Noida: Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Founder of Noida Film City and President of Marwah Studios and AAFT, highlighted the growth and expanding opportunities in hospitality and tourism during the World Tourism Day celebration organised by ICMEI and the AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism, in association with AHPWI, at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Marwah emphasised the sector’s potential to generate employment, strengthen cultural exchange, promote international understanding and contribute to economic growth. He described tourism as a powerful bridge connecting people, cultures and nations, while encouraging students to prepare for its opportunities through practical training, professional discipline and skill development.

A key focus of his address was Film and Cultural Tourism, which brings together cinema, creative experiences and cultural engagement to attract visitors and build lasting connections. Dr. Marwah explained how film studios and centres of artistic activity can become destinations for learning, inspiration and international exchange.

Highlighting the scale of this engagement, Dr. Marwah reported that Noida Film City had recorded a cumulative footfall of approximately 100 million over the past four decades under Film and Cultural Tourism. He further stated that Marwah Studios had welcomed more than three million visitors from 156 countries since its inception. He also spoke about the world-record recognition associated with Marwah Studios’ contribution to Film and Cultural Tourism.

Dr. Marwah observed that such engagement creates opportunities beyond filmmaking, supporting hospitality, travel, events, local businesses and creative education. He encouraged hospitality and tourism students to explore this intersection and develop experiences that showcase India’s artistic heritage and contemporary creative achievements.

The celebration reinforced the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and industry in preparing skilled professionals. Dr. Marwah reiterated the guiding philosophy of Marwah Studios and ICMEI—“Love, Peace and Unity Through Art and Culture”—and its relevance to tourism as a means of bringing the world closer together.