The Indian hospitality industry faces a dual challenge of declining hotel bookings due to COVID's immediate impact and a shortage of skilled workers. Surprisingly, hotel management graduates are avoiding the hospitality sector, leading to a scarcity of talent despite the industry's significant contribution to the GDP.

Low pay for fresh graduates and a lack of clear career progression are major factors contributing to this trend. Stagnant salaries fail to cover basic living expenses, demotivating graduates who seek better-paying alternatives in related fields. Retail and allied sectors recognize the value of hospitality graduates' skills and offer more attractive compensation packages, further exacerbating the brain drain from the industry.

Additionally, the absence of clear growth pathways and outdated syllabi in hospitality institutes create a skills mismatch and hinder graduates' advancement.

To address these issues, policy intervention by the government is crucial. The hospitality industry's growth can be boosted through targeted skilling initiatives and improved infrastructure in educational institutions. Central and state governments, along with hotel associations, can collaborate to establish a CSR fund to promote job opportunities in the hospitality and service sectors.