Address supply shortages to meet growing demand in tourism sector: Tourism Additional Secretary

Travel

New Delhi [India], December 18 (ANI): Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism on Wednesday underscored the importance of addressing supply shortages to meet growing demand in tourism sector.

“While a burgeoning economy, rising incomes and growing aspirations have created an unprecedented demand for tourism, the problem is that the supply, in terms of number of hotels, tourist infrastructure etc, is not keeping pace with tourist demand,” said Suman Billa.

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He added that the challenge is to kickstart supply to take advantage of the window of opportunity in the sector.
Speaking during the session on Ease of Doing Business, at the 18th CII Annual Tourism Summit 2024 in New Delhi today, Billa enunciated a three-pronged strategy for the states to improve supply and create a flourishing tourism sector. He emphasised the Ministry of Finance and RBI should provide the infrastructure status to the sector which would offer credit at cost effective rates and with longer repayment period.He added that there is a need to rationalise development norms across states such as FSI etc.
Going further, he emphasised the need to facilitate ease of doing business by simplifying clearances and making them time bound.While international tourism is rising, it is well below domestic tourism and the challenge is to increase the footprint of international travellers who come for business, leisure and shopping, he added.
He stated that while Indian embassies have been given the mandate to promote India as a travel destination, a plan of action is required to make it a success.He also informed that infrastructure projects would be given to the states in the challenge mode and incentives would be based on investments made by the states.During the session, Anil Chadha, Chief Executive, ITC Hotels, felt that leisure tourism is the way forward for India. India’s story on food is amazing and every location is versatile in terms of food and language which should be built upon. Similarly, India has sufficient capacity in MICE tourism with world class facilities provided by conference centres such as yashobhoomi, Bharat Mandapam etc.
Ashmita Joshi, Head Public Policy-India & Southeast Asia, Airbnb India Pvt. Ltd. spoke extensively on homestays. She stated that homestay policy is presently restricted to six states and a policy which would provide a national framework on homestays is being worked upon in association with NITI Aayog. Goa is a model state for homestays, she averred. (ANI)This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

What books are Duluthians curling up with?

Arts & Culture, Books

DULUTH — It’s a geographically isolated tourist destination known for its fascinating maritime activity and epic winter weather, with a distinctive community culture and a great love of reading. That could describe Duluth, but it also fits the island nation of Iceland, and it’s not surprising that a literary celebration from the latter place has caught on in the former.Jolabokaflod is a holiday tradition dating back to World War II, when many commodities were rationed but paper remained widely available. A nationally distributed catalog highlights local publishers’ new offerings, many of which find their way under Icelandic Christmas trees and are read immediately.

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Duluth institutions make Jolabokaflod their own throughout the season; for example, Zenith Bookstore offers special gift wrapping and packets of Mike & Jen’s cocoa mix. The big local event, though, happens Saturday.”Hygge, that winter cozy feel, is what we’re going for,” said Sarah Kilgour of the Duluth Public Library, one of the organizers of the

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. celebration

at the St. Louis County Depot. Kilgour pronounces the word Yo-la-BO-ka-flowed, although she admits “I’m not Icelandic.”

Presented in cooperation with the Nordic Center and other partners, Duluth’s Jolabokaflod includes storytelling, musical performances, crafts and, of course, a flood of books. “We will have free books available at the event,” said Kilgour. “Gabriel’s Bookstore has offered some of theirs, and we have donations that we’re adding.”The priority, said Kilgour, is to make Jolabokaflod a free and inclusive celebration highlighting folklore ranging from Icelandic (there will be

Yule cat

photo ops) to Ojibwe. “We’ll have a lot of just taking it easy,” she said, “not trying to run around mad(ly) buying gifts for everybody.”Kilgour’s own winter read, she said, is “Emily Wild’s Map of the Otherlands” by Heather Fawcett. “I love a good fantasy,” she said.In the Jolabokaflod tradition, the News Tribune asked other Duluth notables — people associated with Saturday’s event, leaders in the local book world, even a couple of politicians — what books they’re curling up with this winter.

