WGSHA Manipal Feb 5, 2022: This was the 6^th edition of faculty development program organized for the benefit of faculty members of WGSHA.  The objective of FDP programs is to benchmark our curriculum to make it contemporary, have a global presence and transform it in tune with the strategic vision of Manipal Academy of Higher Education. While attempting to “return to normal”, the objective of the program was to appraise ourselves with an understanding of the present happenings in the world of tourism and hospitality.  The resource person for the program was our own alumnus from 1^st course BHM, Mr Giju Varghese, Non-Executive Director at the Courier Guy, City of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa and Co-founder InAfrica Travel.

It was quite a revealing overview of a country which is lesser known to us. He shared his perspectives on Social, Technological, Economic, and Political (STEP) analysis of SA. He gave details of history of South Africa since 1990 and continued with 2010 Soccer World Cup which triggered the inbound tourism of SA. He also spoke about tourism trends worldwide providing data on international tourism growth. He touched upon democratization of SA and social differences that affected the social transformation of the country. He spoke about interesting aspects on brand based business, economic empowerment, BBBEE, growth of IT sector, economic changes, political changes since 1994 and emerging political parties in SA.

The event begun with an opening address by Chef K. Thirugnanasambantham, Principal, WGSHA. He shared his view points on organizing the FDP programs followed by introducing Mr. Varghese to the audience. The program was anchored by Dr Vidya Patwardhan, Professor, CHTR, WGSHA. The program was concluded with vote of thanks by the anchor.  52 faculty members of WGSHA attended the program and the program was also live telecasted in YouTube.