Avahan: A Journal on Hospitalty and Tourism

Sherry Abraham ¹, C. Rajesh Kumar ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Tourism Studies, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, IN
2 SYNA International Academy of Hotel & Tourism Management, Jhinjhari, Madhya Pradesh, IN

Abstract

This paper explores the impact of introducing tourism as a subject for young students at the primary school level. Currently, tourism is taught only at undergraduate and higher levels. The current educational system is unable to counter many of the challenges that the Indian tourism sector currently suffers from. These include the perception of India as a dirty, unhygienic, unsafe, crime ridden place that deters many tourists from visiting the country. This is a tragedy as India has the potential of becoming a tourist destination with 'something for everybody'. The researcher interviewed 100 professors of tourism; most of them agreed that tourism ought to be introduced to primary school students. It was found that the most important impact of such education would be to instill a sense of pride in young children about their country, its history, culture and heritage. From this sense of pride would follow a change in attitude and behaviour. Young people will grow up to be agents of change in society and in the country, who act as advocates of responsible behavior towards the cultural monuments of the country and towards tourists. In the long term, there will be sufficient critical mass of more enlightened young men and women in the country which will lead to a solution to many of the problems confronting the tourism industry today.

Keywords

Tourism, Primary Education, Attitude, Responsible Behavior.

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Sherry Abraham ¹, C. Rajesh Kumar ²

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Tourism Studies, School of Management, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry - 605014, IN
2 SYNA International College of Management Studies, Jhinjhari, Katni - 483501, Madhya Pradesh, IN

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to understand how to improve the employability of hospitality management students in India. Whilst there is huge demand for quality manpower, most of the students graduating from hospitality management institutes do no possess the requisite skill sets. There are several skills that are specifically required in the hospitality sector. These include competencies in the four main broad functions that define hospitality management including food production, food & beverages, front office and housekeeping. Other competencies include fluency in English, the ability to think logically and the orientation towards quality and people management. In addition there are soft skills such as impeccable grooming, the ability to speak English, communication, problem solving, planning and organizing and self-management skills. The hospitality sector is best suited for individuals who like working with people, who are extroverted and who have specific levels of knowledge, behavioral skills and personality traits in India. A lack or a gap in any of these skills and competencies leads to a situation where there are unfilled vacancies on the one hand and unemployable young persons on the other. In addition, hiring of persons without the requisite skills is risky as the competitiveness of a hospitality chain is dependent on the ability of its staff to deliver exemplary customer service. This ability in turn depends on the level of skills and training provided to the staff. The primary data collection tool is a questionnaire administered to 100 respondents from hospitality management institutes in India. It was found that there is overwhelming focus on technical skills only. Even here, the training touches only on the basics of the four hospitality verticals. There is little or no focus on new emerging fields, personality development, soft skill training. Even the selection processes were found to be faulty with scanty preparation being given for interview selection. In light of these findings, suitable recommendations have been made. This research would have served its purpose if, hospitality management institutes in India use its findings to upgrade their curriculum and prepare job-ready hospitality professionals.

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C. Rajesh Kumar ¹

Affiliations
1 SYNA International College of Management Studies, (Affiliated to Rani Durgawati University, Jabalpur), Jhinjhari, Katni-483 501, Madhya Pradesh, IN

Abstract

With its rich artistic and historical heritage, cultural tourism has always been India's biggest attraction. Even today, with many forms of tourism becoming popular in the country, it is to sample and experience Indian culture that foreign tourists mainly visit the country. It may therefore be inferred here that Indian culture is the lever which has to be used to increase tourist footfalls. This is particularly pertinent, given that currently foreign tourist footfalls in India are less than those of smaller countries like Singapore and Thailand. Obviously there are significant challenges which pre-empts India from leveraging its culture to draw in more tourists. The main purpose of this paper is to understand what these challenges are and what must be done in order to counter them. The quantitative technique was used in this research using secondary and primary data. The secondary data confirms that its culture is indeed India's biggest attraction. Its magnificent monuments, sites of both historic and religious significance, its cuisine and diverse forms of dance, music and handicrafts all combine to offer a unique cultural experience. The primary data revealed the main detractors from this culture include the rampant commercialization of tourist sites, very poor maintenance of monuments, the lack of basic facilities at these sites, unhygienic environment, boorish behaviour of the local inhabitants and the perception of threat to personal safety and security.

On the basis of these findings, this research also makes recommendations which are summarized in the conclusion chapter. If this paper serves to alert the tourism department of the great potential of India's unique culture in attracting tourists to the country and what needs to be done to counter the numerous challenges that detract from its allure, this paper would have served its purpose.

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