Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) Unveils India’s Largest Hospitality Skilling Center in Goa
In a significant boost to India’s tourism sector and workforce development, Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s leading hospitality brand, inaugurated the nation’s largest skilling center in Goa on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. The launch, coinciding with the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Goa, was attended by Shri Rohan Khaunte, Goa’s Minister for Tourism, highlighting the importance of this initiative for the state’s economy.
Located on the scenic Aguada Plateau, this expansive skilling center represents a monumental step towards bridging the skills gap in the travel and tourism industry. IHCL’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, emphasized the center’s crucial role in providing the necessary skilled workforce to support the booming tourism sector. He highlighted the initiative’s potential to unlock untapped talent and improve employability within the sector, aligning with the current global focus on sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
Minister Khaunte lauded the initiative, stating that Goans possess a natural aptitude for hospitality, and continuous skilling, reskilling, and upskilling are vital as tourism evolves. He emphasized Goa’s position as a leading leisure and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination and recognized the initiative’s potential to create numerous employment opportunities for Goan youth, directly supporting the state’s aim for sustainable tourism growth. The initiative complements Goa’s commitment to regenerative tourism, a model focused on the preservation and enhancement of natural and cultural assets while empowering local communities.
IHCL’s commitment to social responsibility is evident in this initiative. As part of its comprehensive ESG+ (Environmental, Social, and Governance, plus) framework, Paathya, the company’s skill development program, now boasts 38 skilling centers nationwide. This far-reaching commitment not only addresses the immediate need for a skilled hospitality workforce but also contributes significantly to the long-term growth and sustainability of the sector. By investing in people, IHCL strengthens the entire ecosystem, supporting both individual careers and the broader economic well-being of the communities it serves.
The inauguration of this skilling center underscores the growing importance of investing in human capital within the hospitality industry. This initiative isn’t just about providing jobs; it’s about creating skilled professionals capable of driving innovation and excellence within the sector. As the tourism industry continues to expand, particularly in regions like Goa, the demand for skilled hospitality professionals will only increase, making IHCL’s commitment all the more significant. This investment aligns with global trends of sustainable tourism development and socially responsible corporate practices, highlighting a leading model for other businesses and organizations to emulate.
Keywords: IHCL, Goa Tourism, Skilling Center, Hospitality, Sustainable Tourism, ESG, Workforce Development, Taj Hotels, Employability, Regenerative Tourism, Skill Development, India Tourism, Paathya