Carla Powers, Duluth Public Library manager

Carla Powers, Duluth Public Library manager, holds a new book by TJ Klune.Contributed / Duluth Public Library

I am looking forward to diving into TJ Klune’s latest book, “Somewhere Beyond the Sea.” It’s a sequel to an earlier book that I loved. Normally I don’t read fantasy, but I discovered Klune’s work a couple of years ago as I browsed the library’s Bestseller Express collection. I became a fan within the first few pages.

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Klune’s books are reliably heartwarming, occasionally hilarious and filled with quirky characters who love and support one another. Reading TJ Klune feels like drinking hot chocolate in front of a warm fire with good friends.

Roz Randorf, Duluth City Council president

City Council President Roz Randorf introduces city councilors during the State of the City address April 25 at the Denfeld High School Auditorium.Clint Austin / File / Duluth Media Group

I am an avid audiobook consumer! I average about four books per month. I’m currently curling up with “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman. It’s a novel about a woman who struggles with social skills, family trauma and loneliness, but finds a way to heal and connect with others.I typically read historical fiction of all types. Reading helps me escape. As a city councilor and full-time corporate trainer, my world can be filled with stress and anxiety. I release it by escaping to another world through the gift of stories.Books I recommend: “The Invention of Wings” by Sue Monk Kidd, “The Christie Affair” by Nina de Gramont, “Lincoln in Bardo” by George Saunders, “Weyward” by Emilia Hart, “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles.

Erin Kreeger, Duluth Library Foundation executive director

Erin Kreeger, executive director of the Duluth Library Foundation, has been enjoying romantic comedy novels by Champlin, Minnesota author Abby Jimenez.Contributed / Duluth Library Foundation

This summer, my book club introduced me to Minnesota author Abby Jimenez through her novel “Just for Summer.” While I’m not typically drawn to romance novels, this romantic comedy was such a relaxing and joyful read that I decided to explore more of her work. I’m starting with “Part of Your World,” the first book in the same series, and I’m intrigued by its opposites-attract storyline. It’s also a fun way to discover if romantic comedies might become one of my preferred genres. I was thrilled to snag “Part of Your World” from the library’s Bestseller Express collection — now I need to finish it quickly so the next reader can enjoy it, too!

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Mary Tennis, St. Louis County Depot director

St. Louis County Depot Director Mary Tennis has been reading Joseph Campbell’s “The Power of Myth.”Dan Williamson / 2023 File / Duluth News Tribune

Lately I’ve been curling up with Joseph Campbell’s “The Power of Myth.” It’s a book, yes, but based on a series of conversations between Campbell, a renowned mythologist, and Bill Moyers, a journalist, that took place in 1988. It’s centered around the concept that we are lacking ritual and myth in our American experience.I know this isn’t exactly “curling up” territory, but it has been very comforting to me as I grapple with uncertain times ahead, and it also amplifies the crucial nature the arts play in our daily lives. It’s really reaffirmed my faith in art, which transcend everyday existence and serve as little mythologies in and of themselves. Stories, plays, and paintings — they’re all little gestures of a power beyond our understanding but which inspires and elevates our lives.

Roger Reinert, mayor of Duluth

Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert is reading a book about, according to the author’s website, “the reasons that great brainpower can somehow backfire, and the ways we can sidestep those cognitive pitfalls.”Contributed / Roger Reinert

I’m currently reading “The Intelligence Trap” by David Robson.I’ve focused what little free time I have to read on things that will help me develop as a leader and in my role as mayor. This book was suggested to me by another very experienced mayor in Minnesota. “The Intelligence Trap” is designed to help people avoid cognitive pitfalls in leadership. The book offers insights into critical thinking, emotional intelligence and humility — all of which are essential traits for navigating the complex challenges in public service. My goal is to apply lessons from the book to make better-informed, balanced and reflective decisions for our community.

