BHU Hosts AI Certification Workshop by IATO Uttar Pradesh Chapter.
On March 30, 2026, the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) Uttar Pradesh Chapter, led by Chairman Prateek Hira, held a full-day certified workshop on AI Applications for Tourism Management at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus. Fifty IATO members attended.
Prof. Sushma Ghildiyal, Dean, Faculty of Arts, BHU, was the Chief Guest at the first session, while Pawas Parsoon, Assistant Director, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, was the Guest of Honour.
AI specialist Rocky Jagtiani led the session, which focused on real-world uses of AI in tourism, such as how it may improve operations, customer interaction, and company expansion.
Prof. Praveen Singh Tana oversaw the program on behalf of BHU. Prof. Jyoti Rohila Rana, Head of the Department of Tourism Studies, BHU; P. Vijay Sarthi, EC Member, IATO; and Subhash Kapoor, President of the Varanasi Tourism Guild, all awarded certificates of participation. Prateek Hira stated, “As technology continues to evolve, tourism professionals must understand and harness AI to remain relevant, competitive, and future-ready in an increasingly digital travel ecosystem.”
