Organised by MLCU’s Department of Tourism and Travel Management in partnership with consulting organisation DTORR and UN Tourism, the conclave focused on sustainable tourism, academia-industry collaboration, skill development, employability, emerging technologies and experiential learning, a press release informed. It also highlighted the importance of stronger partnerships between educational institutions, industry, government and local communities.
The event saw participation from institutions from Karnataka, Sikkim, West Bengal, Nagaland, Maharashtra, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram and elsewhere, including Meghalaya’s Lady Keane College, ICFAI University and NEHU.
The first day also brought Meghalaya’s tourism issues into focus, with Alan West Kharkongor speaking on rural and responsible tourism in the state.
Students then put their ideas into practice through competitions addressing contemporary tourism challenges, including the Tourism Policy Pitch – Government Simulation, AI in Tourism – Innovation and Challenge, Sustainable Innovation Challenge and Voices of Meghalaya.
On the second day, delegates travelled to Sohra for an experiential learning programme led by Tourism and Travel Management students of MLCU as tour guides.
The field visit covered the Umkar Living Root Bridge, Mawsawa River and Arwah Caves, allowing participants to experience Meghalaya’s natural and community-based tourism resources first-hand.
The final day featured learning sessions, a workshop, a panel discussion, competitions, an award ceremony and a cultural presentation.
The panel highlighted entrepreneurship, emerging tourism businesses, digital platforms, local experiences and sustainable tourism, encouraging students to explore career and business opportunities beyond traditional pathways.
The conclave also featured stalls and initiatives from organisations and enterprises including Larnai Black Pottery, Earth Gramanea and PRIME Meghalaya, giving participants an opportunity to engage directly with local products, initiatives and tourism-related enterprises.
Arts and Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai attended the valedictory session as chief guest. Awards were presented to the winners of the various competitions, bringing three days of learning, creativity, collaboration and cultural exchange to a close.