Bob Dobrow, Zenith Bookstore owner

Zenith Bookstore owner Bob Dobrow is enjoying a new book by Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of “Braiding Sweetgrass.”Contributed / Zenith Bookstore

So excited to be reading Robin Wall Kimmerer’s newest book “The Serviceberry.” Its message of gratitude, reciprocity and community is much needed!

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Jennifer Jubenville, manager of The Bookstore at Fitger’s

I’ll be reading “Gilgamesh: A New English Version” by Stephen Mitchell. It’s a text that I’ve read in bits and pieces before, but I’ve never actually read it cover to cover. Since reading the beautiful “There Are Rivers in the Sky” by Elif Shafak I keep feeling like I need to remedy that situation and read the epic.

Thomas D. Peacock, owner of Black Bears and Blueberries Publishing

Betsy Albert-Peacock and Thomas Peacock are owners of Black Bears and Blueberries Publishing.Contributed / Betsy Albert-Peacock

I’ve been spending plenty of time editing books/manuscripts we are currently working on for publication, six and counting. One of my very favorites is by a 9-year-old from St. Paul, Delores Kiki Garcia, a member of Mashkiziibii (Bad River) Ojibwe. Her book, “Fishing by Torchlight,” will be released soon.

Karen Keenan, Nordic Center board of directors co-chair

Some of the winter reads being enjoyed by Karen Keenan, co-chair of the Nordic Center board.Contributed / Karen Keenan

First, thanks to its presence on the 2024-25 Nordic Center monthly book group list, is Halldór Laxness’ “The Fish Can Sing.” This is a humble Icelandic tale of Alfgrimur, the main character, who, with the help of many village supporters, grows up to literally and figuratively discover his voice.

“The Pocket: A Hidden History of Women’s Lives” by Barbara Burman and Ariane Fennetaux, is a book I’m about to begin re-reading. Why? I want to be reminded about the cultural, practical and artistic significance of this practical item in advance of beginning a project which involves making a series of contemporary pocket bags.I just had to mention a book series by Lars Mytting too. The first of a trilogy is “The Bell in the Lake.” Set in Norway, this story captivates the reader with timeless treasures, new ideas, cultural uniqueness, romance and mystery. It was such a good read that I’m looking forward to curling up with the sequel, “The Reindeer Hunters.”Finally, in the informative read corner, is the Nautilus Journal, a quarterly publication. I recommend this resource to anyone who is interested in the intersection of science, art and philosophy.

