IHCL Announces India’s Largest Hospitality Skilling Centre to Bridge Talent Gap

The travel and tourism sector faces a significant talent crunch, with a projected need for three million additional workers by 2028, as per a report by Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC). Despite 5.8 million youth aspiring to join the industry, only 1% receive formal training, creating a critical employability gap.

In a game-changing move, The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has announced the country’s largest hospitality skilling centre at the historic Aguada plateau in Goa, marking the 50th anniversary of Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa.

Puneet Chhatwal , MD & CEO of IHCL, stated, “The skilling centre will address the critical need for a skilled workforce to support the travel and tourism sector. This capability-building initiative will leverage untapped talent and bridge the employability gap in the sector.”

Shri Rohan Khaunte , Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa , highlighted Goa’s potential, “Goans have a natural flair for hospitality, and as tourism evolves, skilling, reskilling and upskilling are the need of the hour. IHCL's initiative will create new opportunities for our youth, aligning with Goa’s vision for sustained tourism growth.”

Under its ESG+ framework Paathya, IHCL already operates 38 skilling centres nationwide, enhancing employment and fostering local talent. This new facility in Goa reinforces IHCL’s commitment to sustainable development, empowering communities, and nurturing the next generation of hospitality professionals.

As the industry rebuilds post-pandemic, initiatives like this will play a pivotal role in closing the skills gap and positioning India’s workforce at the forefront of global hospitality.