The Department of BBA (Aviation and Hospitality) at Kuniya College of Arts and Science organized a vibrant educational and recreational tour to Lonavala, Matheran and Mumbai, aiming to extend learning far beyond the confines of the classroom. Designed for second-year students, the journey provided immersive exposure to multiple facets of tourism and hospitality management through real-world applications and hands-on experiences.
The tour commenced with a visit to Wet n Joy Water Park in Lonavala, where students delved into the inner workings of theme park operations. They observed safety procedures, customer service models and crowd management techniques core elements of hospitality and amusement tourism. A visit to the ancient Bhaje Caves followed, offering a profound understanding of heritage tourism and the significance of conserving cultural landmarks. At Mapro Garden, students explored agritourism through the lens of local entrepreneurship, while an evening stop at Khandala’s Monkey Point emphasized the relevance of nature tourism and ecological responsibility.
A highlight of the journey was the scenic ride on the historic Matheran Toy Train. As a model of heritage railway tourism, it allowed students to observe how traditional transport systems contribute to sustainable tourism. The group later visited the Gorai Pagoda, where they gained insights into spiritual tourism, reflecting on its cultural and emotional value to travellers.
In Mumbai, students embarked on a guided city tour led by a local expert. This experience exposed them to the dynamics of urban tourism, including infrastructure management, tourist inflow handling and the balance between development and sustainability. One of the significant academic stops in Mumbai was the Hall of Aviation and Space Museum where students gained a deeper understanding of the evolution of air and space travel. The exhibits offered valuable context on aviation history, aircraft technology and the role of innovation in the future of travel directly connecting with their academic specialization.
The tour concluded with a visit to a major shopping mall, where students examined retail tourism, analysing consumer behaviour, brand strategies and mall management within a tourism context.
Beyond sightseeing, students were actively involved in organizing the trip from planning and budgeting to coordinating logistics. These responsibilities nurtured key professional skills such as leadership, collaboration and critical thinking, aligning perfectly with the program’s emphasis on practical learning. The tour was thoughtfully guided by faculty members Dr. Joby George and Ms. Aida Augustine, whose support ensured a smooth and impactful experience.
This educational journey stands as a testament to the department’s commitment to experiential learning. By integrating academic concepts with real-world scenarios. It offered students a deeper appreciation for the tourism and hospitality industry strengthening their foundation for future success in this dynamic field.