Bjorn Killerud, Nordic Center board of directors co-chair

Order of Canada goes to advocates, athletes, scientists and Deadpool

Science and Health

More than 40 years after being told she was a threat to Canada because of her sexuality, Diane Pitre is being given one of the country’s top honours.
The advocate for LGBTQ+ members of the Canadian Armed Forces, who was kicked out of the service in 1980 as part of what has become known as The Purge, is among 88 new appointees to the Order of Canada announced Wednesday.
They include “Deadpool” movie star Ryan Reynolds, Holocaust survivor and educator Mariette Doduck, geneticist David Chitayat, curler Kevin Martin and Heather Rankin, a member of the award-winning band The Rankin Family.
It’s an honour Pitre said she’s still trying to wrap her head around.
“I’m still in shock, and it’s surreal for me. I never expected it,” Pitre said from her home in Campbellton, N.B.
Pitre spent decades after being kicked out of the military lobbying for an apology from the government.
That came in 2017 when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stood in the House of Commons and apologized for past state-sanctioned discrimination against members of the LGBTQ+ community in Canada.
Douglas Elliott, lead counsel in a class-action lawsuit related to The Purge, was also appointed to the Order of Canada this year.
This year’s list of Canadians deemed to have made extraordinary contributions to the nation features scientists including internationally recognized E. coli expert Carlton Gyles, pediatric neuro-oncology researcher Nada Jabado and speech-language pathologist Aura Kagan.
Musicians and artists on the list include Don Alder, one of the top acoustic fingerstyle guitarists in the world, internationally renowned sculptor Ruth Abernethy, and multimedia artist Stan Douglas.
Gov. Gen. Mary Simon thanked the appointees for their “perseverance, fearless leadership and visionary spirit.”
“Members of the Order of Canada are builders of hope for a better future. Each in their own way, they broaden the realm of possibilities and inspire others to continue pushing its boundaries,” she said in a statement.
Disability rights expert Michael Prince said he choked up telling his wife about his appointment.
“Sometimes you just don’t know where the feeling comes from, it just sort of overwhelmed me,” he said.
“I think just the importance of it, or the significance of it … was quite profound. I could barely get the words out.”
A University of Victoria professor, Prince has advised federal, provincial and territorial governments on disability rights and served on four royal commissions.
He most recently made news when he resigned in April from the federal government’s disability advisory group over what he said was the inadequate funding of the Canada Disability Benefit.
Canadian curling superstar Martin said he doesn’t know who nominated him for the award but called it a surprise and an honour.
Martin, whose resume includes a world championship in 2008, a silver medal at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games and four gold medals at the Brier, also holds the record for Grand Slam titles with 17.
Rideau Hall credits Martin with helping to guide the sport’s competitive development, and contributing to the sport as a broadcaster, speaker, business person and teacher.
“You try your best at whatever it is you’re doing to grow whatever part of society you tend to to live in, and do your best,” he said.
“And if something like this happens, that’s fantastic. But it’s unexpected.”
Pitre is the founder and co-chair of Rainbow Veterans of Canada and said she will continue her work even though progress has been made.
“I’ve been doing this for so long, and I’m going to continue doing it because you don’t want things to change (back). You never know when those things can happen again,” she said.
New members of the order are invited to a ceremony to receive their insignia. A statement from Rideau Hall says ceremonies will be announced “in due course.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 18, 2024.

Order of Canada goes to advocates, athletes, scientists and Deadpool

Science and Health

More than 40 years after being told she was a threat to Canada because of her sexuality, Diane Pitre is being given one of the country’s top honours.
The advocate for LGBTQ+ members of the Canadian Armed Forces, who was kicked out of the service in 1980 as part of what has become known as The Purge, is among 88 new appointees to the Order of Canada announced Wednesday.
They include “Deadpool” movie star Ryan Reynolds, Holocaust survivor and educator Mariette Doduck, geneticist David Chitayat, curler Kevin Martin and Heather Rankin, a member of the award-winning band The Rankin Family.
It’s an honour Pitre said she’s still trying to wrap her head around.
“I’m still in shock, and it’s surreal for me. I never expected it,” Pitre said from her home in Campbellton, N.B.
Pitre spent decades after being kicked out of the military lobbying for an apology from the government.
That came in 2017 when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stood in the House of Commons and apologized for past state-sanctioned discrimination against members of the LGBTQ+ community in Canada.
Douglas Elliott, lead counsel in a class-action lawsuit related to The Purge, was also appointed to the Order of Canada this year.
This year’s list of Canadians deemed to have made extraordinary contributions to the nation features scientists including internationally recognized E. coli expert Carlton Gyles, pediatric neuro-oncology researcher Nada Jabado and speech-language pathologist Aura Kagan.
Musicians and artists on the list include Don Alder, one of the top acoustic fingerstyle guitarists in the world, internationally renowned sculptor Ruth Abernethy, and multimedia artist Stan Douglas.
Gov. Gen. Mary Simon thanked the appointees for their “perseverance, fearless leadership and visionary spirit.”
“Members of the Order of Canada are builders of hope for a better future. Each in their own way, they broaden the realm of possibilities and inspire others to continue pushing its boundaries,” she said in a statement.
Disability rights expert Michael Prince said he choked up telling his wife about his appointment.
“Sometimes you just don’t know where the feeling comes from, it just sort of overwhelmed me,” he said.
“I think just the importance of it, or the significance of it … was quite profound. I could barely get the words out.”
A University of Victoria professor, Prince has advised federal, provincial and territorial governments on disability rights and served on four royal commissions.
He most recently made news when he resigned in April from the federal government’s disability advisory group over what he said was the inadequate funding of the Canada Disability Benefit.
Canadian curling superstar Martin said he doesn’t know who nominated him for the award but called it a surprise and an honour.
Martin, whose resume includes a world championship in 2008, a silver medal at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games and four gold medals at the Brier, also holds the record for Grand Slam titles with 17.
Rideau Hall credits Martin with helping to guide the sport’s competitive development, and contributing to the sport as a broadcaster, speaker, business person and teacher.
“You try your best at whatever it is you’re doing to grow whatever part of society you tend to to live in, and do your best,” he said.
“And if something like this happens, that’s fantastic. But it’s unexpected.”
Pitre is the founder and co-chair of Rainbow Veterans of Canada and said she will continue her work even though progress has been made.
“I’ve been doing this for so long, and I’m going to continue doing it because you don’t want things to change (back). You never know when those things can happen again,” she said.
New members of the order are invited to a ceremony to receive their insignia. A statement from Rideau Hall says ceremonies will be announced “in due course.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 18, 2024.

