Accor and IIHM Join Forces to Revolutionize Hospitality Education in India

Accor and IIHM Join Forces to Revolutionize Hospitality Education in India

By Author

Published on October 3, 2023

In a groundbreaking move to advance hospitality education in India, Accor and the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) have inked a momentous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the prestigious IIHM Global Campus in Salt Lake, Kolkata. This historic agreement establishes a long-term collaboration aimed at enriching hospitality education and empowering students with extensive employment prospects across India.

The MoU was formally signed by Puneet Dhawan, Senior Vice President, Operations, Accor India & South Asia, and Dr. Suborno Bose, Founder and CEO of IIHM. This partnership unites one of the world's largest hospitality corporations with the globally renowned IIHM to foster a mutually beneficial relationship.

Puneet Dhawan, Senior Vice President, Operations, Accor India & South Asia, expressed the significance of this transformative alliance, stating, "Our partnership with IIHM represents a significant stride in nurturing future talents within the hospitality sector. We are committed to equipping young minds with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the dynamic world of hospitality."

Dr. Suborno Bose, Founder and CEO of IIHM, emphasized the importance of this historic collaboration, saying, "Becoming a top professional in the hospitality industry is a journey that demands dedication, education, and hands-on experience. The partnership with Accor India underscores our dedication to offering students the finest education and industry exposure. Together, we are shaping the future of hospitality, where education meets excellence."

IIHM will offer a 1-Year Certificate/Diploma course, inclusive of industrial training and exams, aligned with the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) and Government of India requirements. These courses will be available in Delhi NCR, Kolkata, Bangalore, Pune, Goa, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Hyderabad.

Accor will contribute valuable insights to IIHM to aid in the creation of industry-relevant curricula. Accor will offer industrial training opportunities, deliver guest lectures, facilitate faculty development programs, provide internships and placements in Accor-managed hotels, and offer operational exposure across its properties in India.

This collaboration between IIHM and Accor holds immense promise for the future of the Indian hospitality industry. It focuses on education, skill development, industry engagement, and, most importantly, provides emerging talent with real-world exposure to the dynamic hospitality sector.

About Accor

Accor is a globally leading hospitality group operating in over 110 countries with 5,500 properties, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities, and flexible workspaces. The group boasts a diverse hospitality ecosystem encompassing more than 40 hotel brands, ranging from luxury to economy, including Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor is dedicated to positive action in areas such as business ethics, responsible tourism, sustainable development, community outreach, and diversity & inclusion. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, visit www.group.accor.com or follow Accor on social media.

About IIHM

The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) is a renowned hospitality education institution in India, committed to nurturing the talents and skills of future leaders in the hospitality industry. IIHM offers a range of hospitality and culinary programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in the global hospitality sector.


Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Marks World Ocean Day 2026 with Sustainability Initiatives

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Marks World Ocean Day 2026 with Sustainability Initiatives

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 6, 2026

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility as part of World Ocean Day 2026 and Accor’s Save Ocean campaign, which is now in its third year since its launch in 2024. Through a series of initiatives focused on marine conservation, waste reduction and community engagement, the hotel continues to strengthen its efforts towards responsible hospitality.

Observed annually on 8 June, World Ocean Day highlights the importance of protecting oceans and marine ecosystems from pollution and environmental degradation. In line with this vision, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach has integrated sustainable practices across its operations while encouraging greater awareness around environmental conservation.

As part of the campaign, the hotel organised a beach clean-up drive at Juhu Beach on 3 June, 2026, in collaboration with Funsmart Knowledge Solution Foundation. The initiative brought together hotel associates and volunteers to help clean the coastline while spreading awareness about marine pollution, waste segregation and environmental responsibility. The activity reflected the belief that safeguarding oceans requires the collective efforts of businesses, communities and individuals.

The hotel has also introduced several measures to reduce its environmental impact. One of the key initiatives includes the installation of an in-house bottling plant, helping minimise the use of single-use plastic bottles and supporting a more sustainable operating model.

Further strengthening its waste management efforts, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach has installed waste segregation bins at key locations across the property. The initiative encourages guests, visitors and associates to actively participate in responsible waste disposal practices. The hotel has also incorporated sustainably sourced personal care kits as part of its guest amenities, aligning with its commitment to conscious consumption and environmentally responsible operations.

The property believes that such initiatives can inspire neighbouring communities to adopt sustainable habits and contribute towards a cleaner environment. By promoting responsible waste management and encouraging collective accountability, the hotel aims to create a positive and lasting impact for future generations.

Speaking about the initiative, Kunal Shanker, General Manager, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, said, "At Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, sustainability is not viewed as a standalone initiative but as an integral part of how we operate every day. As we mark the third year of Accor's Save Ocean campaign, we remain committed to reducing our environmental footprint through responsible practices, conscious resource management, and community engagement. The beach clean-up drive served as a meaningful reminder that even small collective actions can contribute towards preserving our coastlines and marine ecosystems for future generations."

