Tourism Stalwart Dr. Subhash Goyal Appointed Dean (Industry) of AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism

Tourism Stalwart Dr. Subhash Goyal Appointed Dean (Industry) of AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism

Noida: In a significant development for hospitality and tourism education, the AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism has appointed renowned tourism leader Dr. Subhash Goyal as Dean (Industry) during the prestigious ELEVATE 2026 Tourism Conclave organized by the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI) at Marwah Studios, Noida.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential personalities in the Indian tourism sector, Dr. Subhash Goyal brings with him decades of leadership, vision, and unmatched industry experience. His appointment is expected to further strengthen the academic-industry interface at AAFT and provide students with direct exposure to global tourism practices and emerging opportunities.

Dr. Subhash Goyal currently serves as a Member of the National Tourism Advisory Council, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. He is also the Honorary Secretary of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) and Chairman of the Tourism & Services Sector of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), established by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. He additionally heads the Assocham Tourism & Hospitality Council and chairs the Expert Committee on Civil Aviation & Tourism of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).

His contributions extend beyond national boundaries through his role as Honorary Secretary General of the Indo-Latin American Chamber of Commerce. He has also served as President of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and currently leads the Confederation of Tourism Professionals, advocating for the advancement of tourism as a major driver of economic growth and international cooperation.

An acclaimed author, Dr. Goyal has written the influential book “Poverty Eradication and Economic Development Through Tourism,” highlighting the transformative power of tourism in generating employment, promoting inclusive growth, and fostering sustainable development.

Presenting the appointment, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of ICMEI and Chancellor of AAFT University, stated, “Dr. Subhash Goyal is a visionary leader whose contribution to the tourism industry has inspired generations of professionals. His association with AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism as Dean (Industry) will immensely benefit our students and strengthen our commitment to excellence in hospitality education.”

Accepting the responsibility, Dr. Subhash Goyal expressed his gratitude and emphasized the importance of preparing young professionals for the rapidly evolving global tourism landscape. He reiterated his commitment to mentoring students and promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable tourism practices.

The announcement was received with great enthusiasm by industry leaders, academicians, and students attending ELEVATE 2026, marking a new chapter in AAFT’s pursuit of excellence in tourism and hospitality education.

ICMEI HONOURED TOURISM EXPERTS AT ELEVATE 2026

ICMEI HONOURED TOURISM EXPERTS AT ELEVATE 2026

Noida: The International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), in association with AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism, successfully organized ELEVATE 2026, a prestigious conclave dedicated to the tourism and hospitality sector. The event brought together some of the most respected veterans and thought leaders of the tourism industry to discuss emerging trends, opportunities, and the future of tourism in India and across the globe.

The conclave witnessed insightful deliberations by renowned tourism experts including Dr. Subhash Goyal, Chairman of STIC Travel Group; Ravi Gosain, President of the Indian Association of Tour Operators; Rajan Sehgal, a distinguished tourism professional; Dr. Latika Nath, noted conservationist and wildlife expert; and Anil Sharma, an eminent tourism entrepreneur. The speakers shared their experiences and perspectives on sustainable tourism, international collaborations, eco-tourism, destination marketing, and the growing role of technology in transforming the travel industry.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of ICMEI and Chancellor of AAFT University, emphasized the importance of tourism as a catalyst for cultural exchange, economic development, and global understanding. He highlighted the need for continuous innovation, skill development, and international cooperation to further strengthen India’s position as a leading global tourism destination.

In recognition of their remarkable contributions to the growth and promotion of tourism, ICMEI honoured the distinguished speakers and industry leaders with special awards. The ceremony celebrated their dedication, leadership, and invaluable service to the tourism sector.

Students, faculty members, tourism professionals, and industry stakeholders participated enthusiastically in the conclave, making ELEVATE 2026 a highly informative, engaging, and inspiring event. The programme reaffirmed ICMEI’s commitment to fostering dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and excellence in the fields of tourism, hospitality, and international relations.