Eppley Airfield ready as record number of Americans expected to travel over holidays

Travel

More than 119 million Americans are expected to travel for the Christmas-New Year holiday season, breaking the record for domestic travelers set before the pandemic.AAA projects 119.3 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home over the 12-day holiday period from Saturday to Jan. 1. That projection represents an additional 3 million travelers this holiday season compared to 2023.“This is the time of year when lifelong memories are made with loved ones, and travel plays a big role in that,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “This year, with Christmas Day falling on a Wednesday, we’re anticipating record-breaking travel numbers the weekend before and the weekend after the holiday.”Air travel is also set for a record, according to AAA, with 7.85 million expected passengers. That number surpasses the record 7.5 million air travelers last year, even though AAA booking data shows flights are 4% more expensive this holiday season than last year. The average domestic ticket is $830. International flights are 13% more expensive, averaging $1,630 a ticket.

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A United Airlines plane takes off Tuesday at Omaha’s Eppley Airfield. The busiest holiday travel days at Eppley are expected to be Friday, Monday, Dec. 27 and Dec. 30, according to Steve McCoy of the Omaha Airport Authority.

CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD

Omaha’s Eppley Airfield is preparing for approximately 277,000 passengers to travel from Thursday through Jan. 6, a level of activity similar to 2023. Steve McCoy of the Omaha Airport Authority said airlines are adding an extra 2.7% in available seating compared to a typical week in December.The busiest travel days, McCoy said, are expected to be Friday, Monday, Dec. 27 and Dec. 30. Consult the airport’s FlyOmaha.com website or mobile app to stay up to date on arrivals and departures.Terminal work ongoingFor those who haven’t been to Eppley Airfield lately, officials issued a reminder that work continues on the $950 million terminal modernization program. The terminal will expand to 646,000 square feet — 72% more than the current 375,000 — while adding two new gates and a customs area for future international flights.Pickup and drop-off locations are currently located in Level 1 of the South Garage. Travelers with disabilities can use the new pickup and drop-off area or they may use the lane on the front drive that is designated for commercial vehicles.Eppley Airfield travelers should arrive at least two hours before departure to give enough time to find parking, check in and make it through security, McCoy said. Because weather can play a big factor in holiday travel, it’s always advisable to check the forecast at the traveler’s places of origin and destination as well as any connecting cities, a spokesperson said.Most holiday travelers, nearly 90%, will be driving to their destinations. The expectation is for 107 million people to travel by car, 2.5 million more than last year. The record for travel by auto set in 2019 is 108 million.More than 9.1 million automobile travelers are forecast to be from Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota and the Dakotas. That’s 139,000 more than 2023, but less than the record set in 2019.“Many travelers, particularly families with young children, prefer the flexibility and lower cost that road trips provide,” said Brian Ortner, a AAA Nebraska spokesperson. “Gas demand in December goes down as the weather gets colder, more people work remotely, holiday shoppers purchase their gifts online versus in person. Road conditions, in addition to colder temps are also a factor in deciding on a road trip for the holidays.”Gas prices are downHelping to boost the decision of Nebraskans to travel by car is the drop in the average gasoline prices. The national average price of gasoline is averaging $2.98 a gallon as of Monday, according to GasBuddy.The national average is down 7.5 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 7.1 cents per gallon lower than a year ago, according to GasBuddy’s data. The data is compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.

