The Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), in collaboration with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), organized a one-day seminar titled “Media Sensitization on Heritage and Tourism” at the IITTM campus in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, August 31, 2024. This specially curated event aimed to deepen the understanding of heritage and tourism among media professionals and to encourage the development of responsible reporting practices in these critical areas.
The seminar attracted a diverse group of participants, including journalists, editors, and media professionals from print, digital, and broadcast platforms. The event provided a valuable platform for these professionals to enhance their knowledge of heritage and tourism issues, fostering a more nuanced and informed approach to media coverage in these domains.
The seminar was inaugurated by a panel of distinguished guests who set the stage for a day of insightful discussions. Among the dignitaries were Nilambar Rath, CEO of OdishaLive; Tanaya Patnaik, Editor of Sambad and Kanak News; A.B. Tripathy, State Convener of INTACH; Anil Dhir, Convener of INTACH’s Bhubaneswar Chapter; Dr. Md. Sabir Hussain, Nodal Officer of IITTM Bhubaneswar; and Dr. Adyasha Das, Associate Professor and Co-Convenor of INTACH Bhubaneswar Chapter.
The opening speeches focused on the seminar’s theme, emphasizing the importance of media’s role in heritage conservation and sustainable tourism. Dr. Md. Sabir Hussain, in his address, highlighted the seminar’s objectives and the need for media to play a proactive role in promoting heritage and tourism. Dr. Adyasha Das spoke on the significance of developing content that not only showcases cultural attractions but also educates the public about the need for preservation.
The seminar was structured into seven interactive sessions, each led by eminent professionals and academics from various fields. These sessions provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between media, heritage, and tourism.
The seminar concluded with a valedictory session graced by Kedar Mishra, an eminent journalist and scholar. In his closing remarks, Mishra underscored the importance of the seminar in enhancing the media’s role in heritage conservation and tourism promotion. Certificates of participation were distributed to all attendees, marking the successful conclusion of the event.
The seminar was a significant step towards fostering a more informed and responsible media approach to heritage and tourism. It highlighted the critical role of media in not only reporting on these sectors but also in advocating for their preservation and sustainable development. By sensitizing media professionals to the intricate connections between heritage, culture, and tourism, the IITTM and INTACH have laid the groundwork for more thoughtful and impactful media coverage that can contribute positively to the conservation of India’s rich cultural heritage and the promotion of its diverse tourism offerings.
