About ICOHOST
The International Conference on Hospitality & Tourism (ICOHOST) was initiated by the School of Hospitality in 2016 as a platform for researchers, academicians, and industry professionals to exchange ideas and explore advancements in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Since its inception, ICOHOST has played a significant role in shaping discussions around contemporary challenges and future directions in these industries.
The first ICOHOST (2016), was held with the theme “Contemporary Practices, Trends, and Innovations in Hospitality and Tourism” on November 12, 2016. The event was attended by 115 delegates and 15 resource persons, featuring 30 research paper presentations across three technical sessions. The conference proceedings included a souvenir and a book release, marking a milestone in hospitality research.
Following this success, the second ICOHOST (2019) was organized in collaboration with the Indian Tourism and Hospitality Congress (ITHC) on April 27, 2019, under the theme “Advancements in Hospitality and Tourism Industry: A Way Ahead.” This edition received 118 abstracts, with 72 research papers presented and 61 papers published in UGC-approved journals.
The third ICOHOST (2020), held virtually on November 7, 2021, focused on “Hospitality and Tourism Industry: A Better Future for All.” A total of 158 abstracts were submitted, with 82 research papers presented and 57 papers published in a UGC-approved journal.
The fourth ICOHOST (2021) was conducted in hybrid mode on November 27, 2021, under the theme “Hospitality & Technology: Collaborating for Synchronized Growth.” It featured 53 abstracts and 42 research papers, with a dedicated conference proceedings publication.
Continuing its legacy, the fifth ICOHOST (2023) was organized on February 11, 2023, under the theme “Rethinking Tourism: Reshaping the Future of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry.” This edition provided a dynamic platform for researchers to discuss emerging trends and transformative strategies in tourism and hospitality. A total of 30 research papers were published, reflecting diverse perspectives on the sector’s evolving landscape.
The sixth ICOHOST (2024) took place on April 4-5, 2024, furthering discussions on pressing industry concerns.
The ICOHOST 2025: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Marketing in Hospitality and Tourism
The upcoming seventh ICOHOST (2025) aims to delve into the theme “Sustainable Marketing Strategies in Hospitality and Tourism: Integrating Cultural, Economic, and Environmental Perspectives in India.” This edition will focus on sustainability-driven marketing approaches that align with global trends while addressing India’s unique cultural and economic landscape. By bringing together industry leaders, academicians, and policymakers, ICOHOST 2025 will facilitate meaningful discussions on responsible tourism practices, eco-friendly marketing strategies, and the role of technology in sustainable hospitality. The conference will serve as a platform for ground-breaking research, insightful keynote sessions, and collaborative networking, driving a forward-thinking vision for the hospitality and tourism sectors in India and beyond.
Introduction And CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of the conference is to explore sustainable marketing practices within the industry while emphasizing the cultural, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable tourism in India. This conference will serve as a platform for global scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to share insights, present research findings, and discuss best practices in sustainable tourism development.
By integrating insights from experts across academia and industry, this conference aims to bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical implementations of sustainability in tourism. Additionally, the event seeks to provide policymakers with tangible recommendations for fostering long-term sustainability in tourism and hospitality.
The conference will also serve as an incubator for innovative marketing strategies and business models that promote sustainability, ensuring the resilience and prosperity of tourism in India while maintaining ecological integrity and cultural heritage. By fostering dialogue among stakeholders, this event will help generate new opportunities for sustainable economic growth and responsible tourism policies at regional, national, and global levels.
Conference THEMES AND SUBTHEMES
The overarching theme of the conference is “Sustainable Marketing Practices in Hospitality and Tourism: Fostering Responsible Tourism in India and Beyond”. The conference will cover, but is not limited to, the following subthemes:
- Integrating green marketing principles to promote eco-conscious tourism.
- Digital innovation and the evolution of sustainability-driven marketing in hospitality.
- The transformative role of social media in shaping responsible travel behaviors.
- Strategic branding and market positioning of sustainable tourism destinations.
- Ethical consumerism and its influence on sustainable tourism choices.
- Technological interventions enhancing sustainable marketing in tourism.
- Preserving cultural heritage through responsible tourism initiatives.
- Community-driven tourism models fostering local economic and social empowerment.
- Indigenous tourism: authenticity, commercialization, and sustainability challenges.
