In a significant move to bolster India’s burgeoning tourism sector, the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) and Visa, a global leader in digital payments, have entered into a strategic three-year partnership. This collaboration, valued at up to $1 million USD, aims to equip 20,000 Indian youth with the skills essential for success in the tourism industry. The partnership was formally announced in the presence of Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
This initiative builds upon Visa’s existing collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and seeks to elevate the tourism service experience across 10 Indian states, including Assam, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and West Bengal. The training program will focus on key roles within the domestic tourism industry, encompassing tour guides, customer service executives, naturalists, and paragliding tandem pilots. These individuals will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exceptional experiences for domestic and international travelers.
Visa’s involvement in this initiative underscores its commitment to supporting the growth of India’s tourism sector. As a prominent payments network in India, Visa has played a pivotal role in strengthening the industry through its deep data and analytics expertise. The company has actively contributed to increasing inbound tourism by providing valuable insights to the Ministry of Tourism, aiding in the promotion of India’s diverse destinations on the global stage.
Tourism holds immense importance for India’s economy, contributing over $231 billion to GDP and employing more than 42 million people in 2023. As post-pandemic travel continues to rebound, the NSDC-Visa initiative is strategically positioned to ensure a skilled workforce capable of supporting India’s aspirations to become a global tourism hub. This partnership will not only enhance the quality of tourism services but also create numerous employment opportunities for Indian youth, contributing to the country’s economic prosperity and development.
