FHRAI Successfully Concludes HR Summit on Education and Careers in Hospitality

FHRAI Successfully Concludes HR Summit on Education and Careers in Hospitality

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 17, 2024

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), in partnership with the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) and the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Northern India (HRANI), concluded its HR Summit on Education and Career in Hospitality on November 14, 2024, at Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi. The summit was a gathering of over 200 industry leaders, educators, and government representatives committed to addressing the challenges in the hospitality sector and shaping its future.

The summit focused on critical issues, including the shortage of skilled workers, declining student enrolment in hospitality courses, and high employee attrition rates. It featured three insightful sessions covering career opportunities, enrolment and retention challenges, and best practices for managing human resources.

During the event, FHRAI released a report titled "Future of Hospitality: Challenges, Skill Shortages and Solutions," developed by the FHRAI Centre of Excellence after consulting over 1,500 stakeholders. The report underscored the growing demand for skilled workers, estimating a need for an additional 100,000–150,000 skilled professionals annually to meet the sector's rapid growth, projected to double by 2029.

Key Voices at the Summit

Gyan Bhushan, CEO of NCHMCT, highlighted the transformative opportunities in the hospitality industry post-pandemic, stating, “Hospitality is a key growth sector in India’s economy, poised for robust job creation with the right focus on education and skill development.”

Pradeep Shetty, Vice President of FHRAI, emphasized the industry's potential to drive economic growth and job creation, saying, “Hospitality contributes significantly to employment and foreign exchange. However, addressing workforce shortages and making careers attractive to new professionals are urgent priorities.”

K.B. Kachru, President of the Hotel Association of India (HAI), stressed the need for unified efforts across government, industry, and academia. “India is on the verge of becoming the third-largest economy, and hospitality must play a pivotal role in driving this growth,” he remarked.

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Surendra Kumar Jaiswal, President of HRANI, applauded the collaborative spirit of the summit and its focus on workforce development. “Education and training are critical for the future of hospitality, and this summit serves as a platform for meaningful dialogue and action,” he noted.

Key Discussions and Outcomes
The three sessions delved into:

  1. Career Opportunities in Hospitality: Exploring new roles, skill development, and strategies for growth.
  2. Addressing Low Enrolment and High Attrition: Tackling curriculum updates and reducing turnover.
  3. Managing Human Resources in Hospitality: Sharing best practices for talent retention and workforce motivation.

The summit concluded with a collective commitment from FHRAI, NCHMCT, and HRANI to enhance collaboration, improve hospitality education, and create sustainable career pathways.

About FHRAI:

Founded in 1955, FHRAI is India’s apex hospitality body and the third-largest hospitality association globally. It serves as the leading voice for the industry, fostering growth and collaboration among stakeholders.

The HR Summit marked a significant step towards strengthening India’s hospitality workforce, ensuring it remains a driving force in the nation’s economic and employment landscape.


The LaLiT New Delhi Appoints Vishal Sharma as General Manager

The LaLiT New Delhi Appoints Vishal Sharma as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kanna

Published on February 24, 2026

The LaLiT New Delhi has announced the appointment of Vishal Sharma as its new General Manager. Bringing over 18 years of experience across sales, marketing, and hotel operations, Vishal adds a strong commercial edge and leadership depth to the iconic luxury hotel in New Delhi.

Vishal started his hospitality journey with Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces and went on to take up senior sales and marketing roles at leading properties such as The Imperial New Delhi, The Claridges New Delhi, and Radisson MBD Noida. His association with the brand is long-standing, having earlier served as Head of Sales at The LaLiT New Delhi, followed by his role as National Head of Sales (Business Hotels) at The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group.

Most recently, Vishal was Director of Sales and Marketing at IHG Crowne Plaza New Delhi Rohini. He was also part of the IHG EMEAA General Manager Development Programme 2025, further strengthening his leadership credentials.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Vivek Shukla, Chief Executive Officer, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, said, “We are delighted to welcome Vishal back to The LaLiT New Delhi in this leadership role. His deep commercial expertise, strong understanding of the luxury hospitality landscape, and long-standing association with the brand position him exceptionally well to lead the property into its next phase of growth. We are confident that under his leadership, the hotel will continue to deliver elevated guest experiences and strengthen its market presence.”

