MEDIA NEWS

Sunday, October 11, 2026

AAFT Fashion and Design Students Present Innovative Concepts at World Tourism Day Celebrations

Through their displays and presentations, students demonstrated imagination, design thinking and communication skills. Their concepts explored how creative expression can communicate cultural identity, inspire interest in destinations and enrich the experience of travel.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of AAFT and ICMEI, emphasised the role of fashion and design in expressing the identity of a destination. He highlighted how traditional clothing, craftsmanship, visual communication and contemporary design can help visitors understand a region’s heritage while creating opportunities for local creative communities.

Dr. Marwah encouraged students to combine innovation with respect for cultural authenticity and to develop ideas that connect classroom learning with the needs of tourism and hospitality. He also underlined the importance of presenting ideas clearly and effectively—a skill essential to turning creative concepts into meaningful professional opportunities.

Held as part of the World Tourism Day programme organised by ICMEI and the AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism, in association with AHPWI and supported by the AAFT International Skill Development Council, the exhibition provided students with a platform to share their work with industry leaders and an international representative.

The showcase reaffirmed AAFT’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning, encouraging young designers to explore how their creativity can contribute to cultural exchange and tourism.

AAFT Students Showcase Travel, Culture and Heritage at World Tourism Day Photography Exhibition

Noida: A vibrant photography exhibition, designed and curated by students of the AAFT School of Photography, was inaugurated at Marwah Studios, Film City, Noida, on the occasion of World Tourism Day. The exhibition explored tourism, culture, heritage and destinations through compelling images celebrating the spirit of travel.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Dr. Subhash Goyal, Chairman, STIC Travel Group, and Industry Dean, AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism; Pradeep Chandel, Founder Chairman and National President, AHPWI; Atul Upadhyay, Executive Director, Pride Group of Hotels; Dr. Sudhir Andrews, author, educationist and Member of the National Advisory Board; Sanjay Kaushik, Managing Partner, Holystone TFCI Hospitality India Fund; and Abdul Aziz, representing the Tourism, Cultural and Education Section of the Embassy of Uzbekistan.

Presented as part of the World Tourism Day celebrations organised by ICMEI and the AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism, in association with AHPWI and supported by the AAFT International Skill Development Council, the exhibition brought creative education and tourism together.

The students’ photographs offered perspectives on the beauty of destinations, the richness of cultural traditions and the importance of preserving heritage. Through their visual storytelling, the young photographers demonstrated how images can inspire travel, encourage curiosity and deepen appreciation of diverse communities.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of AAFT and ICMEI, highlighted photography’s valuable role in promoting tourism and building cultural understanding. He emphasised that learning to observe and document places, people and traditions helps students develop both creative expression and a sense of responsibility towards the subjects they portray.

The participation of leaders from travel, hospitality and education, alongside a representative of the Embassy of Uzbekistan, added an international dimension to the occasion and underscored the connection between tourism, creativity and cultural exchange.

The exhibition reaffirmed AAFT’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to present their work, engage with industry professionals and contribute to the promotion of tourism through art.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah Highlights Film and Cultural Tourism at World Tourism Day Celebration

Noida: Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Founder of Noida Film City and President of Marwah Studios and AAFT, highlighted the growth and expanding opportunities in hospitality and tourism during the World Tourism Day celebration organised by ICMEI and the AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism, in association with AHPWI, at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Marwah emphasised the sector’s potential to generate employment, strengthen cultural exchange, promote international understanding and contribute to economic growth. He described tourism as a powerful bridge connecting people, cultures and nations, while encouraging students to prepare for its opportunities through practical training, professional discipline and skill development.

A key focus of his address was Film and Cultural Tourism, which brings together cinema, creative experiences and cultural engagement to attract visitors and build lasting connections. Dr. Marwah explained how film studios and centres of artistic activity can become destinations for learning, inspiration and international exchange.

Highlighting the scale of this engagement, Dr. Marwah reported that Noida Film City had recorded a cumulative footfall of approximately 100 million over the past four decades under Film and Cultural Tourism. He further stated that Marwah Studios had welcomed more than three million visitors from 156 countries since its inception. He also spoke about the world-record recognition associated with Marwah Studios’ contribution to Film and Cultural Tourism.

