Overview
Nitte (Deemed-to-be University) has its roots in a group of Institutions established by the Nitte Education Trust. The Trust was established in 1979 by one of India’s respected Statesman, Late Justice KS Hegde, Supreme Court Judge and Speaker of Lok Sabha, with the mission of empowering rural youth through quality education and healthcare. The Trust has established 36 institutions spread in three campuses at Nitte, Mangalore and Bangalore. It offers education in diverse areas of learning including health professions education, engineering, management, humanities, general education, vocational training, and school/pre-university education.AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences (ABSMIDS), one of the colleges of the Nitte Education Trust, then affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, was declared to be a “Deemed to be University” by Ministry of Human Resource Development on 4th June 2008. In the subsequent year (2009) KS Hegde Medical Academy (KSHEMA), Nitte Gulabi Shetty Memorial Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (NGSMIPS), Nitte Usha Institute of Nursing Sciences (NUINS) and Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy (NIPT) also came under the ambit of the newly formed Deemed-to-be University. Nitte Institute of Communication (NICO) was established in 2012, Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research (NUCSER) in 2013 and Nitte Institute of Architecture (NIA) in 2015. In 2021, Nitte Institute of Speech and Hearing (NISH) became the most recent addition to the University.
The University offers a total of 160+ programs, in the disciplines of medicine, allied health sciences, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, physiotherapy, speech and audiology, biological sciences, media & communication and Architecture. It has 27,000 students, 5,500
+ faculty and 1 lakh alumni. The University campuses are spread over 52 acres in Deralakatte-Paneer areas of Mangalore. The University received A+ Grading in NAAC accreditation in 2021. The University is placed in the 501-550 Rank Band in the QS Rankings for Asia Region 2024. It has received Diamond rating in the QS I-Gauge India Ratings and has been ranked in the 601+ band in the Times
About NIHS
The Faculty of Hospitality at Nitte Institute of Hospitality Services is a dynamic hub of professional excellence, dedicated to shaping the future leaders of the hospitality industry. With a curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge and hands-on training, the faculty focuses on delivering a comprehensive learning experience in areas such as culinary arts, hotel operations, front office management, and customer service. Our experienced educators bring industry expertise into the classroom, ensuring students are well-prepared for global hospitality careers. State-of-the-art infrastructure, industry tie-ups, internships, and skill development programs enhance student employability. Emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and service excellence, the faculty nurtures creativity and professionalism in every student. Through workshops, guest lectures, and real-world exposure, we empower aspiring hospitality professionals to meet industry demands with confidence. The Faculty of Hospitality at Nitte stands as a center of excellence, fostering both academic growth and practical expertise in hospitality management.
CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES
- To explore the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and smart technologies in enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency in the hospitality industry.
- To examine how data-driven decision-making and predictive analytics are reshaping service personalization and customer relationship management.
- To analyze emerging trends in smart hospitality solutions, including IoT-enabled rooms, contactless services, and robotic process automation.
- To discuss the ethical implications, data privacy concerns, and workforce impact associated with AI implementation in hospitality services.
- To provide a collaborative platform for industry professionals, educators, and students to exchange insights, showcase innovations, and chart a strategic roadmap for AI-driven hospitality by 2026.
About NIRFHT2026
Nitte Institute of Hospitality Services proudly presents the inaugural edition of the NIHS Research Forum on Hospitality and Tourism (NIRFHT), scheduled to be held on January 23 & 24, 2026. With the visionary theme "FutureScape 2026: Empowering Hospitality Through AI and Smart Tech," this pioneering conference aims to bring together academicians, industry professionals, researchers, and students to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and smart technologies in the hospitality sector. NIRFHT 2026 will serve as a dynamic platform for sharing innovative ideas, showcasing research, and discussing emerging trends that redefine service excellence, guest engagement, and operational efficiency. The conference will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, paper presentations, and tech showcases, offering rich insights into the future of hospitality. As the hospitality landscape evolves, NIRFHT 2026 is committed to driving thought leadership and fostering collaboration for a smarter, more responsive, and technology-driven industry.NIRFHT2026
Theme: "FutureScape 2026: Empowering Hospitality Through AI and Smart Tech"
Date of Event: 23rd and 24th January 2026.