Looking east toward the 72nd Street exit, traffic moves across Interstate 80 in Omaha on Nov. 19. Drivers can expect lower gas prices this holiday season compared to 2023, according to AAA.

CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD

Prices in Omaha have fallen 3.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.55 per gallon, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 300 stations in the city. Prices in Omaha are 1 cent per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 13.9 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.“Travelers should expect the roads, airports and cruise terminals to be more crowded than normal,” said Debbie Haas, a AAA spokesperson. “So, finalize your travel plans now and give yourself extra time to get to your destination. We also suggest travel insurance, which provides assistance in the event winter weather or something unexpected interferes with your plans.”INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects drivers will experience the worst traffic delays the weekends before Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The holidays themselves are expected to have minimal congestion. Nationwide, travel times could be up to 30% longer.“With a near record number of auto travelers expected this holiday season, drivers should expect delays in and around major metro areas, with Sunday, December 22, expected to be the nation’s worst day to travel,” according to Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst at INRIX. “Our advice is to avoid traveling during peak commuting hours during the week. If schedules allow, leave bright and early or after the evening commute.”AAA’s Road Trip Safety TipsWith an additional 2.5 million travelers expected on the roads during the holiday travel period, AAA urges drivers to prioritize safety with the following tips:Follow posted speed limits. Driving 80 mph instead of 75 mph over 100 miles saves only 5 minutes,.Drive only when alert and fresh. Driving on four-five hours of sleep is as dangerous as driving with a 0.08 blood-alcohol level.Steer clear of heavy meals, drowsy medications and, most important, alcohol.For long trips, take breaks every two hours or 100 miles. Use these breaks to switch drivers if possible.Slow down, move over. A roadside worker is killed every other week in the U.S.

Photos: Annual holiday lighting ceremony on the Omaha Riverfront

Adrian Florea, left, and Gabbi Florea, both of Omaha, look at the tree lights as they walk at the Riverfront Lighting Ceremony at Gene Leahy Mall in Omaha, on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD

People take photos in front of a projected snowman at the Riverfront Lighting Ceremony at Gene Leahy Mall in Omaha, on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD

Rhonda Dumas, of Omaha, smiles as she watches live music at the Riverfront Lighting Ceremony at Gene Leahy Mall in Omaha, on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD

Angel Carino, left, Maria Barajas and Cynthia Barajas, all of Omaha, sit around a fire at the Riverfront Lighting Ceremony at Gene Leahy Mall in Omaha, on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD

Shannon Pogzeba, left, and Aspen Pogzeba, 4, both of Omaha, dance to live music at the Riverfront Lighting Ceremony at Gene Leahy Mall in Omaha, on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD

Darren Ingram, 8, center, and Travis Ingram, right, both of Omaha, sip beverages while walking at the Riverfront Lighting Ceremony at Gene Leahy Mall in Omaha, on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD

Oliver Piittmann, of Omaha, sticks out his tongue to catch snowflakes at the Riverfront Lighting Ceremony at Gene Leahy Mall in Omaha, on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD

Mario Carrillo, left, fixes the sleeve of Valeria Carrillo, 4, both of Omaha, before taking Valeria’s birthday photos at the Riverfront Lighting Ceremony at Gene Leahy Mall in Omaha, on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD

Cooper Punteney, right, 6, and Jill Punteney, both of Omaha, dance to live music at the Riverfront Lighting Ceremony at Gene Leahy Mall in Omaha, on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD

Mark Thompson, center, points out the tree lights to his grandson, Calvin, 4, both of Omaha, at the Riverfront Lighting Ceremony at Gene Leahy Mall in Omaha, on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD

Lights wrap around trees at the Riverfront Lighting Ceremony at Gene Leahy Mall in Omaha, on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD

Kora Evans, 4, of Omaha, points at the tree lights at the Riverfront Lighting Ceremony at Gene Leahy Mall in Omaha, on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD

[email protected], 402-444-1272

Build a Strong Portfolio for Data Science Career

Science and Health

Image by Author | Canva 
In the post-ChatGPT world, the job market is challenging to navigate, so a strong portfolio is essential for a successful career in data science. Your portfolio should not only showcase your technical skills but also demonstrate your ability to solve real-world problems, think critically, and effectively communicate insights through analytical reports and project documentation. Creating a portfolio that tells your unique story can truly make a difference. 
In this article, I will share eight actionable tips to help you build a standout portfolio. These tips are drawn from my experience as a data scientist, writer, and editor, as well as insights from professionals who have been in the field for 8 years.

1. Choose Diverse Projects

Employers are constantly on the lookout for candidates who can solve a wide variety of challenges. To capture the attention of recruiters and hiring managers, it is crucial to showcase an arsenal of diverse, high-quality projects that highlight your versatility as a data scientist. 
Here are some key elements your projects should include:

It is essential to gain experience working with different types of data, including structured, unstructured, and time-series data. 
Focus on building projects that use classification, regression, clustering, natural language processing (NLP), and deep learning methods. 
Choose projects that simulate real-life scenarios, such as predicting customer churn, analyzing financial trends, and optimizing supply chains. 
Create a project that resembles production-ready code and includes an analytical report.

2. Showcase Technical Skills

Your portfolio is your opportunity to demonstrate the technical expertise required for a data science role. 
Here are the key skills that recruiters are looking for in data science positions:

Programming languages: Python, Bash, and SQL.
Data manipulation: Use libraries like Pandas and NumPy for data cleaning and transformation.
Machine learning frameworks: Scikit-learn, PyTorch, and XGBoost.
Data visualization: Create compelling visuals using Matplotlib, Seaborn, and Plotly.
Statistical analysis and mathematics: Probability and distributions, Hypothesis testing, and Linear algebra and calculus.
Big data tools: Hadoop, Spark, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
Data engineering:  ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes and data warehousing.
Software development practices: Git, Docker, and CI/CD tools.

Make sure to build your projects in Jupyter Notebook, which allows you to add descriptions to your code and visualizations, helping you create a data analytical report with minimal effort. If a project is code-based, use comments to explain your thought process and include clear documentation to describe the project.

3. Build Your Own Portfolio Website

Having a personal portfolio website is a powerful way to make a lasting impression. It serves as your digital resume, showcasing your projects, skills, and achievements in a user-friendly format. 
Here’s how to get started:

Purchase a domain name from Namecheap or any other domain provider of your choice.
Choose a website template from GitHub Pages.
Host your website on GitHub Pages.
Include sections for your “About Me” page, projects, resume, and contact information.
Highlight your best projects with clear descriptions, visuals, and links to your GitHub repository.
Add a blog section where you can write about data science topics or share your learning journey.
Make sure to regularly update the website with blog posts, achievements, and other updates. 

Following these steps will help you create an impressive personal portfolio that effectively represents your work and aspirations.