Dr. Marwah observed that such engagement creates opportunities beyond filmmaking, supporting hospitality, travel, events, local businesses and creative education. He encouraged hospitality and tourism students to explore this intersection and develop experiences that showcase India’s artistic heritage and contemporary creative achievements.

The celebration reinforced the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and industry in preparing skilled professionals. Dr. Marwah reiterated the guiding philosophy of Marwah Studios and ICMEI—“Love, Peace and Unity Through Art and Culture”—and its relevance to tourism as a means of bringing the world closer together.

AAFT Celebrates World Tourism Day with Industry Leaders, Highlights Skills and Career Opportunities in Hospitality

Noida: The International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), in association with the AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism, celebrated World Tourism Day at Marwah Studios, Film City, Noida. Supported by AHPWI and the AAFT International Skill Development Council, the programme brought together hospitality and tourism leaders, educationists, professionals and students for discussions on the sector’s growth and the importance of skilled manpower.

The distinguished speakers included Dr. Subhash Goyal, Chairman, STIC Travel Group, and Industry Dean, AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism; Pradeep Chandel, Founder Chairman and National President, AHPWI; Atul Upadhyay, Executive Director, Pride Group of Hotels; Dr. Sudhir Andrews, author, educationist and Member of the National Advisory Board; Sanjay Kaushik, Managing Partner, Holystone TFCI Hospitality India Fund and Abdul Aziz of Uzbekistan Embassy.

Addressing a large audience representing different walks of life, including young students pursuing hospitality and tourism courses, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of AAFT and ICMEI, emphasised tourism’s role in connecting people, promoting cultural understanding and creating employment. He encouraged students to develop professional competence alongside discipline, communication skills, sensitivity to different cultures and a strong commitment to service.

Dr. Marwah underlined the importance of practical learning and close cooperation between educational institutions and industry. He urged students to approach hospitality as a profession built on care, responsibility and the ability to create memorable experiences for others.

Dr. Subhash Goyal highlighted the opportunities emerging across tourism and travel and stressed the need to prepare trained professionals capable of meeting changing industry expectations. Pradeep Chandel emphasised skill development and stronger industry participation in preparing young people for employment.

Atul Upadhyay discussed the importance of service standards, operational knowledge and practical exposure in hotel management. Dr. Sudhir Andrews focused on the role of education in developing confident, competent and adaptable hospitality professionals. Sanjay Kaushik highlighted the sector’s business potential and the importance of professional management and a skilled workforce in supporting sustainable growth. Ikboljon Soliev of Tourism, Cultural and Education Section from Embassy of Uzbekistan talked about International tourism and its promotion worldwide.

Throughout the programme, speakers emphasised the expanding hospitality market, the demand for trained manpower and the need for continuous learning. The discussions encouraged students to strengthen both their technical abilities and interpersonal skills to prepare for careers across hotels, travel, tourism and allied services.

The celebration reaffirmed AAFT’s commitment to connecting classroom education with industry experience and preparing the next generation of hospitality and tourism professionals.

ICMEI Extends Congratulations to Guatemala on the 205th Anniversary of Independence

New Delhi: The International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI) extended warm congratulations and best wishes to H.E. Omar L. Castañeda Solares, Ambassador of Guatemala to the Republic of India, and to the people of Guatemala on the occasion of the country’s 205th anniversary of independence.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of ICMEI and Chair of the Indo Guatemala Film and Cultural Forum, conveyed the greetings during celebrations held at Hotel Grand in New Delhi.

Speaking to the press, Dr. Marwah expressed his warm wishes for Guatemala’s continued peace, prosperity and progress. He emphasised that national celebrations provide a valuable opportunity to honour a country’s heritage while strengthening friendship and understanding between nations.

Dr. Marwah highlighted the potential for India and Guatemala to deepen their engagement through cinema, arts, culture and creative education. He expressed ICMEI’s commitment to encouraging meaningful exchanges through the Indo Guatemala Film and Cultural Forum, including film screenings, cultural programmes and interaction among artists, filmmakers and students.

