Key Trends Shaping Hospitality Education in the 21st Century

Key Trends Shaping Hospitality Education in the 21st Century

By Author

Published on July 7, 2023

The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) recognizes the disruptive trends transforming the hospitality industry. As a forward-thinking institute, IIHM adapts its curriculum to stay abreast of these changes.

Technology integration is crucial, with hotels relying on technology for operational efficiency and guest experiences. Hospitality courses now cover areas like data analytics, CRM, revenue management systems, and digital marketing.

Real-world exposure is essential, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge. IIHM offers international internships, wine and culinary tours, providing invaluable industry exposure and domain knowledge.

Sustainability is a driving force, and IIHM incorporates courses on waste management, green building, and eco-friendly practices. Initiatives like the Young Chef Olympiad and the Global Sustainability Congress promote the UN SDGs.

Preparing students for international careers is paramount. IIHM offers international programs in association with leading UK universities, including a prestigious BSc (Hons) degree in Hospitality Management.

Entrepreneurship and innovation courses are emphasized, with IIHM's SAHAS entrepreneurship cell supporting students. Customized masterclasses led by industry experts ensure students stay updated in this rapidly changing industry.

IIHM's "Global Connect" program enables students to study abroad at over 70 institutions. The institute boasts an international faculty that exposes students to global hospitality trends.

Collaborations with digital tech companies, such as Google and HotStats, give IIHM students a competitive edge in areas like digital marketing, analytics, and revenue management.

Unique initiatives like the International Young Chef Olympiad provide students with global exposure and opportunities for interaction.

IIHM's alumni network supports students and offers global opportunities. Many alumni hold leading positions in hospitality companies worldwide.

International Hospitality Day celebrates the industry and honours thought leaders. IIHM's strong industry connections, including an MOU with Marriott International, ensure industry-driven education and coveted placements.

MOUs with leading hospitality institutes in 50 countries foster the exchange of ideas and talent, making IIHM a global influencer.

IIHM's recognition as the "Most Valuable Global Hospitality Education Brand" showcases its global influence.

Admissions are now open for the coming academic session, offering a golden opportunity to build a successful career in the growing hospitality industry. Contact IIHM to seize this opportunity.


Kairali, The Ayurvedic Healing Village India Announces Exclusive North American Partnership with Sky Vacations

Kairali, The Ayurvedic Healing Village India Announces Exclusive North American Partnership with Sky Vacations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 12, 2026

Kairali – The Ayurvedic Healing Village (KTAHV) has announced its exclusive North American partnership with Sky Vacations, one of North America’s premier luxury tour operators known for curated and culturally immersive travel experiences. The collaboration aims to bring the healing benefits of authentic 5000-year-old Kerala Ayurveda practice to travellers across North America.

Located in the lush foothills of Palakkad and spread across 63 acres, Kairali The Ayurvedic Healing Village has been welcoming global guests for more than 26 years. Recognised worldwide for its authentic Ayurveda-based wellness experiences, the retreat blends traditional healing therapies with modern comfort, personalised care, and a strong focus on sustainability and wellbeing.

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“Bringing travellers the most authentic and enriching travel opportunities is one of our core pillars,” said Richard Krieger, Director of Sky Vacations. “As Kairali The Ayurvedic Healing Village’s exclusive representative partner in North America, we are thrilled to expand our health and wellness portfolio with a property that so perfectly embodies authenticity, excellence, and purpose."

At the heart of Kairali’s offering is a medically guided and personalised wellness approach. Each guest undergoes customised programs supervised by experienced Ayurvedic doctors and therapists. The treatments combine traditional therapies, yoga, meditation, and lifestyle guidance. Supporting this journey is farm-to-table cuisine prepared using organically grown, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that nourishment and healing go hand in hand.

“It is a great honour for us. Ayurveda is a 5000-year-old science, and working with Sky Vacations as our North American partner and representative helps us introduce the benefits of truly authentic Ayurveda and its healing benefits to more North American audiences,” said Abhilash Ramesh, Director of Kairali Ayurvedic Group. “Sky Vacations has a stellar reputation for creating extraordinary global journeys, and their depth of knowledge and experience in India is truly unparalleled”.

KTAHV offers a wide range of wellness programs designed for both preventive and restorative health. These include detoxification and rejuvenation therapies (panchakarma), weight and dietary management, stress relief, energy restoration, women’s wellness, immunity enhancement, pain management, and long-term lifestyle reset plans. Each program is carefully structured to ensure benefits that continue well beyond the stay.

For Sky Vacations, this partnership strengthens its focus on meaningful and transformative travel. With decades of experience in designing high-end journeys across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas and strong expertise in travel to India, the company is well positioned to introduce KTAHV to the North American market.

