SHILLONG: Chief Minister, Dr Mukul M Sangma on Thursday inaugurated the Department of Tourism and Travel Management in Lady Keane College here.
Speaking to the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the new Department of Tourism & Travel Management would bring in transformative changes in the years to come. He said that this would also generate optimism and hope among the youth and effectively contribute to the growth and prosperity of the state.
He also added that Tourism was the most inclusive sector that could blend with other sectors to create opportunities and products. The Chief Minister further stated that Education and Tourism were the most viable and sustainable sectors and that there was a need to promote entrepreneurial courses among the students.
“The educational system that we have built is not in sync with the aspirations of the youth who want to become entrepreneurs and there is a need to shift from the conventional courses of education to be able to respond to the higher dreams and aspirations of the new generation,” he said.
Dr Sangma also said that the courses in colleges should mould and equip the students to become job providers not job seekers. The Chief Minister added that the potentials in our backyard should be leveraged upon to create high end and exclusive products. He also said that education and health sectors blended with tourism could be game a changer for the state. Dr Sangma also said education could create opportunities and also brand build the state as destination for education.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Principal, Dr C Massar informed that the college had certificate and diploma courses in Tourism since 2008 and the Degree Course is being introduced from this year with the objective of connecting rural with urban education.
Giving a glimpse of the department, M O Rynjah said that the course was affiliated to NEHU providing professional aids in specific subjects. He further informed skills-based development, employment oriented courses, field trips, lectures from experts, 6 months intensive industry training and performance-based placements would be provided under the course.