Conference Committee:
| Chief Patron | Mr. Vinaya Hegde | Chancellor, Nitte University |
| Patron | Mr.Vishal Hegde | Pro-Chancellor (Admin) Nitte University |
|
Co-Patron
Pro-Patron |
Prof. (Dr.) M S Moodithaya | Vice-Chancellor, Nitte University |
| Harsha Halahalli MD, PhD | Registrar, Nitte University | |
| Conference Chairman | Dr. Dhiraj Pathak | Principal - Nitte Institute of Hospitality Services, Nitte University and Dean – Faculty of Hospitality, Nitte (Deemed to be University) |
| Organizing Secretary | Dr. Nirupama | Assistant Professor – Nitte Institute of Hospitality Services, Nitte University |
|
Organizing Committee Members |
Mr. Amar Cherian | Associate Professor – Nitte Institute of Hospitality Services, Nitte University and Dean – T & P |
| Ms. Dhanya C Menon | Assistant Professor – Nitte Institute of Hospitality Services, Nitte University | |
| Mr. Donald James D’Souza | Assistant Professor – Nitte Institute of Hospitality Services, Nitte University | |
| Mr. Joel Ashwin Lobo | Assistant Professor – Nitte Institute of Hospitality Services, Nitte University | |
| Mr. | Assistant Professor – Nitte Institute of Hospitality Services, Nitte University |
Sub-Thematic Themes
Participants are invited to submit papers under (but not limited to) the following sub-themes:
Technology Integration & Innovation
- AI-Driven Personalization in Hospitality Services
- Smart Hotel Infrastructure: IoT and Automation in Guest Experience
- Robotics in Front Office, Housekeeping, and F&B Operations
- AR/VR for Immersive Tourism and Virtual Property Showcasing
- Blockchain Applications in Hospitality Transactions and Loyalty Programs
- Big Data Analytics for Customer Insights and Revenue Optimization
- Predictive Modelling and Machine Learning in Travel Forecasting
- AI for Dynamic Pricing and Inventory Management in Hotels
- Cybersecurity, Data Privacy, and Ethics in Smart Tourism Systems
- Chatbots and NLP: Transforming Guest Communication & Feedback Systems
- Green Tech Solutions: AI for Sustainable Hospitality Practices
- Tech for Waste Reduction and Energy Efficiency in Hotels
- Digital Tools for Climate-Responsive Tourism Planning
- Smart Supply Chains: AI-Enabled Green Procurement and Logistics
- AI and the Future of Hospitality Jobs: Threats or Transformation?
- Digital Upskilling and Tech-Driven Learning for Hospitality Professionals
- Guest Experience Design Using Human-Centered AI Approaches
- Emotional AI: Enhancing Empathy in Automated Hospitality Services Global Trends & Emerging Frontiers
- The Rise of Smart Cities and Their Influence on Tourism Behavior
- AI and Digital Tourism Policies: Opportunities, Risks, and Governance
Scope of the Conference
FutureScape 2026 aims to explore the intersection of hospitality, tourism, and cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, IoT, AR/VR, and robotics. This international forum invites academicians, industry professionals, researchers, and students to discuss, present, and collaborate on innovations shaping the future of guest experience, operations, and sustainability.
Important Dates:
Abstract Submission: 30th September 2025
Acceptance of Abstract : 10th October 2025
Submission of Manuscript: 30th November 2025
Review Decision on the Manuscript : 10th December 2025
Submission of Final Manuscript: 10th January 2026
ATTENDEES
The conference is aimed at providing a resource ground for the Intellectuals and Professionals in the field of Hospitality and Tourism. It welcomes for participation, all of the following: Academicians, Planners and Policy Makers, Hospitality and Travel Trade personalities and Entrepreneurs, Research Scholars, Students and all others interested in Hospitality and Tourism.
REGISTRATION FEES
| Category | Indian Delegates(Rs) | Foreign Delegates ( $) |
| Industry | 2500 | 200 |
| Academicians | 2500 | 200 |
| Research Scholars | 1500 | 150 |
| Students | 1000 | 100 |
SUBMISSION RULES AND PUBLICATION
Author(s) should submit their original unpublished work in the prescribed format for NIRFHT2026. All the selected research papers will get a chance to published in Web of Science Indexed Proceedings at an additional cost. Simultaneous submissions (papers already submitted to other conferences/journals) are not allowed.
Publication charges will be emailed separately as per the acceptance after peer-reviewed.
The submission should be strictly as per the recommended paper template which can be found at the end of this site. The decision regarding the acceptance of paper is at the direction of
Technical Program Committee.
The authors are requested to submit Abstract and full Manuscript at:
https://nitte.edu.in/nihs/NIRFHT.php
REGISTER AT
Payment Options:
1. Cash on Cash Counter at Nitte University, Deralakate, Mangalore.
2. Demand Draft (in favour of Nitte University)
3. NIFT/RTGS/UPI
Canara Bank
Mangalore Pumpwell Branch
SB a/c no. 110057352544
Accountholder name: Nitte Deemed To Be University
MICR code 575015020
RTGS/NEFT IFSC code: CNRB0001819
SWIFT code of Canara Bank is CNRBINBBBFD
INSTRUCTIONS TO AUTHOR
The NIRFHT2026 conference accepts unpublished, innovative and original research outcomes in English only. All the manuscripts are subject to be review by the reviewer and/or editorial board.
It is highly recommended that the manuscript must have a proofreading before submission i.e. grammar and spelling check. The discrepancy in the same may result in delay or rejection of the manuscript.
Note: The Editorial Board considers any concern rose against any article in process or published and shall take appropriate actions if any misconduct is being found.
MANUSCRIPT PREPARATION
- Author guidelines (download) and templates to prepare the final manuscript (link, download LaTex Package/Word Template)
- Information on third party material e.g. images taken from other sources, the web, etc. (link)
Contact Details:
Email : nirfht.nihs@nitte.edu.in
