VR in Tourism Hackathon 2025 launched Delegation from academic institutions visits MANUU

Hyderabad:

Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) hosted a high-level delegation from Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (Latvia), Pondicherry University, and the National Institute of Tourism & Hospitality Management (NITHM) as part of a collaborative consortium working toward innovative applications of Virtual Reality (VR) in tourism education. The key theme of the visit was “VR in Tourism Hackathon 2025”, aimed at promoting emerging technologies in tourism learning and strengthening industry-academia linkages.

Later, the delegation also met Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan, Vice-Chancellor, MANUU, and held productive discussions on academic cooperation, strengthening national and international networks, and exploring opportunities offered under the NEP 2020. The Vice-Chancellor stressed the university’s readiness to foster dynamic partnerships in high-tech learning, skill development, and tourism innovation. The team also expressed immense appreciation for MANUU’s inclusive ethos, diverse student population, and multilingual environment.

Prof. Agita Livinia, Ms. MariteBalanuka, Dr. Arnis Cyrulus, Dr. Galina Bukovska, Dr. Edmund Jansons, Dr. Laurios Taube from Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences; Prof. Sampada Kumar Swain, Prof. Venkata Rao Y from Pondicherry University; Prof. Sibi, Prof. V. Venkata Ramana, and Dr. Yadagiri Nirudi from NITHM are the visiting consortium members

In her opening address, Ms. Galina Bukovska, representing Vidzeme University, emphasized the urgent need to shape the future of tourism education using technology-driven, sustainable models.

Prof. Arnis Cyrulus, Vidzeme University, encouraged students to engage creatively and collaboratively throughout the hackathon, highlighting that such platforms expand learners’ horizons and enable them to connect beyond borders.

Prof. Sibi reiterated the significance of inclusive tourism — ensuring that travel, culture, and recreation remain equitable and accessible for all.

With the Hackathon scheduled to progress over the coming sessions, participants are set to work on pioneering digital solutions that combine culture, technology, and inclusivity.