“This partnership reflects everything our guests expect from Sky Vacations: carefully curated experiences, exceptional quality, healing in a globally recognised Ayurvedic retreat and access to the very best the world has to offer.” Further, continued Mr. Krieger.

At KTAHV, guests can access traditional, medically guided Ayurvedic programs including Ayurvedic Massages (treatments), Detox programs, Yoga, Meditation, lifestyle guidance, diet programs, Farm-to-table food using organic, locally sourced ingredients, and authentic Ayurvedic supplements and medicines, all overseen by experienced Ayurvedic doctors and therapists aligned to each individual requirement.

This exclusive collaboration reflects the growing global demand for wellness travel that delivers more than relaxation. Through this partnership, Sky Vacations and Kairali aim to create a new benchmark for authentic Ayurvedic wellness travel in the North American market.


Ronil Goa – JdV by Hyatt Celebrates Valentine’s Season with Inclusive, All-Heart Experiences

Ronil Goa – JdV by Hyatt Celebrates Valentine’s Season with Inclusive, All-Heart Experiences

By Hariharan U

Published on February 11, 2026

This Valentine’s season, Ronil Goa – a JdV by Hyatt Hotel – is embracing love in all its forms, inviting guests to celebrate togetherness with partners, friends, family, pets and even themselves. Rooted in the values of diversity, equity and inclusion, the boutique pet-friendly resort in the heart of North Goa has curated a month-long lineup of experiences throughout February 2026, ensuring every guest feels welcome and free to celebrate love their own way.

Recognising that love often comes with paws, Ronil Goa continues to offer pet-friendly stays with dedicated amenities, pet menus and open spaces designed for relaxed bonding. Guests can book these stays via Hyatt.com and enjoy the brand’s best rate guarantee. The resort also encourages reunions and staycations, inviting families and friends to reconnect at its Indo-Portuguese inspired setting through customised gatherings, offsite excursions, pool parties and celebratory experiences.

Valentine’s at Ronil Goa also places strong emphasis on self-love and wellbeing. Guests are encouraged to slow down with wellness rituals at The Spa, energising poolside afternoons and relaxed evenings at Patrao’s, creating space for rest, reflection and indulgence. Adding a fun twist to the celebrations, Galentine’s Day on 13th February 2026 brings together groups of women for cocktails and canapés, while singles can look forward to a social mixer later in the month.

For couples, the specially curated ‘Couples’ Edit’ package includes daily breakfast, a couple spa ritual, a poolside dinner and thoughtful inclusions designed to rekindle connection. Valentine’s Day dining experiences on 14th February range from curated buffet dinners at Ronil Bistro to intimate poolside and cabana dinners, while Galentine celebrations continue from 13th to 15th February at The Hub. With its inclusive spirit and joyful vibe, Ronil Goa positions itself as a destination where guests can truly come as they are.


Flight Centre Travel Group Partners with TCS to Transform Enterprise Technology Services

Flight Centre Travel Group Partners with TCS to Transform Enterprise Technology Services

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 10, 2026

Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), one of the world’s largest travel groups, has partnered with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to support its global digital transformation journey and modernise its enterprise technology services.

Through this strategic partnership, TCS will help future-proof FCTG’s cloud and network services, strengthen operational resilience, and modernise service platforms across the group’s global operations. Leveraging its deep expertise in technology, data, and AI within the travel sector, TCS will work to streamline and consolidate core systems, unlock greater value from existing technology investments, and improve overall performance across FCTG’s enterprise technology stack.

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FCTG operates an extensive leisure and corporate travel sales network spanning Australia and New Zealand, the Americas, EMEA, and Asia. The collaboration aims to create a more standardised and simplified global operating model, enhancing both customer and employee experiences across regions.

Graham Turner, Chief Executive Officer, Flight Centre Travel Group, said, "We are delighted to be working with TCS as we continue our evolution as a business. Strengthening our technology backbone is an ongoing priority and we look forward to collaborating with the TCS team to deliver tangible benefits to our people and, ultimately, our customers and shareholders."

Krishnan Ramanujam, President of Consumer Business Group, Tata Consultancy Services, said, We are happy to partner with Flight Centre Travel Group on this pivotal transformation to simplify and uplift the customer and employee experience. Together, we are transforming the enterprise technology services of one of Australia’s most iconic travel brands to adopt an AI-first simplified global operating model.”

As part of the engagement, TCS will help FCTG develop and execute a clear strategy focused on platform standardisation, continuous service-level improvements, and transparent governance. The partnership builds on TCS’ long-standing expertise in the global travel sector, where it has worked closely with leading travel operators across consulting, customer service management, supply chain, marketing, pricing strategies, and business model reinvention.

TCS continues to strengthen its presence in Australia, serving as a digital partner to several leading enterprises in the region. The company operates across multiple locations in the country and has been recognised for its workplace culture and employer excellence.

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