4. Create a Technical Profile on Data Science Platforms

Building the profile and contributing regularly in the data science platforms is a great way to build your technical reputation. 
Here are some popular platforms to consider:

Kaggle: Join competitions, work on datasets, and publish notebooks showcasing your analysis.
GitHub: Host your project code, and ensure your repositories are organized and well-documented.
Medium or Towards Data Science: Publish in-depth articles about your projects or technical concepts you’ve mastered.

These platforms are widely recognized in the industry and can serve as proof of your skills and dedication when shared on your resume or LinkedIn profile.

5. Build a Strong Portfolio on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is more than just a networking site. It is a platform where you can showcase your expertise and connect with industry professionals. A strong LinkedIn profile can amplify your portfolio’s reach. 
Here is how to strengthen it:

Optimize your LinkedIn headline: Use keywords like “Professional Data Scientist,” “Machine Learning Engineer,” or “Data Analyst.”
Write a compelling summary: Share your passion for data science and highlight your skills and goals.
Showcase your projects: Add links to your portfolio website, GitHub, or Kaggle profile in the “Featured” section.
Engage with the community: Share posts about your projects, write articles, and comment on other professionals’ work.
Get endorsements and recommendations: Ask professors, mentors, or colleagues to vouch for your skills.

A well-maintained LinkedIn profile can help you connect with recruiters and professionals who can open doors to exciting opportunities.

6. Get Experience as a Student

You don’t need to apply for a job to gain experience as a student; you can acquire it through volunteering, internships, and other similar opportunities. Here are a few options you can explore:

Participate in research: Join research projects at your university that involve data analysis or machine learning.
Internships: Seek internships in data science or related fields to gain hands-on experience.
Hackathons and competitions: Participate in hackathons to solve real-world problems under time constraints.
Open source contribution: Contribute to open-source projects to enhance your skills and showcase your work.
Volunteer in nonprofits: Engage with nonprofit organizations to apply your skills in meaningful ways.

These experiences will not only enhance your portfolio but also provide real-world insights and help you build a strong foundation for your career.

7. Focus on Real-World Impact

Employers are not only interested in technical skills; they also want to see how you can use data science to achieve business results. For each project, be sure to highlight the real-world impact of your work:

Quantify your results: Whenever possible, provide numerical outcomes. For example, you might say, “Reduced customer churn by 20% using predictive modeling.”
Explain practical applications: Clarify how your solution can be applied in a business context. For instance, “This model can help businesses segment customers for targeted marketing campaigns.”
Discuss challenges and solutions: Share the difficulties you encountered during the project and how you overcame them.

Highlighting the real benefits of your projects shows you understand the business side of data science.

8. Your Portfolio Should Tell a Story

Ultimately, your portfolio should tell a cohesive story about who you are as a data scientist. Think of it as a narrative that highlights your journey, skills, and aspirations. 
Here is how to craft your story:

Start with passion: Include projects that excite you and align with your interests.
Show growth: Demonstrate how your skills have evolved over time, from basic data analysis to advanced machine learning.
Be unique: Highlight what sets you apart, whether it is your domain expertise, creativity, or problem-solving approach.

A storytelling approach makes your portfolio more engaging and memorable. It helps employers see you not just as a list of technical skills but as a well-rounded professional with a unique perspective.

Final Thoughts

Building a strong portfolio for a data science career takes time and effort, but it is an essential step toward landing your dream job. By choosing diverse projects, showcasing your technical skills, building your own website, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn and Kaggle, you can create a portfolio that truly sets you apart.  
Abid Ali Awan (@1abidaliawan) is a certified data scientist professional who loves building machine learning models. Currently, he is focusing on content creation and writing technical blogs on machine learning and data science technologies. Abid holds a Master’s degree in technology management and a bachelor’s degree in telecommunication engineering. His vision is to build an AI product using a graph neural network for students struggling with mental illness.More On This Topic