Theme: Tourism and Sustainable Transformation
Dates: 25th – 27th September 2025
Organized by: Department of Travel & Tourism, Vishwakarma University, Pune
In Collaboration with: Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
1. Introduction
World Tourism Day (WTD) is celebrated annually on 27th September to foster awareness about
the role of tourism within the international community and its impact on social, cultural, political,
and economic values. This year’s global theme declared by UNWTO was “Tourism and
Sustainable Transformation ”
The Department of Travel & Tourism, Vishwakarma University, celebrated this occasion as a
three-day commemorative event with a series of engaging, interactive, and impactful activities
designed to promote sustainable and responsible tourism among students and stakeholders in
collaboration with Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
2. Objectives of the Event
• To create awareness about sustainable tourism practices.
• To engage students in innovative competitions highlighting tourism and environment.
• To encourage creative expression through digital media and debates.
• To promote green action through tree plantation.
• To strengthen collaboration with industry experts and tourism stakeholders.
3. Event Schedule & Activities
Day 1: 25th September 2025
Sessions by Guest Speakers & Sustainable Travel Hackathon
• Inspiring sessions were conducted by industry experts on sustainable tourism.
• A Sustainable Travel Hackathon challenged student teams to present 5-minute pitches
on designing a sustainable weekend travel itinerary.
• Criteria included: zero-waste packing, eco-stays, local food, and public transport.
• Jury Members: Ms. Payal Durve (Coordinator, Western Routes) and Dr aarti
Suryawanshi .
• Outcome: Students showcased innovative, practical, and eco-friendly itineraries,
reflecting their awareness and creativity.
Reel Making Competition
• Students submitted short reels on themes such as Sustainable Tourism, Hidden Heritage,
and Green Corners of their City.
• Jury Member: Mr. Prajwal Kale (Founder, TourPic).
• Outcome: The reels captured strong visual messages on sustainability and cultural
preservation.
Day 2: 26th September 2025
Debate Competition
• Topic: “Is Tourism a Luxury or a necessity in the present world ”
• Students actively participated, presenting arguments for both perspectives.
• Outcome: The debate enhanced critical thinking, research, and presentation skills,
fostering awareness about tourism’s dual impacts.
Photography Competition
• Theme: “Greener frames for Tomorrow”
• Students presented photographs highlighting eco-friendly practices, wildlife, and
responsible travel.
• Outcome: The event combined creativity with awareness-building, encouraging visual
storytelling.
Sustainability Wall – Interactive Pledge Board
• Students wrote pledges, quotes, and doodles on “How can tourism protect the planet?”
• Outcome: A vibrant, collaborative wall of commitments was created as a visual reminder
of collective responsibility.
Day 3: 27th September 2025
Visit to Raigad Fort and community engagement
4. Outcomes of the Event
• Enhanced student awareness and engagement with sustainable tourism concepts.
• Strengthened linkages between academia and industry experts through jury and guest
sessions.
• Promoted creative expression via reels, photography, and debate.
• Created a tangible environmental impact through tree plantation.
• Fostered a sense of responsibility and commitment towards the environment among
participants.
List of Winners
Sustainable Travel Hackathon Competition
Participants
1) Pournima Balerao [Vishwakarma University Pune]
2) Anushka Hinge [Vishwakarma University Pune]
3) Vaishnavi Patil [Vishwakarma University Pune]
4) Prajwal Balpande [Vishwakarma University Pune]
5) Rishi Venkat [Vishwakarma University Pune]
6) Rashida Teliya [Vishwakarma University Pune]
7) Ruth Chinyama [Vishwakarma University Pune]
Winners
1st- Anushka Hinge & Vaishnavi Patil
2nd- Ruth Chinyama & Rishi Venkat
Reel Making
Participants
1) Bhakti Chavan [Zeal College]
2) Vishi Jain [Vishwakarma University Pune]
3) Kartiki Dudhgaonkar [Vishwakarma University Pune]
4) Prajwal Balpande [Vishwakarma University Pune]
Winners
1st- Vishi Jain
2nd - Kartiki Dudhgaonkar & Bhakti Chavan
Debate Competition
Participants
1) Shewta Soibam[Vishwakarma University Pune]
2) Tawanda Anthony Ndoro [Vishwakarma University Pune]
3) Mercy Tatiana Magwaza[Vishwakarma University Pune]
4) Kartiki Dudhgaonkar [Vishwakarma University Pune]
5) Vishi Jain [Vishwakarma University Pune]
Winners
1st- Mercy Tatiana Magwaza
2nd - Shewta Soibam & Vishi Jain
Photography
1) Dilip Chaudhari [Vishwakarma University Pune]
2) Priyanka Chavan [Vishwakarma University Pune]
3) Mario Cetric Pimenta [Don Bosco college Panjim,Goa]
4) Prajwal Balpande [Vishwakarma University Pune]
5) Vishi Jain [Vishwakarma University Pune]
6) Kartiki Dudhgaonkar [Vishwakarma University Pune]
7) Ruth Chinyama [Vishwakarma University Pune]
8) Utkarsha Shinde [Vishwakarma University Pune]
Winners
1st- Ruth Chinyama
2nd- Prajwal Balpande & Priyanka Chavan
