IHCL INAUGURATES HOSPITALITY SKILL CENTRE IN EKTA NAGAR, GUJARAT

MUMBAI, JANUARY 29, 2024: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today inaugurated its 32nd skill training centre in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. Located in close proximity to the famed Statue of Unity, the centre was launched by Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, Government of India.

Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “Government of Gujarat has taken significant strides in infrastructure development, unlocking the tourism potential of the region. With the landscape ripe for skilled individuals to foray into the industry, the skill centre inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, will offer hospitality training to the youth in the state. This initiative will leverage the untapped talent and bridge the employability gap in the sector for times to come.”

IHCL has introduced a multi-level skill centre in Ekta Nagar, in partnership with Tata STRIVE and VFS.  The centre will offer courses in food and beverage service and front office with on-the-job training. The centre is equipped to cater to 120 students annually. Post course completion, learners will be provided assistance for employment in the sector.

Mr. Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global, said, “VFS Global's commitment to education and skill development in India is demonstrated through the successful operation of the VFS Global Academy in Mumbai, Lucknow and Deoghar. Our approach fosters a culture of learning and development within the communities it serves. We are extremely pleased to add Ekta Nagar hospitality skill centre in partnership with IHCL, India’s leading hospitality company.”

Regarded as the custodian of Indian hospitality, IHCL continues to invest in building industry-relevant talent pools with an aim to develop and support deserving youth and their families, while contributing to the overall growth of the industry. 

In line with its ESG+ framework of Paathya, IHCL partners and operates 32 skill centers across 10 states and 15 cities in India and is committed to train 1,00,000 youth by 2030.  

About The Indian Hotels Company Limited

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and its subsidiaries bring together a group of brands and businesses that offer a fusion of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service. These include Taj – the iconic brand for the most discerning travellers and ranked as India’s Strongest Brand 2023 as per Brand Finance; SeleQtions, a named collection of hotels; Vivanta, sophisticated upscale hotels; and Ginger, which is revolutionising the lean luxe segment.

Incorporated by the founder of the Tata Group, Jamsetji Tata, the Company opened its first hotel - The Taj Mahal Palace, in Bombay in 1903. IHCL has a portfolio of 285 hotels including 85 under development globally across 4 continents, 12 countries and in over 100 locations. The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is India’s largest hospitality company by market capitalization. It is listed on the BSE and NSE.

Please visit: www.ihcltata.com; www.tajhotels.com; www.seleqtionshotels.com; www.vivantahotels.com; www.gingerhotels.com

For more information, please contact: kirti.dhingra@ihcltata.com