ELEVATE 2026 concluded on a high note, leaving participants motivated to contribute towards the continued growth and global recognition of India’s tourism industry.

Tourism Veterans Inspire Future Leaders at ELEVATE 2026 Tourism Summit

Tourism Veterans Inspire Future Leaders at ELEVATE 2026 Tourism Summit

NOIDA: ICMEI, in association with AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism, successfully organized ELEVATE 2026, a prestigious Tourism Summit at Marwah Studios, Film City Noida, bringing together some of the most respected veterans and leaders of the tourism industry. The summit emerged as a significant platform for discussing the immense potential, emerging trends, and future opportunities in the tourism sector in India and across the globe.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from tourism professionals, entrepreneurs, academicians, and students who benefited from the vast experience and expertise of renowned speakers representing different segments of the travel and tourism industry.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Subhash Goyal, one of the tallest figures in the Indian tourism industry and Chairman of STIC Travel Group, spoke about the remarkable growth of tourism in India and emphasized the need for innovative tourism products, international collaborations, and sustainable development. He highlighted India’s immense potential to become one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.

Ravi Gosain, President of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), shared valuable insights on the changing dynamics of global travel and the increasing importance of experiential tourism. He stressed the need for strong industry partnerships and skilled professionals to support the sector’s continued growth.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajan Sehgal, Chairman of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), underlined the critical role of travel agents and tourism professionals in promoting destinations and creating memorable travel experiences. He encouraged young professionals to embrace innovation and technology to stay competitive in the evolving marketplace.

Dr. Latika Nath, noted Tourism Designer, conservationist, and hotelier, highlighted the significance of responsible tourism, eco-tourism, and heritage preservation. She emphasized that tourism must contribute positively to local communities while protecting natural and cultural resources for future generations.

Anil Sharma of GNN Prakashan spoke about the growing role of media and publications in promoting tourism destinations and creating awareness about India’s rich cultural and heritage assets. He called for stronger collaboration between the tourism and media sectors to enhance destination marketing.

Welcoming the distinguished guests, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of ICMEI and AAFT, said, “Tourism is one of the strongest instruments for economic growth, cultural exchange, and global understanding. Through ELEVATE 2026, we aim to connect academia with industry and provide young professionals with direct access to the knowledge and experiences of tourism leaders. India has tremendous tourism potential, and it is our collective responsibility to position the country as a preferred global destination.”

Dr. Marwah further emphasized the importance of education, innovation, and international cooperation in strengthening the tourism ecosystem and creating new opportunities for future generations.

The summit concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks by Dr. Himani Choudhary, Director, AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism, who expressed gratitude to all the speakers, industry leaders, delegates, faculty members, and students for their valuable participation and contribution to the success of the event.

ELEVATE 2026 once again reaffirmed ICMEI and AAFT’s commitment to promoting excellence in tourism education, fostering industry-academia collaboration, and creating meaningful platforms for dialogue, learning, and professional growth. The summit left participants inspired and better prepared to contribute to the future of the global tourism industry.

Renowned Chefs and Hospitality Experts Honoured at Global Hospitality & Tourism Summit ELEVATE-2026

Renowned Chefs and Hospitality Experts Honoured at Global Hospitality & Tourism Summit ELEVATE-2026

NOIDA: ICMEI, in association with AAFT School of Hospitality & Tourism, successfully organized the prestigious Global Hospitality & Tourism Summit – ELEVATE-2026 at Marwah Studios, Film City Noida. The summit brought together leading chefs, hospitality professionals, academicians, and industry experts from India and abroad to discuss emerging trends, innovations, and opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sector.

The event served as a vibrant platform for knowledge sharing, professional networking, and meaningful interaction between industry leaders and aspiring hospitality professionals. Distinguished speakers shared their valuable experiences and insights on the future of hospitality, culinary excellence, tourism development, and global industry standards.

