Rishihood University Hosts Global Virtual Exchange to Discuss the Future of Hospitality Sector post COVID

New Delhi: Rishihood University and Gateway Education hosted an international virtual exchange today to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry and how hospitality education should respond to changes and innovation happening in the industry to prepare graduates to be successful in a post-pandemic workplace.

Titled “Preparing Graduates for Hospitality 2.0”, this was the first virtual event organized by the University located in Sonipat, Haryana. The event attracted strong interest from hospitality professionals, academicians, and students from around the world. It was attended by participants from India, United States, Nepal, Mauritius, and Ukraine using the Zoom video conferencing platform.

The session was moderated by Dr Rajan Makkar, Dean – School of Hospitality, Rishihood University. Professor Dipra Jha, Director of Global Engagement for the Hospitality and Tourism Management program, University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the United States; and Ms Natasha Mehta, General Manager of one of India’s most iconic hotels, The Oberoi, Mumbai were the speakers at the session.

Citing new protocols for safety, hygiene and sanitation as well as the emergence of contactless guest service, Ms Mehta urged hospitality schools to equip students with knowledge and skills relevant to the industry post-COVID-19. Professor Jha, a pioneer in virtual teaching and learning in hospitality shared examples of how curriculum needs to change. He discussed the best practices in online teaching and emphasized a mixed-methods instructional strategy anchored around active learning.

The Dean of the School of Hospitality at Rishihood University, Dr Rajan Makkar, said, “We aim to be a leader in hospitality education in India. This virtual exchange demonstrates the University’s capacity to deliver cutting-edge and impactful programmes, featuring prominent thought leaders in the industry. We have our capacities in place to attract a global audience and, we plan to host many more such events in the future to elevate the quality of teaching and research in India.”

The esteemed speakers assured the students aspiring to choose Hospitality as their profession that the industry shall bounce back soon and shall progress even better across the world. The session was an interactive one and the participants raised some interesting questions during the session.