Finding The Best Connection

The Head of School of Hospitality and Tourism, Bahra University, Shimla elaborates on closing the gaps between industry and academia…

 

- Parikshit Sharma

The prehistoric gypsies traversed continents in search of food and shelter and it took a lot of time to cross the geographic boundaries. However, with advancement in mode of transport, travelling now is fun, easier and affordable. Hotels came up with the search for the need of food and shelter which played a major role in the challenge for provision of safe and secure night stay. In the initial days, there were Inns, Hostelries, Taverns and the likes providing accommodation to the rich and poor alike on payment or on barter basis.

Industry – academia gap

The development of hotels witnessed a paradigm shift with the advancement in technology, the shrinking of the world travel time and promotions through the world of Information Technology. Virtual networks, the use of Artificial Intelligence and the self-operating kiosks all have brought the world of hospitality operations to a new rostrum.

However, with all these developments in the operations part, the academics has seen a left-out scenario. There has been a gap in the requirements of the industry and the education provided by the institutes. The reasons may vary -- financial inadequacy, technological weakness, shortage of competent industry -- ready academicians, lack of regular faculty recharge and training programs, listless curriculum and academic monologue and above all the meagre pay package for beginners who are serving the guest with smile though being emotionally and physically drained due to the long and tiresome shift hours.

What are the industry’s expectations?