Himachal: CUHP, HPTDC ink pact to boost tourism training

The Central University of Himachal Pradesh (CUHP) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) to jointly organise training programs aimed at enhancing the skills of tourism sector employees.

The MoU, signed at the Vice Chancellor’s Secretariat, outlines cooperation in implementing skill development and manpower development programmes for HPTDC staff. The partnership will also allow CUHP’s MBA (Tourism) students to intern in HPTDC hotels, gaining practical exposure to hospitality operations and marketing.

Present at the signing were CUHP Vice-Chancellor Prof Sat Prakash Bansal, Registrar Prof Narendra Sankhyan, Dean Academics Prof Pradeep Kumar, Director of Tourism Prof Sandeep Kulshrestha, along with HPTDC MD Rajeev Kumar and other senior tourism, including Kailash Thakur, AGM.

Prof Bansal expressed enthusiasm over the collaboration, noting that university guests staying in HPTDC hotels will benefit from discounted accommodation and meals under the new agreement. He also highlighted that the CUHP will launch a hotel management course this academic session, with practical training to be provided at HPTDC’s training centre in Khaniyara.

The MoU also includes provisions for developing detailed project reports (DPRs) and launching tourist guide training programs. HPTDC MD Rajeev Kumar said coordination with the State Tourism Department will ensure smooth licensing for guide certifications praising the partnership as a major step forward toward strengthening the tourism ecosystem in the state.

This academic-industry collaboration is expected to boost skill development and enrich tourism education in Himachal Pradesh falling in line with the New Education Policy-2020.