Among the eminent personalities who graced the summit were Chef Ajay Sood, Chef Jai Kumar Bhasin, Chef Nishant Choubey, Vikas Gupta, Director, Radisson Blu, and Prof. Dr. Anand Kumar Bhasin. Their inspiring addresses highlighted the importance of innovation, service excellence, leadership, sustainability, and continuous learning in the ever-evolving hospitality landscape.

On the occasion, the distinguished guests were honoured for their outstanding contribution to the hospitality and tourism industry and for their commitment to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of professionals.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of AAFT School of Hospitality & Tourism and President of ICMEI, said, “Hospitality is one of the most dynamic industries in the world, driven by creativity, service, and human connection. Through ELEVATE-2026, we aim to create a bridge between academia and industry, enabling students to learn directly from accomplished professionals and prepare themselves for successful global careers. We are proud to recognize and honour those who have made remarkable contributions to the growth of hospitality and tourism.”

Dr. Marwah further emphasized the importance of industry-academia collaboration in nurturing skilled professionals capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly changing global marketplace.

The summit concluded on a highly positive note, reaffirming ICMEI and AAFT’s commitment to promoting excellence in hospitality education, fostering industry partnerships, and creating opportunities for students to engage with leading experts from around the world.

ELEVATE-2026 once again proved to be a landmark initiative, strengthening the dialogue between education and industry while celebrating excellence in hospitality and tourism.

Global Hospitality and Tourism Summit ELEVATE-2026 Inspires Future Leaders at Marwah Studios

Global Hospitality and Tourism Summit ELEVATE-2026 Inspires Future Leaders at Marwah Studios

Noida: ICMEI, in association with AAFT School of Hospitality & Tourism, successfully organized the prestigious Global Hospitality and Tourism Summit – ELEVATE-2026 at Marwah Studios, Film City Noida. The grand conclave brought together eminent chefs, hospitality leaders, academicians, and industry experts from India and abroad, creating an exceptional platform for knowledge sharing, professional networking, and discussions on the future of the hospitality and tourism sectors.

The summit witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, professionals, and entrepreneurs keen to understand emerging trends, innovations, and opportunities in the rapidly growing hospitality industry.

Addressing the gathering, Chef Ajay Sood emphasized the importance of innovation, customer-centric services, and continuous learning in hospitality. He encouraged young professionals to develop leadership qualities and adapt to the changing demands of the global market.

Chef Jai Kumar Bhasin highlighted the growing international opportunities available to hospitality graduates and stressed the need for maintaining global standards of excellence, professionalism, and creativity in the culinary arts.

Speaking on the occasion, Chef Nishant Choubey shared valuable insights into modern culinary practices and emerging food trends. He motivated students to pursue excellence through discipline, passion, and dedication to their craft.

Vikas Gupta, Director, Radisson Blu, discussed the evolving landscape of the hotel industry and the growing significance of technology, sustainability, and guest experience. He encouraged students to embrace innovation and prepare themselves for leadership roles in the hospitality sector.

Renowned academician Prof. Dr. Anand Kumar Bhasin underlined the importance of industry-academia collaboration in preparing skilled professionals for the future. He emphasized that education must continuously evolve to meet the dynamic needs of the hospitality and tourism industry.

Welcoming the distinguished guests, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President, AAFT School of Hospitality & Tourism and President, ICMEI, said, “Hospitality is not merely a profession; it is an art of creating memorable experiences. Through platforms like ELEVATE-2026, we strive to bridge the gap between education and industry while inspiring the next generation of hospitality leaders. The future of tourism and hospitality belongs to those who combine knowledge, innovation, culture, and service excellence.”

The summit concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Himani Choudhary, who expressed gratitude to all speakers, delegates, industry leaders, faculty members, and students for making the event a grand success. She acknowledged the collective efforts that contributed to creating a meaningful and inspiring learning experience for all participants.

The Global Hospitality and Tourism Summit ELEVATE-2026 once again reaffirmed AAFT and ICMEI’s commitment to nurturing talent, promoting industry interaction, and advancing excellence in hospitality and tourism education.

