Barcelona, Spain – May 2025 – In a remarkable initiative to elevate academic excellence and industry integration in hospitality and tourism education. Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism and a globally celebrated media and education personality, undertook a specialized research trip aboard the luxury cruise liner ‘Allure of the Seas’, traveling from Barcelona, Spain to key destinations in Italy.
The research voyage, supported by the Indo-Spain Film and Cultural Forum, was part of an academic endeavour to explore best practices in international cruise tourism, hospitality management, guest relations, and luxury travel experiences. Dr. Marwah immersed himself in onboard operations, service models, entertainment programs, culinary design, and sustainable practices — all with the vision of enriching the curriculum offered at AAFT.
“Cruise tourism represents one of the most dynamic and evolving sectors of the global hospitality industry. From culinary innovation to event management, sustainability to multicultural service standards — there is so much for our students to learn and adapt,” said Dr. Marwah. “My observations and learnings from this journey will directly benefit our students through updated modules, practical case studies, and real-world applications.”
The ‘Allure of the Seas’, one of the largest and most luxurious cruise ships in the world, served as a floating classroom for Dr. Marwah during the journey, offering an in-depth look at how global hospitality trends are being implemented at scale in a highly competitive and customer-centric environment.
Dr. Marwah’s presence on this academic expedition also enhanced the ongoing efforts of the Indo-Spain Film and Cultural Forum, of which he is a founding patron. The forum aims to deepen educational, artistic, and cultural ties between India and Spain. During his stay in Barcelona, Dr. Marwah also met with key stakeholders in the travel, hospitality, and creative sectors to explore new collaborations and student exchange programs.
This voyage marks a significant step in AAFT’s mission to align its pedagogy with international standards and expose its students to global hospitality trends. The insights gathered will not only enrich classroom learning but also prepare students for successful careers in luxury hospitality, cruise tourism, and global travel management.
