Week-long celebrations mark World Tourism Day, showcasing experiential learning, Himachali cultural heritage, student creativity and emerging opportunities in tourism and hospitality
Waknaghat, Solan: Bahra University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism celebrated Tourism Week 2026 with a vibrant series of academic, cultural, creative and experiential activities to mark World Tourism Day. The week-long celebrations brought together adventure tourism, environmental sustainability, art, culture, culinary excellence, technology and artificial intelligence, providing students with valuable opportunities to explore the diverse dimensions of the tourism and hospitality industry beyond the classroom.
The celebrations reflected Bahra University’s commitment to experiential learning, skill development and industry-oriented education, enabling students to translate academic knowledge into practical competencies while developing creativity, confidence, teamwork and professional responsibility.
Adventure Tourism and Sustainable Travel Take Centre Stage
As part of the celebrations, the Catalyst Club of the School of Hospitality and Tourism organized a trekking expedition to Karol Tibba, offering students practical exposure to adventure tourism and nature-based travel.
The expedition emphasized physical fitness, teamwork, environmental awareness and responsible tourism practices. Demonstrating their commitment to sustainable travel, students collected litter along the trekking trail during their return journey, reinforcing the importance of preserving natural destinations.
Assistant Professors Varun Thakur and Ruchi Sharma accompanied and guided the students throughout the expedition.
Students Showcase Creativity Through Art and Wall Painting
An interdepartmental poster-making competition and wall-painting competition were also organized, providing students with a creative platform to express their perspectives on tourism, culture and related themes.
In the poster-making competition, Gauri secured first position, Tenzin stood second, and Hamza from the Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM) programme secured third position.
In the wall-painting competition, Husanpreet and Anshika from the BA programme secured first position.
The competitions were judged by Ms. Harshita, Soft Skills Trainer, and Ms. Priyanka, Assistant Professor.
Dr. Vaibhav Verma Earns Limca Book of Records Recognition for 451 Siddu Varieties
A major highlight of Tourism Week was the recognition of Dr. Vaibhav Verma, Associate Professor, in the Limca Book of Records for his contribution towards preparing 451 varieties of Siddu with unique flavours in collaboration with the HimAnchal Chefs Association (HIMCA).
Siddu, a traditional Himachali steamed bread, was presented through an extensive range of innovative culinary variations, celebrating the richness of Himachal Pradesh’s indigenous food heritage.
The recognition was presented by Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, acknowledging the contribution towards culinary innovation and the promotion of Himachali gastronomic traditions.
The achievement also highlighted the potential of culinary tourism in promoting regional identity, local cuisine and cultural experiences.
Bahra University Students Win Third Prize in AI-Generated Short Film Competition
Students of the School of Hospitality and Tourism also participated in the ‘Him Virasat’ World Tourism Week celebrations organized by the Institute of Vocational Studies, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla.
In the AI-Generated Short Film Competition, Kashish and Ritik, students of the third semester of BHM, secured third prize.
In the quiz competition, MTTM students Sonam Palmo and Sahil Thakur represented Bahra University.
The achievement reflected the growing relevance of artificial intelligence, digital storytelling and emerging technologies in tourism promotion, destination marketing and hospitality education.
Students Win Gold and Silver at Himachal Culinary and Tourism Festival 2026
Further adding to the celebrations, students of Bahra University participated in the Himachal Culinary and Tourism Festival-2026, organized by HIMCA on the occasion of World Tourism Day.
Showcasing their culinary expertise and professional skills, Joginder won a gold medal, while Stanzin secured a silver medal, bringing recognition to the university.
The students were guided and mentored by Chef Ritik Kashyap and Chef Yashwant, Associate Professors, whose support contributed to their preparation and performance.
University Leadership Appreciates Student Achievements
Congratulating the students and faculty members, Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) R. S. Nainta said that academic and co-curricular activities play a vital role in developing confidence, creativity, teamwork and a sense of responsibility among students.
He appreciated the School of Hospitality and Tourism for its active participation in diverse activities and encouraged students to continue exploring opportunities beyond the classroom to develop their abilities and professional outlook.
Registrar Vineet Kumar also congratulated the students and faculty members, emphasizing the university’s continued commitment to supporting academic and extracurricular initiatives that contribute to the holistic development of students.
He appreciated the dedication of the participants and the faculty members who guided them throughout the various activities.
Dr. Vikesh Kashyap Highlights the Importance of Experiential Learning
The entire Tourism Week programme was conducted under the leadership of Dr. Vikesh Kashyap, Head of the School of Hospitality and Tourism.
Appreciating the enthusiasm and achievements of students and faculty members, Dr. Kashyap said that the school aims to provide students with practical exposure and meaningful platforms where they can apply their academic knowledge, develop professional competencies and showcase their talent.
He highlighted that the Tourism Week activities were designed to introduce students to the diverse and evolving dimensions of the tourism industry, including adventure tourism, sustainable development, environmental responsibility, culinary heritage, creativity, technology and artificial intelligence.
He also acknowledged the encouragement and support extended by the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar and congratulated all students, faculty members and organizers for contributing to the successful celebrations.
Bahra University Strengthens Experiential Learning in Tourism and Hospitality Education
The Tourism Week celebrations reinforced Bahra University’s focus on providing industry-aligned and experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for the evolving tourism and hospitality sector.
Through trekking expeditions, culinary competitions, creative activities, cultural participation and AI-based projects, students gained exposure to multiple career dimensions, including adventure tourism, hotel management, culinary arts, tourism management, sustainable destination development and technology-enabled tourism.
The celebrations concluded with a strong message that tourism education extends beyond textbooks, combining practical experience, cultural understanding, innovation and professional skills to prepare students for emerging opportunities in the global hospitality and tourism industry.
Bahra University continues to promote its vision of transforming aspirations into reality through quality education, experiential learning and holistic student development.
