Shimla, November 20
It is a matter of great pride for the Dharakundi region and the entire Himachal Pradesh that the 16th International Conference of the Indian Tourism and Hospitality Congress (ITHC) – Sustainable Tourism and Wellness: Path to a Green Future is being held at the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala. This conference is a historic achievement in itself, thanks to the visionary leadership and inspiring guidance of the Honorable Vice Chancellor of the University and National President of ITHC, Prof. (Dr.) Sat Prakash Bansal. With the grace, patronage, and guidance of the Vice Chancellor, this conference has become an excellent platform for global discourse, providing new energy and direction to the future of Himalayan tourism.
This event is taking place at a time when the entire world is grappling with extremely complex challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, mental health crises, and socio-economic inequalities. Sustainable tourism and a wellness-based economy are emerging as a strong alternative, integrating natural conservation, cultural continuity, community participation, and a green development vision. This thematic selection is directly inspired by the Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Mission LiFE, Carbon-Neutral Himalaya, Green Development Policy, and Developed India by 2047. The academic support of the conference from ICSSR and Harvard University, Washington, DC, demonstrates the University’s continued global reputation under the Vice Chancellor’s leadership.
Himachal Pradesh’s tourism infrastructure now demands a transformation from quantity-based tourism to quality-based tourism. Given the fragility of mountain ecology and community balance, there is a need to prioritize high-value opportunities such as Wellness Valleys, Yoga and Meditation Retreats, Agro-Experience Villages, Tea and Cultural Tourism, Adventure Trails, and Heritage Trails. Keeping this fact in mind, the Honorable Vice Chancellor’s vision has transformed this conference into not just an academic event, but a far-reaching endeavor to redefine Himalayan tourism.
The Vice Chancellor has always emphasized that the fundamental responsibility of leadership is to have a long-term vision and to move society forward in that direction in a supported and coordinated manner. This conference is the result of that tenacity, discipline, and foresight.
As part of the conference, participants will be taken on a tour of the Boh-Salli Valley, where they will have the opportunity to experience firsthand Himachal’s ancient culture, folk cultures, rural life, organic food, and natural heritage. This field visit will be an excellent opportunity to understand an inclusive model of rural tourism, a direct reflection of the Prime Minister’s vision of “Vocal for Local” and “Rural Progress.”
The three-day event will feature research papers on sustainable tourism, wellness economy, community infrastructure, climate adaptation, digital innovation, cultural preservation, and policymaking. Guidance from experts from Harvard University will strengthen the region’s future tourism potential from a global perspective. This conference will play a vital role in establishing Himachal not just as a tourist destination, but as a global hub for a vibrant cultural and spiritual heritage and a nature-friendly philosophy of life.
Tourism experts from the Dharkandi region have described this as an unprecedented opportunity for international recognition. This event is establishing local culture, mountain life, natural resources, and the Himachali tradition of “Atithi Devo Bhava” in a global perspective. Conference Secretary and Head of Department, Prof. Suman Sharma also expressed confidence that, with the blessings of the Honorable Vice Chancellor, this event will become an unprecedented platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and industry-academia partnership, and will provide a new direction to the tourism infrastructure of both Himachal and India.
This conference will be recorded as a golden chapter in the tourism history of Himachal Pradesh. Under the patronage of the Honorable Vice Chancellor’s compassion, guidance, and vision, this event will not only set a benchmark for academic excellence but will also shape the future of Himalayan tourism in a sustainable, balanced, and global way.
