UNWTO Secy-General Virtually Inaugurates IIHM Global Centre For Tourism And Hospitality Research

* Says Indian government has supported tourism through the biggest crisis

On the occasion of World Tourism Day today, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Secretary-General His Excellency Zurab Pololikashvili virtually inaugurated the IIHM Global Centre for Tourism and Hospitality Research set up by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM).

The inauguration was held virtually in the presence of thousands of IIHM students, faculty and the Chairman and Chief Mentor of IIHM, Dr Suborno Bose who had logged in from various parts of the world.

Talking on the inauguration His Excellency Zurab Pololikashvili lauded IIHM’s efforts and initiatives to connect the youth of India and the world.  

His message to India was, “It’s my great pleasure to greet you on World Tourism Day. I bring with me the best wishes of all UNWTO members, a community of 159 members. We celebrate as the world cautiously reopens to travel. Now is the time to recognise our sector’s essential role as a vision of sustainable and equal development. The theme for World Tourism Day 2021 is Tourism for Inclusive Growth. We highlight the value of everyone involved in tourism, both visitors and the visited. India has always seen tourists as a vital part of social-economic, cultural and environmental advancements. You have also long been a value, a life of UNWTO. In 2019 Incredible India was the host country for World Tourism Day and your government has supported tourism through the biggest crisis in the history of the sector.”

“On World Tourism Day, UNWTO is proud to stand with IIHM and I am honoured to officially inaugurate the IIHM Global Centre for Tourism and Hospitality Research on this historic occasion,” he added. 

“International Institute of Hotel Management has emerged as a true leader in the Tourism sector. IIHM connects India’s talented youth to the wider sector and the world. Furthermore, the IIHM Global Centre for Tourism and Hospitality Research is a forum that will enhance this unique relationship between Hospitality education and employers,” said Pololikashvili.

He further added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address at the United Nations General Assembly this year reiterates India and IIHM’s aim and vision of leading world in widespread reform and development. He said, “India’s rise and growth represents a healthy trajectory for the world. Every sixth person in the world is from India. So, when India reforms, the world transforms.”

Dr Suborno Bose, the Chairman and Chief Mentor of IIHM said in response to the Secretary-General’s address, “IIHM is deeply honoured and humbled by the recognition and affirmation of our role by the UNWTO. This will only strengthen our resolve and that of our partners to champion the cause of Hospitality and Tourism across the world.”