Manav Sony, Founder, Funsmart Knowledge Solution Foundation, said, "Environmental conservation requires long-term commitment and collaboration. We were pleased to partner with Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach on this initiative, which not only helped create awareness around marine pollution but also encouraged community participation in protecting our natural ecosystems. Such efforts play an important role in fostering sustainable habits and driving positive environmental impact."

Through these initiatives, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach continues to support Accor’s broader sustainability goals while encouraging responsible practices that contribute to the protection of oceans and the environment.


ITC Maurya Celebrates World Environment Day with Sustainability-Led Experiences

ITC Maurya Celebrates World Environment Day with Sustainability-Led Experiences

By Hariharan U

Published on June 6, 2026

ITC Maurya New Delhi marked World Environment Day 2026 with a series of sustainability-led initiatives that reinforce its long-standing commitment to Responsible Luxury and environmental stewardship.

The hotel, known for hosting one of the world’s first paraboloid solar concentrators in the hospitality sector, continues to integrate innovative technologies and mindful operational practices aimed at reducing environmental impact while maintaining a high standard of luxury hospitality.

Recognised as the world’s first LEED Platinum hotel for Existing Buildings and a LEED Zero Water certified property, ITC Maurya has adopted a comprehensive sustainability framework. Its initiatives include rainwater harvesting systems, advanced water recycling infrastructure, renewable energy integration, EV charging facilities, and efficient operational practices designed to minimise resource consumption.

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A key element of its sustainability approach is SunyaAqua, the hotel’s zero-mile water initiative. Through this programme, drinking water is purified and bottled on-site, reducing transportation emissions and eliminating dependence on single-use plastic packaging. The initiative reflects ITC Maurya’s broader effort to integrate environmental responsibility into everyday guest experiences.

The hotel also continues to promote responsible culinary practices, with a strong emphasis on locally sourced produce and seasonal ingredients across its dining venues, supporting regional communities while reducing its carbon footprint.

As part of its World Environment Day activities, employees participated in a plantation drive in the vicinity of the hotel on June 5, contributing to urban greening efforts and encouraging collective environmental responsibility.

Adding a creative dimension to the celebrations, the hotel unveiled a curated lobby installation titled “Paludarium: Where Land Meets Water.” The installation brings together land, water, plants, and aquatic elements to represent the delicate balance of ecosystems, inviting guests to reflect on the interconnectedness of nature and human activity.

Speaking on the occasion, Amaan Kidwai, Area Manager Luxury Hotels (North) & General Manager, ITC Maurya, highlighted the integration of sustainability into the guest experience.

At ITC Maurya, sustainability finds expression as an intuitive dimension of everyday luxury, where even the simplest guest experiences contribute to a larger climate-conscious vision. Guided by ITC Hotels’ Responsible Luxury philosophy, our approach centres on seamlessly integrating mindful choices into the guest journey, ensuring that responsibility and refinement exist in perfect harmony,” he said.

Through these initiatives, ITC Maurya continues to demonstrate how environmental consciousness can be seamlessly embedded into luxury hospitality, creating experiences that are thoughtful, responsible, and meaningful.


Eros Hotel New Delhi Marks World Environment Day with Plantation Drive

Eros Hotel New Delhi Marks World Environment Day with Plantation Drive

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 6, 2026

Eros Hotel New Delhi celebrated World Environment Day with a plantation drive organised in association with Magic Bus India Foundation at the hotel premises. The initiative brought together children from the NGO along with members of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), creating an opportunity to spread awareness about sustainability and environmental conservation.

Held on the morning of World Environment Day, the activity encouraged children to take part in planting saplings while learning about the importance of protecting nature. The initiative focused on inspiring young minds to understand how collective efforts can help create a greener, healthier and more sustainable future.

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The plantation drive reflected Eros Hotel New Delhi’s continued commitment to responsible hospitality and community-focused initiatives. Through its association with organisations such as Magic Bus India Foundation, the hotel aims to support programmes that contribute positively to both society and the environment.

Speaking on the occasion, Davinder Juj, General Manager, Eros Hotel New Delhi said, “At Eros Hotel New Delhi, sustainability is not just a value; it is a way of life. As a responsible entity, our commitment to environment-friendly practices is underscored by our unique focus on the three R—Reduce, Recycle and Reuse. By adopting these practices, such as efficient electricity management, water recycling initiatives, and reusing valuable resources wherever possible, we try to minimize environmental impact while promoting greater operational efficiency and sustainability.”

The event concluded with an interactive session involving the children and CWC members, reinforcing the importance of sustainable living and the role communities can play in building a greener tomorrow. The initiative highlighted how awareness, participation and small actions can contribute meaningfully towards environmental preservation.

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