Indian School of Hospitality, Sommet Education, and Accor Launch Innovative Talent Initiative in India

Indian School of Hospitality, Sommet Education, and Accor Launch Innovative Talent Initiative in India

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 8, 2024

The Indian School of Hospitality (ISH), in collaboration with Sommet Education and Accor, has launched a groundbreaking initiative called the Indian Talent Development Initiative. This innovative partnership, unveiled at the 19th Hotel Investment Conference in Bengaluru (HICSA 2024), aims to provide growth opportunities for Indian youth in the thriving hospitality sector.

The three-year pact, spearheaded by the Sommet Education Foundation with Accor as its primary supporter, seeks to nurture the skills of economically disadvantaged individuals and empower them to pursue careers in hospitality. A total of 16 meritorious candidates from underprivileged backgrounds will benefit from this initiative, receiving funding to enroll in ISH's Intensive Culinary Arts Programme and Intensive Pastry and Bakery Programme.

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Kunal Vasudeva, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Indian School of Hospitality, emphasised the transformative potential of the Indian Talent Development Initiative, stating ISH's commitment to providing top-tier training and exceptional learning experiences to aspiring talents in hospitality.

Accor's SVP Diversity, Inclusion & Social Care, Anne-Sophie Beraud, highlighted the hospitality group's dedication to investing in the next generation of talent, ensuring opportunities for all individuals to reach their full potential. The partnership with Sommet Education Foundation reflects Accor's commitment to providing world-class education and training to aspiring youth in India.

Anouck Weiss, Vice-President Executive of Sommet Education Foundation, underscored the organisation's belief in education as a catalyst for positive change and success. Through scholarships and employment opportunities, the Indian Talent Development Initiative aims to empower individuals with the necessary skills and resources to become future leaders in the hospitality industry.

ISH will play a crucial role in the success of this initiative, offering top-notch training and immersive learning experiences through its advanced facilities and expert faculty. The program also includes a three-month practical experience at Accor and assured employability post-completion, promising to expedite culinary careers for the beneficiaries.

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Despite the rapid growth of the Indian hospitality industry, youth unemployment remains a significant challenge. The Indian Talent Development Initiative represents a collaborative effort to stimulate sustainable growth, bridge employment gaps, and enable individuals from less privileged backgrounds to secure meaningful careers in hospitality.

The launch of this initiative reflects the collective commitment of Sommet Education, ISH, and Accor to talent development, social equality, and economic enhancement in India. By paving new paths for advancement and setting higher benchmarks in the hospitality sector, the partners aim to create a brighter future for aspiring individuals in India.


Clarion Hotel Khayal Kochi Wins Indian Hotel of the Year Award

Clarion Hotel Khayal Kochi Wins Indian Hotel of the Year Award

By Hariharan U

Published on May 14, 2026

Clarion Hotel Khayal Kochi has earned a major international recognition after being awarded the Indian Hotel of the Year by Choice Hotels. The honour was presented during an event held in Las Vegas on 6 May 2026.

The achievement marks an important milestone for the property as well as the SUBA Group of Hotels, under which the hotel operates. The recognition highlights the hotel’s consistent focus on guest experience, hospitality standards, and operational excellence.

Presented under the “Best of Choice” platform, the award celebrates standout properties within the Choice Hotels network that have demonstrated exceptional performance and service quality.

The recognition places Clarion Hotel Khayal Kochi among the top-performing hospitality destinations representing India on a global stage, further strengthening its presence within the international hospitality industry.


Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts Expands Himachal Presence with RoyalPine Kasauli Launch

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts Expands Himachal Presence with RoyalPine Kasauli Launch

By Hariharan U

Published on May 14, 2026

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts has announced the launch of Treetop by Eight Continents - RoyalPine Kasauli, marking a significant expansion of the group’s presence in Himachal Pradesh and strengthening its portfolio of design-led experiential hospitality destinations in India.

