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.
