University welcomes Indian delegation to sign partnership deal

The University of Wolverhampton has signed a partnership deal with an Indian hospitality and tourism congress to collaborate on joint-research projects around sustainability.  

Over 40 academics from the Indian Tourism and Hospitality Congress were welcomed to the University’s Lord Swarj Paul Business School on 3/4 October for a conference: Transforming Tourism and Hospitality Business: Embracing Technology and Sustainability.  

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed at the Lord Swarj Paul Business School to outline opportunities for collaboration in joint-research projects and courses as well as student exchange programmes.   

The delegation, including Vice-Chancellors, Deans and Professors from Universities in India, were able to learn about different practices in Business Management, Tourism and Hospitality, Education and Research at the conference.  

The signing of the MOU also outlined knowledge exchange opportunities and a focus on staff and student mobility.  

Professor Vijay Maharaj Reddy, Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “We were delighted to sign the MOU with the congress and the opportunities are significant. Both sides are strongly committed to realising the full potential of this collaborative relationship. 

“This MoU signifies a firm commitment from both institutions to work hand-in-hand in pursuit of academic excellence, research advancements, knowledge exchange and cultural enrichment.   

“This partnership is a bespoke one which we’ve been discussing with our contacts in India for quite some time. We’re very glad this has materialised and hope it makes an impact both in the UK and in India.”  

Professor Sat Prakash Bansal, Vice-Chancellor at Central University of Himachal Pradesh, said: “One of the objectives of the Indian Tourism & Hospitality Congress is to build international relationships outside of India. The UK is taking a lead in providing high-quality education and as a result of this we are looking forward to building relationships with the University of Wolverhampton.  

“The main purpose of the signing of the MOU is to collaborate in working on joint-research projects/journals and create a student exchange programme.”  

Professor Claire Schofield, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences, said: “We were delighted to welcome such prestigious delegates from India to the University. Part of the University’s 2035 strategy is about reaching out and building new partnerships and India is extremely important in that endeavour.  

“As we begin this exciting journey, we would like to say thank you to everyone who has made this collaboration a reality.”  

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