Goa, 18 February 2026

 

India Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, organized the award ceremony of the Dekho Apna Desh Brochure Making Contest and a Hospitality Education Expo in association with the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) on its campus at Porvorim, Goa, today, February 18.

The event was organized to promote awareness about India’s rich tourism heritage and highlight career opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sector.

Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he talked about the importance of experiential learning and exposure to national tourism initiatives. 

Shri Mohamed Farouk, Deputy Director General and Regional Director (West & Central Region), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, said that events like the Hospitality Education Expo play a crucial role in nurturing skilled professionals committed to strengthening India’s tourism ecosystem. 
Shri Gavin Dias, General Manager (Marketing & IT), GTDC, also graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. 

The award ceremony recognized students for their creativity, knowledge, and contributions towards promoting domestic tourism under the Dekho Apna Desh initiative of the Ministry of Tourism. Several students were felicitated for their outstanding performance and innovative presentations.

The Expo provided a platform for students to interact with industry experts, explore emerging trends, and gain insights into academic and professional pathways in hospitality, tourism, and allied services. Informative sessions on flower arrangement, terrarium making, and towel art were organized to familiarise students with practical learning components. 

At the event, a detailed presentation was also conducted on National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology, courses offered at IHM, Joint Entrance Examination, and career opportunities in the hospitality industry.

The programme was attended by officials of the Ministry of Tourism, industry representatives from Indian Hotels Company Limited, The Park Hotels, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and Carnival Support Services India Pvt. Ltd., along with nearly 250 students, parents, and teachers. 

 

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