In his new role, Vishal will be responsible for overseeing overall hotel operations, shaping commercial strategy, and leading guest engagement initiatives, further strengthening the hotel’s standing in the luxury hospitality segment.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Vishal Sharma said, “It is truly an honour to take on this responsibility at The LaLiT New Delhi, a brand widely recognised for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusive hospitality. I look forward to fostering a culture where every team member feels valued and empowered, while ensuring our guests experience not only exceptional service, but a space that celebrates individuality, respect, and belonging.”


Espire Hospitality Strengthens Sales Team with Two New Directors

Espire Hospitality Strengthens Sales Team with Two New Directors

By Hariharan U

Published on February 23, 2026

Espire Hospitality Limited has strengthened its commercial team with the appointment of Mr. Daksh Shandilya and Ms. Ashwini Alpesh Taware as Director of Sales. This step reflects the company’s clear focus on expanding its reach and sharpening its sales strategy for ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts.

Daksh Shandilya brings over nine years of experience in hospitality sales and marketing. Over the years, he has worked with leading brands such as The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, Lemon Tree Hotels, Treehouse Hotels & Resorts, and Old-World Hospitality. His experience covers key account management, business development, and market expansion across competitive regions. He has handled segments including PCO, DMC, and MICE, helping brands grow through structured planning and strong long-term partnerships.

Ashwini Alpesh Taware joins with more than a decade of experience across corporate sales, travel trade, events, and MICE. She has been associated with brands like Lemon Tree Hotels, Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Nashik, Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, and The Orchid Hotel Mumbai. Having worked at both property-level and national sales offices, she understands client expectations and market trends closely.

Commenting on the appointments, Mr. Akhil Arora, CEO & MD, Espire Hospitality Limited, said, "Our focus has always been on building strong leadership teams that can take our brands forward in a competitive market. Daksh and Ashwini come with solid industry experience and a clear understanding of how today's hospitality business works. Their addition strengthens our focus to grow our market footprint, deepen our engagement with key partners, and drive consistent performance across ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts."

In their new roles, Daksh Shandilya and Ashwini Alpesh Taware will focus on improving sales performance and supporting Espire Hospitality Limited’s long-term growth plans across its brands


The Leela Hyderabad Appoints Krishna Rana as Chef de Cuisine at Tiga

The Leela Hyderabad Appoints Krishna Rana as Chef de Cuisine at Tiga

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 22, 2026

The Leela Hyderabad has announced the appointment of Krishna Rana as Chef de Cuisine at its signature dining destination, Tiga, further reinforcing the hotel’s focus on culinary excellence and leadership.

With close to three decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Rana brings with him a strong professional foundation shaped by his tenure across several renowned hotel brands. His career includes stints at Park Hyatt Hotels, Grand Hyatt Mumbai, Grand InterContinental, Le Royal Meridien, and The St. Regis. Over the years, his work has been defined by a disciplined approach to global cuisines, with a sharp focus on authenticity, precision, and guest satisfaction.

Speaking on his appointment, Rana said, “cooking, for me, is a continuous journey of learning and refinement. i believe in respecting ingredients, techniques, and authentic recipes while evolving with guest expectations. at the leela hyderabad, i look forward to creating dining experiences that balance global influences with flavours that resonate with the local palate.”

At Tiga, Rana aims to curate menus that blend international culinary trends with regional sensibilities. A key highlight of his vision is a strong emphasis on Sichuan-style cuisine, known for its bold spices, layered aromas, and balanced heat, while ensuring the offerings remain approachable for local diners.

Welcoming him to the team, Rajesh Gopalakrishnan, General Manager of The Leela Hyderabad, said, “chef rana’s extensive experience across some of the world’s most respected hospitality brands, combined with his commitment to consistency and quality, makes him a valuable addition to our culinary team. his leadership will play a key role in further elevating the dining experience at the leela hyderabad.”

With this appointment, The Leela Hyderabad continues to strengthen its culinary portfolio, positioning Tiga as a destination for refined global flavours delivered with consistency and care.

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