Two-Week Online Management Development Programme (MDP) for Ministry of Tourism Officials Concludes at NIWS–IITTM Goa

Executive Summary The Ministry of Tourism successfully concluded a two-week online Management Development Programme (MDP) for its officials on 17 August 2026. Hosted by the National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS) – IITTM, Goa, the program was designed to strengthen professional competencies and prepare officials for leadership roles. The curriculum focused on capacity building and contemporary tourism issues to enhance the Ministry's human resources.

Key Points / Main Content

Program Structure and Curriculum

• The intensive program consisted of 40 sessions held over a two-week period.
• Key topics included tourism management, leadership, governance, and contemporary challenges within the tourism sector.
• Participants engaged in active knowledge sharing by presenting seminar papers to promote research orientation and critical thinking.

Expert Participation

• Sessions were led by a diverse pool of experts, including academicians, industry specialists, and senior IAS officers.
• Instruction featured insights from senior IITTM faculty members and a Padma Shri awardee, providing a mix of academic and administrative perspectives.

Institutional Leadership and Coordination

• The program was coordinated under the leadership of Dr. Pawan Gupta (Nodal Officer, NIWS-IITTM Goa) along with Dr. Charu Sheela Yadav and Dr. Prasantha Udaykumar.
• The valedictory session was chaired by Ms. Lalthamibigai K., Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Tourism.
• Prof. Monika Prakash, Director (I/c) of IITTM, oversaw the successful completion of the initiative.

Program Objectives

• The primary goal was to equip officials with practical insights and new perspectives for higher responsibilities.
• The initiative reflects IITTM’s commitment to strengthening human resources for India’s tourism sector through continuous professional development.

Impact Analysis

Ministry of Tourism Officials (Participants) Impact Participants gained valuable exposure to expert administrative and industry perspectives, enhancing their professional competencies and leadership skills. Action Required Officials are expected to apply the practical insights and research-oriented thinking gained from the 40 sessions to their current leadership responsibilities and future career roles.

NIWS-IITTM, Goa (Organizing Institution) Impact The successful delivery of the MDP reinforces the institution's role as a key provider of capacity building and professional development for the tourism sector. Action Required The institution must maintain its commitment to human resource development by continuing to coordinate intensive training programs for government officials.

Ministry of Tourism (Government of India) Impact The Ministry benefits from a workforce that is better equipped to handle contemporary issues in tourism and governance. Action Required The Ministry should continue to emphasize and support continuous learning initiatives to ensure effective leadership and sector management.