As part of a dedicated upskilling initiative to boost adventure tourism in India, the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), in collaboration with VISA, felicitated successful candidates who completed the Paragliding Ground Crew Chief training program. This effort is a significant step in formalising the skills of ground staff and offering them well-deserved industry recognition.

The Certificate Distribution Ceremony was conducted by THSC’s training partner, Samarpit Media Society, at Rainbow Hall, ITBP Camp, Dehradun. The event was graced by dignitaries including Mrs. Poonam Chand, Additional Secretary of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), Ms. Parnal Vats, Senior Manager at VISA, and Mr. Abhishek Anand, Vice President – Assessment & Certification at THSC.

The training initiative was supported by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Border Security Force (BSF), whose contributions were acknowledged by THSC for their vital role throughout the training process and event execution.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajan Bahadur, CEO of THSC, highlighted the importance of this initiative:
"This upskilling initiative reflects our commitment to creating structured pathways for workforce development in emerging areas like adventure tourism. Through the RPL program, we are formally recognizing the capabilities of individuals who have long been contributing to the sector. We are grateful to our partners VISA, along with UTDB, Samarpit Media Society, BSF and ITBP for their vital support."

This program supports THSC’s broader mission to build a strong skill ecosystem by empowering individuals in the tourism and hospitality sector with industry-aligned competencies and formal certifications.

The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CUTS Institute for Regulation and Competition (CIRC) to strengthen the legal and compliance capacity across India's hospitality sector. The initiative comes at a crucial time, as the industry grapples with evolving laws, increasing compliance demands, and mounting sustainability obligations.

"It is important to bridge the gaps between hospitality law and practice, as regulatory uncertainty and overlaps create hurdles for the industry," said K. Shyama Raju, President of FHRAI, during the MoU signing. The partnership aims to roll out a specialised course—Navigating the Legal Landscape of Hospitality—targeted at professionals across hotels, restaurants, and allied services.

India's tourism and hospitality sector is projected to generate over ₹5.12 lakh crore (US$59 billion) in revenue by 2028. However, startups and smaller businesses often face challenges navigating multiple licenses, labour laws, and compliance mandates. These complications can delay business operations and impact consumer experience.

Adding to the pressure, new environmental regulations are pushing for green certifications, energy efficiency, and sustainability disclosures. While these align with global standards, they are often difficult to implement without proper awareness or support, especially for small and medium enterprises.

Raju emphasized the importance of legal knowledge in today's landscape. "Understanding the law is not just an advantage—it is a necessity in the hospitality industry. This course is a timely and much-needed initiative that will help professionals gain the legal know-how to run their businesses more responsibly and efficiently," he said.

The eight-week course is designed for a wide audience—hoteliers, restaurateurs, HR managers, legal advisors, entrepreneurs, and hospitality students. It covers licensing, contracts, labour laws, intellectual property, taxation, and dispute resolution, with a strong focus on real-world application. Live weekend sessions, expert instructors, and case-based learning aim to ensure practical value.

Pradeep Mehta, Chairman of CIRC, noted the urgent need for legal training in the sector. "There is a critical gap in legal knowledge within the hospitality industry. This shortfall often leads to unintentional consumer rights violations and regulatory missteps. A comprehensive capacity-building programme will help individuals and the industry navigate these challenges more effectively."

He added, "To unlock the full potential of the sector, we need a more streamlined regulatory environment and wider awareness of compliance obligations. Well-informed businesses are better equipped to avoid penalties, attract investment, and meet global benchmarks."

Raju concluded, "What sets this course apart is its focus on practical learning. It empowers professionals to spot risks early, make smarter decisions, and protect their businesses. We believe this initiative marks an important step toward raising legal awareness and strengthening the foundation of hospitality in India."

Araiya Hotels & Resorts, a boutique name in Indian luxury hospitality, has announced the launch of two new signature properties in Uttarakhand under its Anthology collection, in partnership with Aalia Collection. The newly unveiled retreats, Kinwani House and Aalia Jungle Retreat & Spa, offer an exclusive blend of serene luxury, heritage charm, and immersive nature experiences.

“We are thrilled to unveil Kinwani House and Aalia Jungle Retreat & Spa—two signature properties under our Anthology portfolio that embody the essence of refined Indian hospitality and immersive luxury. These destinations offer our guests the rare opportunity to reconnect with nature in sophisticated comfort,” shared Amruda Nair, Founder & Director of Araiya Hotels & Resorts.

Kinwani House, located in the historic town of Narendra Nagar, was once part of the princely state of Tehri Garhwal. Blending regal heritage with modern sophistication, the boutique property features six opulent suites with panoramic Himalayan views, a temperature-controlled pool, and intimate lounges including a conservatory bar. Situated along the sacred 79° East longitude, Kinwani House holds spiritual significance, as it aligns with twelve revered Shiva temples across India.

Menaka Kumari, Princess of Tehri-Garhwal and owner of Kinwani House, shared, “Kinwani House holds an extremely special place in my heart… expertly restored with new improvements by my husband Aditya Paul Lakhanpal. I am confident Araiya, under the leadership of Amruda Nair, she herself no stranger to legacy will enhance Kinwani House further & beyond.”

Just a few hours away lies Aalia Jungle Retreat & Spa, a peaceful wilderness resort near the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, offering a luxury escape surrounded by mustard fields, mango orchards, and pristine Himalayan forest.

“The Aalia Jungle Retreat was conceived as a sanctuary of tranquility and natural beauty,” said Aditya Paul Lakhanpal, Managing Director of JPL Hospitality Services Pvt Ltd. “To preserve the ecological balance, we opted for campaign-style luxury tents and minimal brickwork, allowing guests to reconnect with nature in its purest form.”

The resort features 11 colonial-style tents that blend vintage aesthetics with modern comforts. Guests can enjoy personalized safaris into Rajaji National Park, indulge in globally inspired dining, or unwind in tranquil forest surroundings, all while staying in close touch with nature.

With the addition of these two unique destinations, Araiya continues to redefine luxury hospitality by offering personalized, place-rooted experiences. The brand’s partnership with Aalia Collection reflects a shared commitment to heritage preservation, ecological mindfulness, and understated luxury.

About Araiya Hotels & Resorts:

Araiya Hotels & Resorts is a boutique hospitality company transforming guest experiences through a combination of smart design, operational excellence, and tech-enabled solutions. With a growing portfolio across India, Araiya operates four unique brands: Araiya Hotels, Soul by Araiya, Éssence by Araiya, and Araiya Anthology, delivering personalized service and value-driven operations.