- Sustainable event tourism: balancing cultural celebration with environmental responsibility.
- The impact of cross-cultural interactions on sustainable tourism development.
- Addressing the paradox of tourism growth and cultural preservation.
- Entrepreneurship and innovation in sustainable tourism enterprises.
- Evaluating the economic footprint of sustainable tourism in India.
- Strengthening public-private collaborations for sustainable tourism development.
- Evolving business models that drive long-term sustainability in hospitality.
- Navigating economic recovery and adaptation strategies in a post-pandemic tourism landscape.
- Ethical investment frameworks and sustainable financing for tourism ventures.
- Climate resilience and adaptation strategies in the tourism sector.
- Implementing zero-waste and circular economy principles in hospitality operations.
- Ecotourism as a catalyst for biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.
- The role of certifications and sustainable accreditation in shaping eco-friendly hospitality standards.
- Innovations in sustainable infrastructure and environmentally responsible accommodations.
- Integrating water, energy, and resource conservation strategies into tourism business practices.
- Global and national policy imperatives for advancing sustainable tourism.
- The role of local governance and tourism boards in implementing sustainability policies.
- Ethical frameworks guiding responsible tourism governance and industry practices.
- Strategic urban and rural tourism planning for sustainable destination management.
- Strengthening international collaborations to foster sustainability in global tourism.
- Legislative and regulatory mechanisms for environmental conservation in tourism.
These themes will serve as a guiding framework, but submissions beyond these topics will also
be considered.
Expected OUTCOMES AND BENEFITS
- Strengthened academia-industry collaboration in sustainable tourism
- Enhanced research visibility and citations for contributing authors
- Policy recommendations for sustainable tourism development in India
- Networking opportunities among international scholars and industry leaders
- Development of a strategic roadmap for implementing sustainable marketing practices
- Increased awareness and adoption of sustainability initiatives in the tourism sector
- Capacity building for students and early-career researchers through expert guidance and mentorship
| When | Where | How |
|---|---|---|
| 27th September 2025 | GNA University, Phagwara, Punjab | Offline Mode only |
| S. No. | Title | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abstract Submission Deadline | 20th August 2025 |
| 2 | Abstract Acceptance Notification | 10th August 2025 |
| 3 | Full Paper Submission | 10th September 2025 |
| 4 | Decision on Full Paper | 20th September 2025 |
| 5 | Registrations Start Date | 1st September 2025 |
| 6 | Last Date of Registration | 25th September 2025 |
| Chief Patron | S. Gursaran Singh | Chairman Emeritus, GNA University |
| Patron | S. Gurdeep Singh Seehra | Chancellor, GNA University |
| Co-Patron | Dr. Hemant Sharma | Vice Chancellor, GNA University |
| Pro-Patron | Dr. Monika Hanspal | Dean Academic Affairs, GNA University |
| Conference Chairman | Dr. Deepak Kumar | Professor and Dean–SOH, GNA University |
| Conference Convener | Dr.Sonu | Associate Professor Cum HOD – SOH, GNA University |
| Co- Convener | Dr.NeerajPuri | Associate Professor cum Assistant Dean Research & Development Cell |
| Organizing Secretary | Dr.Ishan Bakshi | Assistant Professor – SOH, GNA University |
| Organizing Committee Member | Dr.Sumant Sharma | Assistant Professor – SOH, GNA University |
| Organizing Committee Member | Dr.Adorn Verma | Assistant Professor – SOH, GNA University |
| Organizing Committee Member | Dr.Ishan Bakshi | Assistant Professor – SOH, GNA University |
| Organizing Committee Member | Mr. Sorab | Assistant Professor – SOH, GNA University |
| Organizing Committee Member | Ms. Rajni Devi | Assistant Professor – SOH, GNA University |
| Organizing Committee Member | Dr. Prince Verma | Assistant Professor – SOH, GNA University |
| Organizing Committee Member | Mr. Bhupinder Singh | Assistant Professor – SOH, GNA University |
| Organizing Committee Member | Mr. Paramjit Singh | Assistant Professor – SOH, GNA University |
| Organizing Committee Member | Mr. Manish | Senior Lab Instructor- SOH, GNA University |
Contact Details
| Phone | |
|---|---|
| icohost@gnauniversity.edu.in | +91-9056165199 |
