World Tourism Day celebration 2026 at RBPU

University School of Hospitality (RBPU), successfully celebrated World Tourism Day 2026 with a series of engaging academic, creative and experiential activities based on the theme “Digital Agenda & Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”

The celebrations brought together students and faculty members through a heritage visit, creative and knowledge competitions, an international academic session, and an award ceremony, providing students with opportunities to explore tourism beyond the classroom while understanding the role of technology and innovation in the industry.

Heritage Visit to Virasat-e-Khalsa

As part of the World Tourism Day celebrations, USH organised a Heritage Tour to Virasat-e-Khalsa, Anandpur Sahib, on 23 September 2026. Students from the University School of Hospitality, including B.Sc. Airlines & Airport Management students, participated in the educational visit.

Accompanied by faculty instructors Ms. Simranjot Kaur and Mr. Gourav Mishra, the students explored the rich history, culture and heritage of Punjab. The visit provided an opportunity for experiential learning and helped students understand the importance of heritage tourism and cultural preservation.

Creative & Knowledge Competitions

On 24 September 2026, the University School of Hospitality organised a series of Creative and Knowledge Competitions around the theme “Digital Agenda & Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”

The activities included:

• Tourism Quiz
• Poster Making Competition
• Rangoli Competition

The competitions encouraged students to combine their tourism knowledge with creativity and innovative thinking. Through posters, rangoli designs and the quiz, students explored how digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence can contribute to the future of tourism.

Academic Session on AI and Digital Transformation in Tourism

The celebrations continued on 25 September 2026 with an insightful academic session held at the Seminar Hall, University School of Hospitality, in online mode.

The session focused on “Digital Transformation & Artificial Intelligence in Shaping the Future of Tourism.” The University welcomed Dr. Arni Abdul Gani, Associate Professor, Department of Tourism Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia, as the Distinguished Speaker.

Dr. Arni Abdul Gani shared valuable insights into the growing role of Artificial Intelligence, digital technologies and innovation in tourism, helping students understand emerging trends and opportunities in the rapidly evolving tourism and hospitality sector.

Recognition of Student Participation

The World Tourism Day celebrations concluded with the recognition of winners and participants of the various competitions. Medals were awarded to students in appreciation of their creativity, knowledge, enthusiasm and participation.

The three-day celebration provided students with a meaningful combination of heritage exploration, creative expression, academic learning and technological awareness. It highlighted the importance of preparing future tourism and hospitality professionals to understand both the cultural foundations of tourism and the digital innovations shaping its future.

Through such initiatives, the University School of Hospitality, Rayat Bahra Professional University, Hoshiarpur, continues to promote experiential learning, industry-oriented education, creativity and awareness of emerging technologies among its students.

World Tourism Day 2026 at RBPU was a celebration of tourism, heritage, creativity and innovation — encouraging students to explore the past, understand the present and imagine the future of tourism.