The Maestros of Travel: SETU's New Advisory Board Redefines Tourism's Future

You know, there's always been this nagging question, hasn't there? How do we truly prepare the next generation for an industry that moves as fast, as dynamically, as tourism?

Well, it seems SETU, that's the School of Entrepreneurship, Technology and Urban Management, has decided to tackle that head-on. They've just unveiled something rather exciting: a brand-new Tourism Advisory Board, and honestly, it feels like a real game-changer.

Think of it this way: what if the very people leading today's most successful hotels and hospitality ventures could directly shape tomorrow's curriculum? And, I mean, truly shape it, not just offer a cursory glance. That's precisely the ambition here.

The goal, you could say, is brilliantly simple yet profoundly impactful: to forge an unshakeable bridge between the lecture hall and the bustling realities of the tourism sector. No more theoretical silos, no more 'learning in a vacuum' – just genuine, industry-aligned preparation.

And who, you might ask, are the titans stepping up to the plate? Well, the roster is, frankly, impressive. We're talking about folks like Ritesh C. Sharma, the COO of The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru, a name synonymous with luxury and operational excellence. Then there’s Valsa Thomas, the Vice President at Brigade Hospitality, and honestly, her insights into integrated hospitality solutions are invaluable.

Shwetank Singh, a Partner at Lighthouse Hotel Management, brings a keen strategic eye to the table, while Ranjit Phillip, Director at Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, adds a wealth of experience from a major hotel chain. And let's not forget Santhosh Kutty, CEO of Leisure & Lifestyle at Brigade Enterprises Ltd. – a real visionary in diverse leisure offerings.

This isn't just a collection of big names, mind you. Oh no. This is a strategic assembly of minds, each bringing a unique perspective on what it genuinely takes to thrive in this vibrant, often challenging, industry. Their mission? To inject real-world relevance into every course, every module, ensuring SETU’s students aren't just educated, but truly job-ready, equipped not just with knowledge but with practical acumen.

For once, the chatter about bridging the 'industry-academia gap' feels tangible, doesn't it? This board is poised to advise on everything from cutting-edge curriculum design to the nuances of skill development that the market actually demands. They'll be championing innovation, promoting experiential learning, and – this is key – ensuring the curriculum remains agile enough to adapt to emerging trends, be they sustainability, digital transformation, or the ever-shifting landscape of experiential travel.

Ultimately, SETU’s vision, led by this exceptional board, is clear: to cultivate a cohort of tourism professionals who are not only competent but also deeply passionate and incredibly adaptable. It's about crafting future leaders, yes, but also about fostering individuals who understand the heart and soul of travel.

So, if you ask me, this isn't just another advisory board. It's a genuine commitment. A bold step. And perhaps, just perhaps, the blueprint for how tourism education should genuinely be done moving forward. The future of travel, it seems, is being shaped right now, in the thoughtful discussions and visionary plans of this remarkable group.