2nd International Conference
Tourism and Hospitality Transformation:
Evolving Travel Paradigms, Eco- Intelligence, and Travel tech & Artificial Intelligence
Organized by FHMCT
- 27 - 28 March 2026
- Parul University, Vadodara
About Parul University
Parul University, Vadodara, stands today as one of Gujarat's leading private universities - a vibrant hub of higher education, healthcare, research, and innovation. Its journey began with the Parul Arogya Seva Mandal Trust, which first made its mark in the healthcare sector before establishing Gujarat's first self-financed Homeopathic Medical College in Ahmedabad in 1993. This marked the beginning of a legacy committed to quality and holistic learning. Over time, the vision grew into the Parul Group of Institutions, offering programs in Engineering, Technology, Ayurveda, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Management, Architecture, and more. The Government of Gujarat established Parul University through the Gujarat Private Universities (Second Amendment) Act, 2015, recognizing its growth and impact. Starting with 16 institutes and about 50 programs, the University has grown into a multidisciplinary ecosystem of 38 constituent colleges and 21 faculties offering Diploma, UG, PG, and Ph.D. programs, including seven constituent colleges that function as teaching hospitals. Today, it is home to over 65,000 students and 8,000 staff, including 4,500+ international students from 75+ countries, on a 125-acre eco-friendly campus equipped with modern classrooms, laboratories, hostels, sports arenas, and cultural spaces. Parul University has earned NAAC accreditation with the highest A++ grade (3.55 CGPA) in its very first assessment cycle, UGC Category-1 status with Graded Autonomy, and the prestigious Centre of Excellence status by the State Government. In NIRF 2025, it ranked among India's top 150 universities, 41st in Pharmacy, and within the top 50 for Innovation. It has achieved 5-star ratings in Pharmacy, Engineering, Management, and Applied Sciences, and 4-star ratings in University and Medical categories in GSIRF-2024; along with Diamond Ratings in QS I-GAUGE, with Platinum in Medicine, Engineering, and Pharmacy. It also made a global debut in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025, securing ranks among India's top 50 for Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Good Health & Well-being (SDG 3), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). The hospitals hold NABH accreditation with Platinum Level Certification for Digital Health Standards, along with the NABL-accredited Molecular Laboratory at Parul Sevashram Hospital. True to its mission, Parul University Parul University delivers holistic education, fosters innovation, and advances sustainable development. With its achievements, global collaborations, and commitment to quality, it stands as Gujaratโs leading private university, setting new benchmarks in higher education.
ABOUT FACULTY OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT AND CATERING TECHNOLOGY
Established in 2018, the Faculty of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (FHMCT) at Parul University stands as a premier institution dedicated to shaping future leaders in the hospitality, tourism, and aviation sectors. FHMCT was founded with the vision of bridging the gap between the growing demand for skilled professionals and their limited supply in these dynamic industries. Housing over 600+ students, the faculty fosters a vibrant, inclusive, and collaborative learning environment that promotes academic excellence and practical exposure.
Aim of The Conference
This international event will serve as an interdisciplinary platform for industry professionals, academics, policymakers, and students to engage with the latest shifts shaping tourism, hospitality, and aviation. Building on the success of the previous edition, the conference will explore timely themes such as niche and purpose-driven tourism (e.g., wellness, volunteer, and digital nomadism), eco-Intelligence strategies for climate-resilient operations, and the transformative role of AI and digital technologies in enhancing guest experience and operational efficiency.
Patrons & Chairperson of the Conference
Dr. Kunjal Sinha
Pro-Vice Chancellor
Patrons
Dr. Manish Pandya
Registrar - Parul University
Patrons
Mr. Satish Jha
Dean - Faculty of Hotel Management & Catering Technology
Chairperson
Distinguished Speakers
Dr. Sunil Kabia
Professor, Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management, Director IQAC
Bundelkhand University
Dr. S.K. Gupta
Principal, Regional Institute of Education (NCERT)
Dr. Yedla Venkata Rao
Professor
Pondicherry University
Dr. Prashant Gautam
Professor, Panjab University, Chandigarh
Dr. Ashish Dahiya
Professor & Director Hotel & Tourism Management, Director - Centre for Life Skills & Soft Skills, M.D University, Rohtak, Haryana
Dr. Gunjan Malik
Registrar, DLCSUPVA, Associate Professor at Institute of Hotel &Tourism Management, Maharshi Dayanand University Rohtak
Dr. Anukriti Sharma
Professor Dept of Commerce and Management, Director Skill Development Centre at University of Kota
Dr. Madhuri Sawant
Director and Associate Professor Department of Tourism Administration, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad
Dr. Ana Sofia Duque
Adjunct Professor, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu Portugal
Dr. Ranbir Singh
Head of Department, Professor, Department of Tourism & Hotel Management at Central University of Haryana
Dr. Saurabh Kumar Dixit
Professor Department of Tourism & Hotel Management, North- Eastern Hill University, Shillong (India)
Dr. Punit Gautam
Associate Professor Department of Tourism & Hotel Management, North- Eastern Hill University, Shillong (India)
Prof. Kumar Ashutosh
Professor and Head Department of Continuing Education and Extension University of Delhi
This international event will serve as an interdisciplinary platform for industry professionals, academics, policymakers, and students to engage with the latest shifts shaping tourism, hospitality, and aviation. Building on the success of the previous edition, the conference will explore timely themes such as niche and purpose-driven tourism (e.g., wellness, volunteer, and digital nomadism), eco-Intelligence strategies for climate-resilient operations, and the transformative role of AI and digital technologies in enhancing guest experience and operational efficiency.
Venue address
FHMCT, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat