PATA India Christ University Student Chapter: A Guest Lecture on Tourism for the Community
Bangalore, Karnataka, India, 4th October 2024 - PATA India Christ University Student Chapter in collaboration with the Department of Tourism Management at Christ (Deemed to be University) organized a lecture on “Tourism for Community”, on October 4th at the Seminar Hall, Bannerghatta Road Campus. Mr Sumesh Mangalassery was the resource person, He is the Chairman and managing director at Kabani Community Tourism and Services. Mr. Sumesh shared with us his knowledge of the advantages of community-based tourism. He explained the different community-based projects he is now managing. He also emphasized the role that women play in the highest positions in the tourism business, which inspired us to enter the profession. Along with addressing the problems and difficulties faced by the locals who partake in this type of tourism, he also focused on the mannerisms of both the locals and visitors. He covered various key aspects of Community-based tourism in the development of pride among tourists regarding the local culture and environment. When tourists engage with authentic traditions, crafts, and stories, they cultivate a deeper appreciation for the community's heritage, fostering a respectful and meaningful connection.
He also addressed the behavior of local people towards tourists as crucial in shaping these experiences. Positive interactions, characterized by warmth and hospitality, not only enrich the tourist experience but also promote a sense of mutual respect. Local communities trained and prepared for tourist interactions can enhance this dynamic, leading to a more enriching experience for both parties. However, it is essential to strike a balance to prevent over-commercialization, which can dilute local culture. With his lecture, we got a better understanding of the development of community-based tourism that holds significant potential for creating positive outcomes for both tourists and local communities. By nurturing pride, fostering positive interactions, ensuring community engagement, and emphasizing sustainability, community-based tourism can pave the way for a more equitable and enriching tourism experience. It was a very interactive session in which we gained a lot of knowledge on community-based tourism and its key role in promoting tourism.
About PATA India Christ University Student Chapter:
Founded in 2020, the PATA India Christ University Student Chapter is India’s first PATA Student Chapter. The organization is run by students of the tourism discipline of Christ (Deemed to be University) to benefit more than 250 members spanning undergraduate and postgraduate tourism programmes in the university. The members are encouraged to participate in activities hosted by the chapter, focusing on various industry concerns, including sustainability and industry development.
Reach out to PATA India CHRIST University Student Chapter:
Instagram: @pata_cu_
Facebook: @patachristuniversity
LinkedIn: @patachristuniversity
Email: patacustudentchapter@gmail.com
For more information, please contact:
Anokha Eloyza Satheesh, Chairperson
Email: anokha.satheesh@bba.christuniversity.in
Kimmi Garg, Secretary
