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.