NOIDA: ICMEI, in association with AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism, successfully organized ELEVATE 2026, a prestigious Tourism Summit at Marwah Studios, Film City Noida, bringing together some of the most respected veterans and leaders of the tourism industry. The summit emerged as a significant platform for discussing the immense potential, emerging trends, and future opportunities in the tourism sector in India and across the globe.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from tourism professionals, entrepreneurs, academicians, and students who benefited from the vast experience and expertise of renowned speakers representing different segments of the travel and tourism industry.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Subhash Goyal, one of the tallest figures in the Indian tourism industry and Chairman of STIC Travel Group, spoke about the remarkable growth of tourism in India and emphasized the need for innovative tourism products, international collaborations, and sustainable development. He highlighted India’s immense potential to become one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.
Ravi Gosain, President of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), shared valuable insights on the changing dynamics of global travel and the increasing importance of experiential tourism. He stressed the need for strong industry partnerships and skilled professionals to support the sector’s continued growth.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajan Sehgal, Chairman of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), underlined the critical role of travel agents and tourism professionals in promoting destinations and creating memorable travel experiences. He encouraged young professionals to embrace innovation and technology to stay competitive in the evolving marketplace.
Dr. Latika Nath, noted Tourism Designer, conservationist, and hotelier, highlighted the significance of responsible tourism, eco-tourism, and heritage preservation. She emphasized that tourism must contribute positively to local communities while protecting natural and cultural resources for future generations.
Anil Sharma of GNN Prakashan spoke about the growing role of media and publications in promoting tourism destinations and creating awareness about India’s rich cultural and heritage assets. He called for stronger collaboration between the tourism and media sectors to enhance destination marketing.
Welcoming the distinguished guests, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of ICMEI and AAFT, said, “Tourism is one of the strongest instruments for economic growth, cultural exchange, and global understanding. Through ELEVATE 2026, we aim to connect academia with industry and provide young professionals with direct access to the knowledge and experiences of tourism leaders. India has tremendous tourism potential, and it is our collective responsibility to position the country as a preferred global destination.”
Dr. Marwah further emphasized the importance of education, innovation, and international cooperation in strengthening the tourism ecosystem and creating new opportunities for future generations.
The summit concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks by Dr. Himani Choudhary, Director, AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism, who expressed gratitude to all the speakers, industry leaders, delegates, faculty members, and students for their valuable participation and contribution to the success of the event.
ELEVATE 2026 once again reaffirmed ICMEI and AAFT’s commitment to promoting excellence in tourism education, fostering industry-academia collaboration, and creating meaningful platforms for dialogue, learning, and professional growth. The summit left participants inspired and better prepared to contribute to the future of the global tourism industry.