Sandeep Marwah Honoured for Promoting MSMEs in India at Inclusive India Summit

Sandeep Marwah Honoured for Promoting MSMEs in India at Inclusive India Summit

New Delhi: A thought-provoking discussion on the challenges, opportunities, and future prospects of India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector was held during the “Inclusive India Summit” organized by NAB India at the India International Centre, New Delhi. The summit brought together leading industry professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and experts to deliberate on strengthening the MSME ecosystem and promoting inclusive economic growth.

The occasion was graced by Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, who honoured distinguished participants for their outstanding contributions towards nation-building and economic development.

Among those recognized was Founder of Noida Film City Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of ICMEI (International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry), for his significant efforts in promoting entrepreneurship, skill development, media and entertainment industries, and supporting the growth of MSMEs across the country.

Dr. Marwah currently serves on the National Board of MSME (BJP), is the Co-Chair of the Media and Entertainment Skill Council under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the National Chairman of the Media and Entertainment Committee of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Government of India and Chancellor of AAFT University.

Speaking on the occasion, Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, emphasized the crucial role of MSMEs in driving economic growth, generating employment, and fostering inclusive development across the nation. He stated that the Government is committed to creating a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs and small businesses through progressive policies, skill development initiatives, and greater access to opportunities. He appreciated the efforts of industry leaders and institutions working towards empowering MSMEs and strengthening India’s vision of becoming a self-reliant and globally competitive economy.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah emphasized the vital role of MSMEs in generating employment, fostering innovation, and contributing to India’s economic growth. He highlighted the importance of skill development, digital transformation, and industry collaboration in creating a stronger and more competitive MSME sector.

The summit featured extensive discussions on policy support, access to finance, technological advancements, market expansion, and strategies for empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses across the country.

Participants appreciated the initiative taken by NAB India in creating a meaningful platform for dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders committed to building a more inclusive and prosperous India. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening the MSME sector as a key driver of the nation’s economic progress.

India-Vietnam Business Summit on Cross-Border E-Commerce Successfully Organized at Marwah Studios

India-Vietnam Business Summit on Cross-Border E-Commerce Successfully Organized at Marwah Studios

Noida, India: The International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), in association with the Indo Vietnam Film and Cultural Forum and the Embassy of Vietnam in New Delhi, successfully organized a powerful Business Summit titled “Vietnam–India Collaboration on Cross-Border E-Commerce” at Marwah Studios, Film City Noida.

The summit brought together leading business houses represented by renowned industrialists, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, exporters, importers, and distinguished professionals from diverse sectors. The event served as an important platform to strengthen economic cooperation and explore new avenues for trade and business partnerships between India and Vietnam.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of ICMEI and Chair of the Indo Vietnam Film and Cultural Forum, emphasized the growing importance of bilateral trade and digital commerce in strengthening relations between the two nations. He stated that India and Vietnam share a strong bond of friendship and mutual respect, and initiatives such as this summit create valuable opportunities for businesses to collaborate, innovate, and expand into new markets.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bui Trung Thuong, Trade Counsellor, Trade Office, Embassy of Vietnam in India, highlighted the immense potential of cross-border e-commerce and encouraged Indian and Vietnamese enterprises to actively engage in trade partnerships. He elaborated on the opportunities available in Vietnam’s rapidly growing digital economy and reaffirmed the commitment of the Vietnamese Government to facilitating international business cooperation.

The summit received valuable support from the Vietnam Digital Economy Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, further reinforcing the significance of the initiative in promoting digital trade and economic collaboration between the two countries.

The interactive sessions witnessed enthusiastic participation from the business community. A large number of delegates expressed keen interest in establishing trade relations, exploring joint ventures, and developing long-term business associations with Vietnamese companies.

The event concluded on a highly positive note, with participants appreciating the efforts of ICMEI, the Indo Vietnam Film and Cultural Forum, and the Embassy of Vietnam in creating a dynamic platform for dialogue, networking, and business development. The summit was widely regarded as a major success and a significant step toward enhancing India-Vietnam economic and commercial relations.