Hilton Global Foundation Awards 2026 Grant to THSC to Boost Hospitality Skilling in India

Hilton Global Foundation Awards 2026 Grant to THSC to Boost Hospitality Skilling in India

By Author

Published on February 16, 2026

In a significant step towards strengthening India’s hospitality workforce, the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) has been selected as a 2026 grantee by the Hilton Global Foundation.

The annual grants by the Foundation support nonprofit organisations working to enhance travel destinations, create economic opportunities, and advance Hilton’s Travel with Purpose strategy. The focus areas include workforce development, destination sustainability, and community resilience.

THSC has been recognised for its strong track record in delivering industry-aligned skills training and certification for India’s tourism and hospitality sector. With the new funding support, THSC will train more than 1,000 young people through certified hospitality programmes and offer structured placement assistance. The initiative aims to help graduates secure stable employment and build long-term careers in the industry.

Support from the Hilton Global Foundation is yet another strong endorsement of THSC's mission to build a future-ready hospitality workforce for India,” said Mr. Rajan Bahadur, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council. “This partnership will allow us to expand access to quality, industry-relevant training for young people and connect them to meaningful employment opportunities, while contributing to stronger communities and a more sustainable tourism ecosystem.”

Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Katherine Lugar, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Hilton and President, Hilton Global Foundation, said, “Today's announcement highlights the exponential power of partnership. Together with this year's Hilton Global Foundation grantees, we are delivering impact far beyond what any one organization could do alone—expanding access to opportunity and protecting the destinations where people travel.”

Established in July 2014, THSC operates as a not-for-profit organisation under the Societies Act. Its formation was facilitated by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). It is recognised as an Awarding Body under the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India.

Over the years, THSC has enrolled around 2 million candidates and assessed over 1.8 million beneficiaries. With a nationwide presence, 4,300+ training institutes, and 5,000 industry partners, the council continues to build a skilled and employable talent pool for tourism, hospitality, travel, and allied services.

The Hilton Global Foundation, Hilton’s primary philanthropic arm, supports programmes that advance destination stewardship, career development, and community resilience. Since 2019, the Foundation has contributed more than $25 million globally, positively impacting millions of lives.

With this 2026 grant, the partnership between THSC and Hilton Global Foundation is set to open new doors for young Indians aspiring to build meaningful careers in hospitality.


The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula, a Vignette Collection Hotel by IHG, Opens in North India

The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula, a Vignette Collection Hotel by IHG, Opens in North India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 29, 2026

SSIEL Group has announced the opening of The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula, the first Vignette Collection hotel by IHG Hotels & Resorts. Owned and developed by SSIEL Hotels & Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Shiv Shakti Inter Globe Exports Pvt. Ltd., the hotel marks a key milestone in the group's expansion into the hospitality sector.

Nestled in the scenic Shivalik Hills within the Chandigarh Tricity region, The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula offers a luxury lifestyle experience that combines contemporary design with the cultural essence of the destination. As part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' growing luxury lifestyle portfolio, the property embraces the Vignette Collection philosophy of celebrating the unique identity of each destination while delivering globally recognised hospitality standards.

The hotel features 145 guestrooms, including 11 suites, along with over 2,200 square metres of flexible meeting and event space. Guests also have access to a luxury spa, fitness centre, swimming pool and premium retail experiences.

Designed to cater to both business and leisure travellers, the hotel aims to become a preferred venue for luxury stays, corporate events, destination weddings and social celebrations across North India.

The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula also offers a range of curated dining and social experiences. These include Sapio, the all-day dining restaurant; Cabinet V (Luxury PDR), an exclusive private dining venue serving contemporary Indian and European cuisine; Wakerie, an artisanal café and patisserie; Jigger, a cocktail bar; and Sky VI, a rooftop destination overlooking the Shivalik Hills, which is scheduled to open in September.

With this launch, SSIEL Group strengthens its presence in the hospitality sector while bringing IHG Hotels & Resorts' Vignette Collection brand to North India for the first time.


Faasos Opens Its First Airport Store at Mumbai T2, Expanding Retail Presence

Faasos Opens Its First Airport Store at Mumbai T2, Expanding Retail Presence

By Author

Published on July 29, 2026

Faasos, the wraps brand from Rebel Foods, has expanded its retail footprint with the launch of its first-ever airport store at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) Terminal 2, Gate 45, Mumbai. The opening marks the brand's entry into the airport dining segment as it looks to strengthen its presence across high-footfall travel destinations.

The new outlet offers travellers access to Faasos' signature wraps and quick-service menu, catering to passengers seeking convenient dining options before departure or during transit. The menu includes the brand's Classic Wraps, Signature Wraps, Burger Wraps, Shawarmas, sides, and beverages.

Having served customers across India for more than two decades through its delivery-led business, Faasos continues to expand its omnichannel presence by bringing its offerings to offline retail locations. The Mumbai airport store represents a strategic step in extending the brand beyond home delivery and into travel-focused environments.

Commenting on the launch, Ankush Grover, Co-founder & Global CEO, Rebel Foods, said, "Every journey comes with its own moments, and we wanted Faasos to be part of those memories. Our first store at Mumbai T2 airport brings together everything our consumers love about us: bold flavours, convenience, and food designed for life on the move. Airports are places where experiences begin, and we are excited to bring the Faasos experience into this dynamic environment. From a quick pre-flight meal to a familiar favourite during a layover, this launch is about creating more opportunities for consumers to connect with the brand wherever their journeys take them."

The store has been designed to reflect the brand's identity through vibrant interiors, bold graphics, neon elements, and contemporary design, creating an engaging retail experience for travellers.

The launch forms part of Faasos' broader retail expansion strategy, strengthening its omnichannel presence while creating additional touchpoints for consumers beyond its established delivery network.


Amrit Bhawan to Host 'A Week of Wellness by the Ganga' This Monsoon

Amrit Bhawan to Host 'A Week of Wellness by the Ganga' This Monsoon

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 26, 2026

Haridwar's heritage riverside retreat, Amrit Bhawan, is set to host 'A Week of Wellness by the Ganga' from 25 July to 1 August 2026, inviting guests to embrace a slower and more mindful way of travelling this monsoon. Open to all guests regardless of the length of their stay, the week-long programme combines wellness, relaxation, and meaningful riverside experiences in a peaceful setting.

The programme features a thoughtfully curated schedule of daily yoga sessions, personalised nutrition consultations with wellness expert Srishti Chatlani, massage therapies, wellness-focused meals, and interactive sessions covering Ayurveda, fermentation, gut health, herbal infusions, and everyday wellness practices.

Evenings will centre around the property's private ghat, where guests can take part in Ganga Aarti, heritage walks, documentary screenings, sound healing, meditation, and Yoga Nidra. These experiences are designed to help visitors reconnect with nature, local traditions, and themselves.

Speaking about the initiative, Varun Bajaj, Founder & Managing Partner, Ekat Travel & Lodging, said, "Wellness isn't something we wanted to package as a retreat or an escape. It already exists in the rhythm of this house, in the river, the slower pace of the day, shared meals and quiet moments by the Ganga. This programme simply creates more opportunities for guests to experience that rhythm with intention."

Guests can also choose from curated wellness packages based on the duration of their stay. The packages, available per night for up to two adults, include a range of wellness benefits such as massage therapies and personalised nutrition consultations.

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