Delhi, 23 December,24 : The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), the third largest hospitality association in the world, has shared its recommendations to the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, aiming to address the ongoing human resource shortages and skill gaps faced by the hospitality industry. As one of India’s most vital sectors contributing to economic growth, employment, and cultural exchange, the hospitality industry is facing significant challenges, including declining enrolments in hospitality programs, skill gaps, workforce shortage and retention issues, along with policy gaps. These issues are hindering the sector’s growth potential and its ability to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global tourism landscape.
The hospitality industry is currently facing several challenges that are limiting its growth and ability to meet global standards. These challenges include mismatch between the education system and industry needs, a lack of practical, real-world exposure for students, and insufficient collaboration between academic institutions and hospitality establishments. There is a shortage of skilled frontline workers, as many hospitality programs focus on training for managerial roles, leaving a gap in essential operational staff.
To address these issues, FHRAI has made several key recommendations, including establishing a central portal by NCHMCT to connect hospitality establishments with students for internships and placements. Stronger partnerships between academic institutions and the industry would enable structured internships, offering students exposure to multiple departments. FHRAI also recommends updating hospitality curriculums every 3-5 years to align with industry trends, introducing a feedback mechanism for internships, and balancing the allocation of seats for both managerial and frontline roles. Additionally, real-world projects like event planning and property management would help students gain practical experience and be more job-ready.
Mr. K. Syama Raju, President, FHRAI said, “The hospitality industry is a cornerstone of India’s economy, and addressing the HR and skill gaps is critical for its growth. These recommendations are not just solutions for today, but investments for the future. We urge the Ministry of Tourism to consider these actionable points, as they will help create a sustainable and competitive workforce for India’s hospitality sector, while aligning with the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. We are committed to working closely with the Ministry and other stakeholders to bring these recommendations to life, ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for India’s hospitality sector.”
FHRAI Centre of Excellence (CoE) recently organised an HR Summit that brought together industry experts, educators, and regulatory bodies to discuss solutions to these critical issues. FHRAI CoE firmly believes that these reforms will not only resolve existing issues but also foster innovation, inclusivity, and competitiveness within the hospitality sector, aligning with India’s long-term tourism and economic growth goals.
