25/09/2026
World Tourism Awards 2026 – IITTM Bhubaneswar
IITTM Bhubaneswar organised the World Tourism Awards 2026 on 25 September 2026 as part of its World Tourism Day celebrations. The awards recognize and encourage excellence, innovation, social responsibility and meaningful contributions to tourism and society.
The programme commenced with the welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) Md. Sabir Hussain, Nodal Officer & Centre Head, who also spoke on the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”
Dr. Banalata Rath, Chief Guest, emphasized an inclusive and multifaceted approach to tourism development, while Shri Dillip Kumar Biswal, Guest of Honour, highlighted the importance of integrating culture, music and dance into tourism education.
Prof. Adyasha Das, Programme Coordinator, presented the Institute’s new initiatives and the week-long World Tourism Day activities.
Awardees 2026:
Eco-tourism: Smt. Anshu Pragyan Das, DFO, Hirakud Wildlife Division
Tourism: Er. Goutam Swain, Travel Influencer & Responsible Tourism Practitioner
Culture & Heritage: Shri Arjun Pal, National Merit Awardee (Handloom)
Innovative Entrepreneurship: Smt. Tithi Pattnaik
Tourism Excellence – Alumni: Shri Sarangi Smarak Mishra
In-house Work – MTS: Shri Goutam Charan Mallik (A), IITTM Bhubaneswar
The programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks by Mrs. Sareeta Pradhan, Assistant Professor.
The ceremony reaffirmed IITTM Bhubaneswar’s commitment to responsible, inclusive, innovative and culturally enriched tourism.
Iittm Headquarter Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management Iittm Bhubaneswar