The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), recognized as the third-largest hospitality association worldwide, is set to host an impactful event that could reshape hospitality education and career development in India. In partnership with the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) and the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Northern India (HRANI), FHRAI will host the HR Summit on Education and Career in Hospitality on November 14, 2024, at Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi. This one-day summit, beginning at 10:00 AM, promises to be an essential platform for industry leaders, educators, and government representatives to converge and discuss strategies to tackle current challenges in the hospitality sector.
Ms. V. Vidyavathi, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, will inaugurate the summit, joined by Mr. Gyan Bhushan, IES, CEO of NCHMCT, who will bring invaluable insights into India’s hospitality education landscape. Together with other prominent industry stakeholders, they will discuss pressing issues in workforce development, career opportunities, and educational standards within the hospitality sector. These conversations are more than timely, as India’s hospitality industry is facing a talent crisis amid rapid growth in travel, tourism, and hospitality services.
Addressing the Talent Shortage in India’s Hospitality Sector
The HR Summit aims to address a talent shortage that has hindered the hospitality industry’s growth potential in India. Despite an ever-increasing demand for qualified professionals, the sector grapples with challenges such as low student enrolment in hospitality courses, a high rate of attrition, and a skills gap that needs immediate attention. Hospitality in India has expanded significantly, driven by domestic tourism and an increase in foreign visitors, yet the industry faces difficulty finding enough qualified talent to meet its needs. By bringing together a wide array of stakeholders, including industry experts, policymakers, and educators, the summit seeks to explore solutions that will bridge the skills gap and ensure a sustainable talent pipeline for the future.
Objectives of the HR Summit: Creating a Sustainable Career Pathway
The primary goal of the HR Summit on Education and Career in Hospitality is to provide actionable solutions to the talent crisis. This summit will focus on developing strategies that will improve the quality of hospitality education in India and create a more sustainable and appealing career pathway for future generations. The collaborative efforts of FHRAI, NCHMCT, and HRANI reflect the urgent need to prioritize talent retention and workforce readiness for a dynamic industry.
Mr. Pradeep Shetty, Vice President, FHRAI & Convenor of the Summit said, “The hospitality industry in India is at a critical point where growth potential is immense, but we are facing significant challenges due
to a shortage of skilled professionals. This summit is an essential platform for us to collectively address these issues and chart a way forward. We aim to bring together industry, academia, and government to discuss strategies that will not only help us bridge the growing skills gap but also improve student enrolment in hospitality education and reduce attrition in the industry. By working together, we can ensure that the hospitality sector remains vibrant, competitive, and prepared to meet the demands of the future.”
Session Highlights: Key Topics on Career, Education, and Workforce Development
The HR Summit will feature three main sessions, each designed to address a core issue affecting the hospitality industry in India.
- Career Opportunities in Hospitality: Trends, Challenges, and Strategies
- This opening session will delve into the current landscape of hospitality careers, examining emerging roles and skill requirements. As the industry evolves, new opportunities in technology, customer experience, and sustainable practices are becoming essential parts of a hospitality career. This session will offer insights into how professionals can build dynamic, future-oriented careers in hospitality, as well as how employers can support continuous skill development.
- Addressing Low Enrolment and High Attrition in the Hospitality Industry
- The second session will address two key obstacles facing hospitality education in India: low enrolment rates and high attrition among employees. Experts will explore the root causes of these issues, from curriculum relevance and career perceptions to workplace challenges. This session will identify practical solutions to make hospitality education more attractive to students and provide strategies to reduce turnover, ensuring a stable, committed workforce.
- Managing Human Resources in the Hospitality Industry
- The final session will focus on human resource management practices within hospitality, including training, retention strategies, and employee well-being. The session aims to equip industry leaders and HR professionals with tools to create positive work environments that foster growth and satisfaction among employees.
Tackling Challenges: A Roadmap for the Future
The summit aims to produce a roadmap for overcoming the most pressing issues within the hospitality sector, fostering an environment of collaboration among educational institutions, government bodies, and the private sector. Through a blend of panel discussions, networking opportunities, and expert-led sessions, attendees will gain actionable insights into how the hospitality industry can become a more attractive career choice and foster a supportive educational environment.
Mr. Shetty, further said, “The hospitality industry is evolving rapidly, and it’s critical that we stay ahead of
the curve by addressing the challenges of both education and workforce development. This summit provides an opportunity for us to come together and discuss actionable steps to ensure that we have a steady stream of talent equipped with the right skills to support the industry’s growth. It’s only through collaboration that we can ensure the future of hospitality remains strong, and we’re excited to be a part of this vital conversation.”
Expected Outcomes: Building a Stronger Hospitality Sector
The HR Summit on Education and Career in Hospitality is expected to yield several positive outcomes for the industry, including:
- Enhanced Partnerships: By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, the summit will encourage the creation of partnerships that support talent development and industry-relevant curriculum updates.
- Improved Enrolment and Retention: The discussions will address factors that make hospitality education more appealing to students, with a focus on promoting career stability and growth opportunities. Reducing high attrition rates will be another focal point, ensuring a stable workforce for years to come.
- Skilled Workforce Development: Addressing the skills gap is essential for the hospitality industry’s long-term success. This summit will promote the development of a skilled, adaptable workforce through targeted education and training initiatives.
Why Attend the HR Summit on Education and Career in Hospitality?
For industry professionals, educators, and policymakers, this summit presents a unique opportunity to be part of a movement shaping the future of hospitality in India. Attendees will gain insights from expert speakers, connect with like-minded professionals, and take part in a forward-looking dialogue focused on building a sustainable, thriving hospitality sector. The HR Summit promises to be an enriching event for all those invested in hospitality education and career development, from policy strategists and HR professionals to students aspiring to enter the industry.
A Call to Strengthen Hospitality Education in India
The HR Summit on Education and Career in Hospitality, organized by FHRAI in collaboration with NCHMCT and HRANI, marks an important step toward addressing the workforce challenges in India’s hospitality sector. The summit’s emphasis on partnership, skill development, and retention strategies is aligned with India’s vision for a globally competitive hospitality industry. By working together, stakeholders across the board can support a thriving hospitality sector that attracts and retains top talent, ultimately contributing to the nation’s growth and economic development.
This HR Summit is a call to action for everyone involved in hospitality education and career development. With industry support and government backing, India’s hospitality sector can overcome its talent challenges and unlock its full potential. All industry professionals, educators, and government representatives are encouraged to attend and contribute to this transformative dialogue that aims to ensure the hospitality industry remains vibrant, competitive, and prepared for future demands.
Tags: Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Northern India HR Summit