Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. GANDERBAL: Department of Tourism Studies (DTS), Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) celebrated the World Tourism Day-2026 on the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism” at the varsity’s Green Campus here on Monday.
In her welcome address, Coordinator, DTS, Dr. Shahnaz Akhter, emphasized upon how artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital tools are fundamentally reshaping, discovering destinations, managing environmental resources, and customizing the travel experiences. “AI can streamline travel, but the heart of tourism shall always remain human rooted in local workers, culture, and physical community connection,” she said.
In his remarks, Sr. Asst Prof. Dr. Ashaq Hussain Najar, highlighted the role of innovation that is open, inclusive and human-centred, using AI to improve services, empower tourism businesses, support emerging destinations and create new opportunities while ensuring that local communities and tourism workers benefit from the digital transformation.
In her keynote address (online), Director-School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Jammu, Prof. Suvidhha Khanna, focused on the growing role of technology in creating smarter, more personalized and accessible travel experiences.
“However, as AI transforms the tourism sector, the human touch remains at the heart of hospitality. Technology can simplify bookings, provide instant information, personalize recommendations and improve efficiency, but it cannot replace the warmth of a genuine welcome, local knowledge, cultural connection and personal interaction. The future of tourism lies in bringing these strengths together by using AI to enhance the journey while keeping people, communities and authentic human experiences at its centre,” she added.
Threadbare discussion and Q&A session on the theme was held in which faculty members and students participated. Dr. Faizan Ashraf Mir, Sr. Asst. Prof was present. The students later participated in photography and travel documentary competitions. The department is organising many events under the banner of World Tourism Day. Dr. Abid Suhail Nika, Asst. Prof moderated the session, while Dr. Adil Amin Nazki, Asst. Prof. proposed vote of thanks.