IUBAT marks World Tourism Day with discussion on AI and sustainable tourism
The College of Tourism and Hospitality Management at the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) marked World Tourism Day 2026 with a rally, a campus-cleaning campaign, and a roundtable discussion on the role of artificial intelligence and digital innovation in tourism.
The events were held on 27 September, 2026 under the theme "Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism", bringing together academics and representatives of the tourism and hospitality industry, according to the press release.
The celebrations began with a rally and cleaning campaign on the Iubat campus. Students participated in large numbers, demonstrating their commitment to environmental awareness and sustainable tourism practices that respect communities and destinations.
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The day's main event was a roundtable designed to facilitate a structured dialogue among leaders from academia and industry.
The panelists included IUBAT Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Abdur Rab; Treasurer and Director of Administration Professor Selina Nargis; and College of Tourism and Hospitality Management Chairman Dr Mohammad Badruddoza Talukder.
Industry representatives on the panel included Hyatt Place Dhaka Uttara General Manager T Kevin McIntyre; Turkish Airlines Dhaka General Manager Islam Gure; and Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport Cluster Director of Culinary Romano Kreutz.
Also participating were Nazmul Huda, cluster director of human resources at Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport and InterContinental Dhaka Airport; Saiful Alam, associate director of sales at InterContinental Dhaka; and Md Farhad Hossain Mozumder, manager of sales and marketing at Hyatt Place Dhaka Uttara.
They were joined by alumni of the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, who now hold leadership positions in the hospitality industry, as well as academic experts from IUBAT.
The discussion explored how artificial intelligence and digital innovation can help build smarter, more inclusive, and more sustainable tourism.
Panelists shared insights into how AI can strengthen decision-making, develop the skills of the tourism and hospitality workforce, and transform how visitors experience destinations and how stakeholders manage them.
The discussion also emphasised the importance of close collaboration between universities and industry to prepare graduates for a rapidly changing, technology-driven sector.
The programme concluded with participants expressing a shared commitment to working together towards a sustainable, inclusive and responsible future for global tourism.
