Ministry of Tourism, through India Tourism, organised the award ceremony of the Dekho Apna Desh Brochure Making Contest along with a Hospitality Education Expo at the campus of Institute of Hotel Management Goa in Porvorim on February 18, 2026. The initiative aimed to promote awareness about India’s diverse tourism heritage and showcase career opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), attended the event as Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasised the importance of experiential learning and student participation in national tourism initiatives. Shri Mohamed Farouk, Deputy Director General and Regional Director (West & Central Region), Ministry of Tourism, highlighted the significance of platforms like the Hospitality Education Expo in nurturing skilled professionals to strengthen India’s tourism ecosystem. Shri Gavin Dias, General Manager (Marketing & IT), GTDC, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour.
The award ceremony recognised students for their creativity and innovative presentations promoting domestic tourism under the Dekho Apna Desh initiative. Several participants were felicitated for their outstanding contributions and efforts in showcasing India’s travel destinations through engaging brochure designs.
The Hospitality Education Expo provided students with an interactive platform to connect with industry experts, explore emerging trends, and understand academic pathways in hospitality and allied services. Practical sessions on flower arrangement, terrarium making, and towel art offered hands-on exposure to core hospitality skills. A detailed presentation was also delivered on the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT), courses offered at IHM, the Joint Entrance Examination process, and career prospects in the industry.
The programme witnessed participation from officials of the Ministry of Tourism, representatives from Indian Hotels Company Limited, The Park Hotels, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and Carnival Support Services India Pvt. Ltd., along with nearly 250 students, parents, and teachers.
