As the hospitality industry strives to recover from the impact of the pandemic, it faces a distinct challenge – a shortage of skilled professionals. The aftermath of the pandemic has highlighted the vulnerabilities of the sector, leading both students and professionals to explore alternative career paths. Notably, the enrolment in hospitality courses has witnessed a significant decline between 2019 and 2022. In response to this pressing concern, the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) has taken an innovative step by establishing a special task force comprising academic experts and industry veterans to bridge the gap in talent, manpower, and declining enrolment of students in hospitality courses.

The task force is composed of prominent figures from the hospitality realm, including heads of various Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs), owners of hospitality establishments, experienced industry professionals, and members of the HRAWI. Key individuals forming the core team of the task force include Arun Kumar Singh, Principal of FIHM; Irfan Mirza, Principal of V M Salgaonkar IHM; Ms Pallavi Chaudhari, Director of D.Y. Patil School of Hospitality & Tourism Studies; Dr Rohan Soni, Principal of Amro College of Hotel Management, Nashik; Dr Jagat K. Mangaraj, Principal of IHM Ahmedabad; Pradeep Shetty, President of HRAWI; Jimmy Shaw, Honorary Secretary of HRAWI; Vishal Kapoor, General Manager of Radisson Blu Mumbai; Kamlesh Barot, Ex-officio Member of HRAWI; and Sandeep Talaulicar, Executive Committee Member of HRAWI.

President of HRAWI, Pradeep Shetty, emphasizes the task force's objectives, stating, "As fresh opportunities continue to emerge, the sector is recognizing the necessity of drawing in new talent. In response, HRAWI has established a specialized task force with three primary aims. These encompass creating an appealing framework or strategy to entice students towards pursuing a career in hospitality. It involves revaluating the current hospitality education system and syllabus through the participation of educators and industry experts, in order to offer relevant recommendations to the National Council and the Ministry of Tourism. Furthermore, the task force intends to counter the scarcity of skilled individuals among its members by providing effective training resources, including informative videos, visual aids, data-driven analysis, and supportive literature."

The Indian hospitality sector faces significant skill gaps, particularly in hotel management and food production. Practical knowledge deficits and outdated courses are evident concerns. Management roles encounter challenges related to practical understanding and outdated curriculum. Front office staff also lack essential skills such as communication and software proficiency.

Recognizing these challenges, HRAWI is actively seeking experienced chefs to contribute to the education and training of aspiring hospitality professionals. Furthermore, HRAWI plans to publish a white paper that assesses various aspects of contemporary hospitality education, offering solutions to enhance curriculum quality. The association is optimistic that increased revenues post-pandemic will support these efforts.