Seminar on responsible tourism

CHENNAI: A national level seminar on responsible tourism was organised recently on the SRM University campus at Kattankulathur to mark World Tourism Day.  The one-day seminar, ‘Practical initiatives in promoting responsible tourism’, organised by the SRM Institute of Hotel Management (SRMIHM), saw the participation of over 650 students from several colleges. Apart from the seminar, students presented a few papers and chefs competed against each other.Speaking on the occasion, SRMIHM Director and Principal Dr D Antony Ashok Kumar said, “Responsible tourism is about providing quality travel experience by taking the lead, investing time and resources to protect the environment and to live in harmony with local communities.” He also added, “Operators, destinations and industries in countries such as the UK, US, South Africa, India and Sri Lanka are already adapting to it.”Dr Antony said “Responsible tourism minimises negative economic, environmental and social impacts, generate greater economic benefits for locals and enhances the well-being of the local communities. It also makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage by embracing diversity.”Inaugurating the seminar, Courtyard by Marriott Hotel General Manager Karan Berry said, “Tourism sector is the third largest net earner of foreign exchange. Despite economic slowdown and global recession, the hospitality and tourism sector will continue to grow as people will keep travelling.” He also pointed out that reduction in energy consumption, solid waste management such as minimising the use of plastic, recycling of waste materials and effective water management are crucial factors that help reduce greenhouse  gas emissions. Berry also confirmed  the Courtyard by Marriott hotel will reduce fuel and water consumption by 25 per cent per available room in the coming years across all its 3,400-odd hotels in 70 countries. Also, the hotel management intends to make use of solar power in about 40 hotels by 2017 and spread out its existing reuse, recycle programme.SRM University Vice-Chancellor Dr M Ponnavaikko also spoke.The SRMIHM, which is part of the SRM Group of Institutions, has been conferred with the ‘Educational Leadership Award-2011’ for Hospitality and Tourism by the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi. The institute was selected for the award on the basis of an all India survey and cumulative average score of the ratings of opinions of all stakeholders, professionals and technical education. The institution emerged as the leader in providing holistic education. The award was presented at a function held in New Delhi and was received by Dr D Antony Ashok Kumar.