He further underlined ICMEI’s guiding philosophy, “Love, Peace and Unity Through Art and Culture,” as the foundation of its efforts to connect people across borders.

ICMEI reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Indo Guatemala friendship and extended its best wishes to Ambassador Castañeda Solares and the Embassy of Guatemala on this significant national occasion.

AAFT Confers IFTC Life Membership on Film India Expo CEO Mukesh Kumar

Noida: In recognition of his initiative in presenting the inaugural Film India Expo at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Dr. Mukesh Kumar, CEO of Film India Expo, was presented with the Life Membership of the International Film and Television Club (IFTC) of AAFT by Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of AAFT and Marwah Studios.

Organised in association with AAFT, the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI) and Marwah Studios, the Expo marked an important step towards strengthening the cinema and media ecosystem in North India. It created a platform for collaboration, innovation, professional networking and new opportunities within the film and entertainment industry.

Presenting the membership, Dr. Marwah emphasised the importance of initiatives that connect creative talent, industry expertise and enterprise. “Film India Expo represents a valuable initiative for bringing the film and entertainment fraternity together. Stronger connections between industry professionals, institutions and emerging talent can open doors to new ideas, partnerships and growth. We are pleased to recognise Dr. Mukesh Kumar’s initiative by welcoming him as a Life Member of the International Film and Television Club of AAFT,” said Dr. Marwah.

He highlighted the role of educational institutions in supporting the development of the creative economy. “North India has immense creative potential. Platforms such as Film India Expo can help translate that potential into professional opportunities. Through AAFT, ICMEI and Marwah Studios, we remain committed to encouraging meaningful engagement between education and industry,” he added.

Accepting the recognition, Dr. Mukesh Kumar expressed his appreciation for the association and support. “It is an honour to receive the Life Membership of IFTC. Film India Expo was conceived as a platform to encourage interaction, collaboration and growth across the cinema and entertainment sector. The association with AAFT, ICMEI and Marwah Studios has been deeply encouraging, and I thank Dr. Sandeep Marwah for recognising this initiative,” he said. “Our endeavour is to build on this beginning and create further opportunities for professionals, organisations and aspiring talent to connect and work together,” Dr. Kumar added.

The presentation celebrated an initiative aimed at expanding industry engagement and reaffirmed the shared commitment of the participating organisations to strengthening North India’s film and media ecosystem.

“Turn Your Dreams into Achievement”: Dr. Sandeep Marwah Inspires AAFT’s 130th Batch at Opening Session

Noida: A message of ambition, discipline and purposeful creativity marked the opening session of the 130th Batch of AAFT at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City, as Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of AAFT, motivated the incoming students to approach their education with dedication and confidence.

The session celebrated another significant milestone in AAFT’s 34-year journey of creative education. Addressing the students, Dr. Marwah highlighted the institution’s continuing commitment to raising standards in media, arts and creative learning. He described the opening of the 130th batch as a proud achievement through which AAFT continues to surpass its own institutional milestones.

His central message was clear: success begins with a dream, but grows through consistent effort. He encouraged students to develop disciplined habits, participate actively in their training and use every opportunity to strengthen their creative and professional abilities.

Emphasising “Work is Worship,” Dr. Marwah urged the students to respect their chosen professions and recognise the value of preparation, punctuality, sincerity and perseverance. He explained that creative talent must be supported by practice and a willingness to learn.

The motivational address also focused on overcoming hesitation and responding constructively to challenges. Students were encouraged to ask questions, experiment with ideas and learn from mistakes, treating each assignment as an opportunity to improve.

Dr. Marwah highlighted the importance of teamwork and humility in creative professions. He urged students to listen carefully, respect different perspectives and build relationships based on cooperation and integrity—qualities that would serve them throughout their professional lives.

Connecting creative ambition with social responsibility, he encouraged the new batch to use cinema, media, art and culture to tell meaningful stories and contribute positively to society. The message reflected his guiding philosophy of “Love, Peace and Unity Through Art and Culture.”

The opening session set an inspiring tone for the students’ journey at AAFT, inviting them to transform enthusiasm into disciplined action and aspirations into achievement. For the 130th batch, the milestone represented both entry into a celebrated institutional legacy and an opportunity to create a future defined by their own sincere efforts.