“Industrial Revolution 4.0 & Technology Interventions: Gearing up the T.E.D (Tourism, Experience, and Destination”

International Web Lecture Series in Tourism and Hospitality

“Industrial Revolution 4.0 & Technology Interventions: Gearing up the T.E.D (Tourism, Experience, and Destination”

The third lecture themed at “Industrial Revolution 4.0 & Technology Interventions: Gearing up the T.E.D (Tourism, Experience,  Destination” of International WEB Lecture Series in Tourism and Hospitality was delivered by Prof. Parikshat Singh Manhas, University of Jammu and Dr. Kandappan Balasubramanian, Associate Professor, School of Hospitality Tourism and event, Faculty of social Sciences & leisure Management (FSLM) Taylor’s University, Malaysia held on 29^th April, 2020 (Wednesday) at 1.00 pm (IST). There were 236 participants registered for this lecture including top academicians, students and research scholars of various countries like USA, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Philippines and Malaysia. This “International Web Lecture Series in Tourism and Hospitality” is an initiative taken by Prof. Parikshat Singh Manhas, University of Jammu along with Dr Ramjit, Deptt of Tourism Studies, Central University of Kashmir and Mr Nikhil Singh Chark, Assistant Professor, Ambedkar University, New Delhi, India.

Mr. Nikhil Singh Charak welcomed and introduced both the experts and coordinators from Indian and Malaysia. The proceedings of the session were initiated by Prof. Parikshat Singh Manhas by welcoming the co -speaker of the session, Dr. Jeetesh Kumar, all participants as well as coordinators of the event.

The first speaker of the lecture was Prof. Parikshat Singh Manhas, who shared his valuable thoughts with the participants on the theme of the topic he suggested the R.A.P (Reactive, Active and Proactive) model for the travel and tourism industry and explained in detail the R.A.P Model with regards to the technology and how it could be used during critical issues / pandemics like COVID-19. Further he also impressed upon the fact that the memorable and positive experience may be created and designed by the resilient leaders or professionals who have to take care of New Normals.  He talked about the fact that all the employees of Tourism and Hospitality industry have to be Resilient and have to take care of their teams and workplace.

He said that modern day employees have to motivate or inspire their colleagues and also deliver quality experiences and build trust amongst the customers etc. He also urged and advised all the employers / employees of various travel agencies and scholars & students of various institutes to be curious, self-motivated and try to learn new things on daily basis.

Dr. Kandappan Balasubramanian discussed about the transition of industrial revolution right from water/steam to artificial intelligence/ robot etc. He also supported his arguments with the r examples of the various initiatives taken by hotel Sheraton Chennai and many more in the industry. He also highlighted the importance of technological intervention and quoted various examples of the aviation sector. The expert further discussed about the severity of tourism, highlighted the critical issue of COVID-19 crisis and reflection. He suggested that there is going to be a shift towards digitalization especially with regards to the digital engagements and how all the prospective customers engage and may be based on the various travel and tourism products and services they consume. He also emphasised that the hospitality industry needs to follow new norms especially pertaining to hygiene and sanitation.

The session was followed by Q&A where in the speaker’s; Dr. Kandappan and Prof. Parikshat Singh Manhas responded and constructively answered the various queries of the participants. At the end of the session a detailed report as well as vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Ramjit, Coordinator and Sr. Assistant professor, Department of Tourism Studies, Central University of Kashmir and Coordinator of International Web Lecture Series.