The UK-based luxury hospitality and hotel management group, known for its focus on emotique hotels, continues its strategy of developing immersive, culturally rooted, and experience-driven stays across high-potential leisure markets.

Nestled amidst the hills of Kasauli, the 44-key property has been designed to offer uninterrupted valley views and sunset-facing experiences, with architecture that blends contemporary aesthetics with natural materials. Built along a natural gradient, every room has been positioned to maximise scenic vistas and create a strong connection with the surrounding landscape.

A key design highlight of the property is the use of knotless pine wood sourced from Finland, bringing warmth and a nature-inspired character to the overall guest experience.

The property features a range of lifestyle and wellness offerings including 8 Cafe and a restaurant and microbrewery concept, along with a sunset deck, dedicated gathering spaces, a spa, steam and sauna facilities, an infinity pool, and a 10-seater jacuzzi. The development reflects the growing consumer demand for boutique hospitality experiences that combine wellness, design, and destination-driven travel.

Speaking on the launch, Richa Adhia, Managing Director of Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, said the addition of RoyalPine Kasauli aligns with the group’s broader strategy of building experience-led destinations in key leisure markets. She noted that Kasauli’s natural beauty and heritage charm make it an ideal setting for immersive hospitality experiences tailored to modern travellers seeking meaningful and design-focused stays.

Founded in 2020 by Haninder Sachdeva, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts operates across India, the UK, and East Africa. Its hospitality portfolio includes brands such as Ocho Homes, Hanric, Treetop, and Stamps, all centred around boutique luxury, local storytelling, and experiential travel.

The launch of RoyalPine Kasauli comes at a time when India’s boutique hospitality segment continues to witness strong momentum, particularly in leisure and mountain destinations where travellers are increasingly prioritising personalised experiences, wellness, and destination authenticity over traditional hotel formats.

For more information, visit Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts


The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa Redefines Luxury Destination Weddings in Rajasthan

The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa Redefines Luxury Destination Weddings in Rajasthan

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 12, 2026

The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa is emerging as a sought-after destination for luxury weddings in Rajasthan, bringing together scenic landscapes, elegant venues, curated experiences, and premium hospitality under one roof.

Located amidst the peaceful surroundings of Pushkar and close to the town’s spiritual landmarks, the resort offers panoramic 360-degree views of the Aravalli Hills along with stunning sunset backdrops, creating a memorable setting for wedding celebrations.

The property features four outdoor and two indoor venues designed to host multi-day wedding festivities with ease. One of the standout spaces at the resort is its dome-shaped venue inspired by the Shiv Ling, offering a unique setting for sacred pheras. The expansive lawns and smooth baraat processions within the property further add to the grand wedding experience while ensuring convenience for guests.

The resort houses more than 98 rooms and private villas, including pool villas and plunge pool villas, making it ideal for exclusive wedding buyouts. The spacious accommodation setup allows families and guests to celebrate together in privacy and comfort throughout the festivities.

Adding to the experience are the resort’s wellness and leisure offerings, including its premium spa, multiple swimming pools, and the Westin WORKOUT Fitness Studio. Guests can also enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor recreational activities designed for all age groups.

On the culinary front, the resort offers diverse dining experiences ranging from global cuisine at Seasonal Tastes to rooftop dining with panoramic views at Panorama. The hotel also provides customised wedding menus curated to match the style and preferences of each celebration.

Speaking about the wedding experience at the resort, Vijay Chandran, General Manager, said, “Weddings today are about creating immersive, meaningful experiences, and at The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa, we bring together nature, luxury, and thoughtful service to make every celebration truly personal and memorable. Our aim is to offer couples and their families a seamless, all-in-one destination where every detail is taken care of.”

Combining luxury accommodation, elegant venues, wellness experiences, and personalised hospitality, The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa continues to position itself as a refined destination for unforgettable weddings in Rajasthan.

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