The Yuva Tourism Club of VVM’s Shree Damodar College of Commerce & Economics organized a motivating session on ‘Sustainable Tourism: Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Preservation’ on 7th August 2024 at 12:00 noon in Hall 02 on the 5th Floor. The session commenced with an introduction by Ms. Jesvi Cardozo, a TY BBA(FS) student, that emphasized the critical need for sustainable tourism. She highlighted how adopting such practices can ensure not only the preservation of our environment but also foster long-term economic benefits for communities and nations alike.
The resource person for the session, Mr. Murali Shankaran, Co-Founder of “Make It Happen”, delivered a thought-provoking presentation. “Make It Happen” is an experiential travel company which specializes in designing and curating unique experiences that champion local cultures and help travelers connect with local communities in a more meaningful way. Since its inception in 2011, founder Ms. Maria Victor and co-founder Mr. Murali Shankaran have built on their initial vision to celebrate local heritage, foster collaboration, nurture local talent and promote intercultural harmony. Mr. Shankaran discussed various innovative sustainable tourism practices implemented worldwide, emphasizing the necessity of integrating environmental considerations into tourism planning and operations. His presentation focused on the vital role of promoting local culture, reducing the environmental footprint of tourism, and leveraging technology to support sustainable initiatives.
The session was highly interactive, encouraging active participation from the audience. Discussions centered around strategies to minimize tourism’s environmental impact, the significance of preserving and promoting local heritage, and the potential of technology to enhance sustainable tourism efforts. These discussions provided valuable insights into the practical challenges and opportunities in adopting sustainable tourism practices.
Mr. Murali also introduced a forthcoming course on sustainable tourism, organized by CTED. Upon completion, the participants will receive a certificate from Goa Tourism as licensed Heritage presenters, with opportunities to work in the experiential tourism sector and receive incubation support for new tourism initiatives.
The session concluded with a lively Q&A session, leaving participants with a comprehensive understanding of balancing economic growth and environmental preservation in tourism. The event was effectively managed by Asst. Prof. Ms. Delisha Rebello and was marked by the enthusiastic participation of 60 students (37 male, 23 female).
Expected Outcome of the Activity:
Participants are expected to gain a comprehensive understanding of balancing economic growth with environmental preservation in tourism. They will learn about innovative sustainable tourism practices, the importance of promoting local culture, and how technology can support these efforts. This newfound knowledge is anticipated to inspire participants to adopt sustainable practices in their own future tourism endeavors, thereby contributing positively to the field.
