Highlights Rajasthan’s Potential in Heritage, Rural and Eco-Tourism; Emphasises Global Opportunities for Youth
Kota, Rajasthan: Professor Anukriti Sharma, Chairperson of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality at the University of Kota and a renowned tourism expert, presented Rajasthan’s tourism education roadmap on an international platform during an educational programme in Tajikistan. Her presentation received appreciation for highlighting the potential of tourism education in promoting employment, innovation and entrepreneurship among young people.
As part of the programme aimed at strengthening international cooperation in Indian higher education and tourism, Prof. Sharma delivered a guest lecture at a statistical college in Vahdat, Tajikistan, on the topic “Career Opportunities in Travel and Tourism.” She discussed the expanding scope of the tourism and hospitality sectors and the importance of equipping students with skills that meet international industry standards.
Presenting Rajasthan’s tourism potential, Prof. Sharma said that India, particularly Rajasthan, offers immense opportunities in the global tourism market. The country’s rich cultural heritage, historical monuments, spiritual traditions, natural diversity and distinctive hospitality make it an attractive destination for international travellers.
She highlighted Rajasthan’s magnificent forts, historic palaces, vibrant folk culture, handicrafts, traditional cuisine, desert tourism and lively cultural traditions as key attractions that have established the state’s unique identity on the global tourism map.
Prof. Sharma emphasised that tourism should not be limited to travel and entertainment but should also be recognised as a powerful driver of employment generation, entrepreneurship, local economic development and cultural exchange. She stressed the need to create new opportunities through modern technology, digital marketing, sustainable tourism, experience-based travel and international collaboration in tourism and hospitality.
She further underlined the importance of academic and professional partnerships with institutions across different countries to promote Indian tourism internationally. According to her, preparing young people with globally relevant skills in tourism management and hospitality is essential to meeting the evolving needs of the industry.
Prof. Sharma also highlighted Rajasthan’s significant potential in heritage tourism, rural tourism, eco-tourism, wellness tourism and cultural tourism. She noted that strategic planning, quality infrastructure, skilled human resources and effective international promotion could further strengthen Rajasthan’s position among India’s leading tourist destinations and enhance its contribution to the global tourism industry.
She concluded that tourism education and international cooperation can play a transformative role in connecting Rajasthan’s cultural identity with the world while opening new avenues for employment, innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth.
