that international universities should emulate.

FAQs

1. How is Central University of Himachal Pradesh promoting sustainability in tourism? 
The Central University of Himachal Pradesh is actively promoting sustainability in tourism by organising educational programmes, seminars, and cultural events that focus on responsible travel. During World Tourism Day celebrations, the university highlights eco-friendly practices, waste management, and the importance of protecting natural and cultural heritage. Students take part in heritage walks, tree plantation drives, and visits to waste treatment plants, helping them understand how tourism can support both the environment and local communities.

2. Best tourism and hospitality management courses in India? 
India offers several well-regarded tourism and hospitality management courses. Some of the best programmes are available at institutions like the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Central University of Himachal Pradesh, and various state tourism universities. These courses cover topics such as travel planning, hotel operations, sustainable tourism, and customer service. Many universities also offer postgraduate degrees and diplomas that prepare students for careers in both domestic and international tourism sectors.

3. Role of universities in environmental sustainability practices?
Universities play a key role in promoting environmental sustainability by educating students, conducting research, and engaging with local communities. They organise workshops, awareness campaigns, and practical activities like clean-up drives and tree planting. Through academic programmes, universities teach the importance of conserving resources, reducing waste, and adopting green technologies. By involving students in real-world projects, they help build a generation that values and protects the environment.

4. Importance of sustainable management in travel and tourism? 
Sustainable management in travel and tourism is important because it helps protect natural landscapes, cultural sites, and local traditions while still allowing visitors to enjoy them. It ensures that tourism does not harm the environment or overwhelm local communities. By planning carefully and using resources wisely, tourism businesses can reduce pollution, save energy, and support local economies. Sustainable tourism also creates long-term benefits for both travellers and host destinations.

5. Cultural programmes at Himachal Pradesh universities? 
Universities in Himachal Pradesh regularly organise cultural programmes that celebrate local traditions, art, and heritage. These include folk music performances, dance shows, street plays, and exhibitions. Such events often take place during festivals or special occasions like World Tourism Day. They provide students with a chance to learn about their culture, express creativity, and connect with the community. These programmes also attract visitors and promote Himachal Pradesh as a rich cultural destination.