**Executive Summary**
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in association with the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), organized the award ceremony of the Dekho Apna Desh Brochure Making Contest and a Hospitality Education Expo at IHM Goa on February 18, 2026. The event aimed to promote awareness about India's rich tourism heritage and highlight career opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sector. The event included a presentation on National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology, courses offered at IHM, Joint Entrance Examination, and career opportunities in the hospitality industry.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Event Overview:**
* The Dekho Apna Desh Brochure Making Contest award ceremony and Hospitality Education Expo took place on February 18, 2026, at IHM Goa.
* The event was organized by India Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
* The event intended to promote India's tourism heritage and hospitality career prospects.
* **Key Speakers:**
* Shri Kuldeep Arolkar (Managing Director, GTDC) emphasized experiential learning and national tourism initiatives.
* Shri Mohamed Farouk (Deputy Director General and Regional Director) highlighted the role of Hospitality Education Expo.
* Shri Gavin Dias (General Manager (Marketing & IT), GTDC) also graced the occasion.
* **Event Activities:**
* Students were recognized for their creativity and contributions to promoting domestic tourism.
* The Expo provided a platform for students to interact with industry experts.
* Informative sessions on flower arrangement, terrarium making, and towel art were organized.
* A presentation on hotel management courses and career opportunities was conducted.
* **Attendees:**
* Officials from the Ministry of Tourism, industry representatives, and approximately 250 students, parents, and teachers attended.
* Industry representatives were present from Indian Hotels Company Limited, The Park Hotels, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and Carnival Support Services India Pvt. Ltd.
**Impact Analysis**
**Students**
* **Impact:** Recognition of skills, exposure to industry trends and career paths, practical learning opportunities.
* **Action Required:** Participate in relevant courses, interact with industry experts, and explore career options in hospitality and tourism.
**Hospitality and Tourism Industry**
* **Impact:** Access to potential future employees, opportunity to promote career prospects within the industry.
* **Action Required:** Engage with students, showcase industry trends, and offer guidance on career pathways.
**Ministry of Tourism**
* **Impact:** Achievement of goals related to tourism awareness and talent development.
* **Action Required:** Continue to support and promote events like the Hospitality Education Expo.
Key Entities Referenced
Dekho Apna Desh: An initiative of the Ministry of Tourism promoting domestic tourism in India.
Ministry of Tourism: The Indian government ministry responsible for the development and promotion of tourism in India.
IHM Goa: Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Goa, the venue for the Hospitality Education Expo.
Goa: Location of the event, which significantly impacts the scope of the policy.
Ministry of Tourism
India Tourism organizes award ceremony of
Dekho Apna Desh Brochure Making Contest and
Hospitality Education Expo at IHM Goa
Posted On: 18 FEB 2026 6:02PM by PIB Mumbai
Goa, 18 February 2026
India Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, organized the award ceremony of the
Dekho Apna Desh Brochure Making Contest and a Hospitality Education Expo in association with
the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) on its campus at Porvorim, Goa, today, February 18.
The event was organized to promote awareness about India’s rich tourism heritage and highlight
career opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sector.
Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC),
graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he talked about the
importance of experiential learning and exposure to national tourism initiatives.
Shri Mohamed Farouk, Deputy Director General and Regional Director (West & Central Region),
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, said that events like the Hospitality Education Expo
play a crucial role in nurturing skilled professionals committed to strengthening India’s tourism
ecosystem.
Shri Gavin Dias, General Manager (Marketing & IT), GTDC, also graced the occasion as Guest of
Honour.The award ceremony recognized students for their creativity, knowledge, and contributions
towards promoting domestic tourism under the Dekho Apna Desh initiative of the Ministry of
Tourism. Several students were felicitated for their outstanding performance and innovative
presentations.
The Expo provided a platform for students to interact with industry experts, explore emerging
trends, and gain insights into academic and professional pathways in hospitality, tourism, and
allied services. Informative sessions on flower arrangement, terrarium making, and towel art
were organized to familiarise students with practical learning components.
At the event, a detailed presentation was also conducted on National Council for Hotel
Management and Catering Technology, courses offered at IHM, Joint Entrance Examination, and
career opportunities in the hospitality industry.
The programme was attended by officials of the Ministry of Tourism, industry 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.
* * *
PIB Panaji | Riyas Babu/Darshana Rane
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