L'Oréal India has inaugurated its largest Beauty Skilling Centre in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), marking a significant step in its ongoing efforts to support skills development and women's empowerment in India. The inauguration took place in the presence of Union Minister of Industry & Commerce, Shri Piyush Goyal.

Established under L'Oréal's flagship Beauty for a Better Life programme, the new centre is located at CII's North Mumbai Skill Centre and spans 4,267 sq. ft. The facility is designed to train nearly 3,000 individuals every year in professional hairdressing, makeup artistry, and beauty services.

The initiative focuses on helping women from underserved communities gain industry-relevant skills and access sustainable livelihood opportunities. Through partnerships with NGOs and industry stakeholders, the programme offers professional training, career guidance, job placement assistance, and trainer development support.

The launch of the centre also coincided with the unveiling of L'Oréal India's first Socio-Economic Impact Study, conducted by Paris-based economic research consultancy Asterès. The report highlights the company's growing contribution to India's economy and employment ecosystem.

According to the study, every direct job created by L'Oréal India supports 39.5 additional jobs across its value chain, contributing to a total of 90,500 jobs nationwide through activities such as logistics, packaging, raw material sourcing, and retail operations.

The report further revealed that 95% of L'Oréal products sold in India are manufactured locally at its facilities in Chakan, Maharashtra, and Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, supporting the Government of India's "Make in India" vision. These facilities also serve as export hubs, supplying products to 25 international markets.

L'Oréal has also played an important role in the growth of India's professional hairdressing industry, partnering with more than 54,000 salons across the country and contributing to the development of a professional haircare ecosystem valued at over INR 2,000 crore.

Over the past decade, the company has upskilled 3.3 million hairdressers and supported 42,000 women through its Beauty for a Better Life programme. Today, women account for nearly 60% of the top stylists in India, reflecting the programme's impact on gender diversity and inclusion within the industry.

An independent PwC Impact Study conducted in 2025 found that L'Oréal's skilling programmes generate a 25x Social Return on Investment (SROI). Beneficiaries have reported an average 44% increase in monthly household income, helping families move towards greater financial stability and independence.

In addition to its skilling initiatives, the company has reached more than 1.3 million people through programmes focused on women's education, social inclusion, and community development.

Aseem Kaushik, Non-Executive Chairman, L'Oréal India, noted: "Upskilling has always been central to L'Oréal India's vision of creating inclusive and sustainable impact. As India's beauty industry continues to evolve and expand, the demand for professionally trained talent is growing across services, retail and entrepreneurship. Our new Beauty Skilling Centre reflects our commitment to equipping women with industry-relevant skills, future-ready capabilities and access to meaningful career opportunities, while contributing to the growth of India's beauty economy."

Jacques Lebel, Managing Director, L'Oréal India, added: "India stands at the forefront of the future of beauty, powered by immense talent, creativity and aspiration. Through this skilling centre, we hope to expand access to high-quality professional education, equip underserved women with industry-relevant skills, and help nurture the next generation of beauty professionals and entrepreneurs who will shape the growth of India's beauty economy."

As India's beauty market continues to grow, L'Oréal India says it remains focused on investing in skills, innovation, entrepreneurship, and talent development to support both the industry's future and the country's broader socio-economic progress.

Bela Babhoota, General Manager of Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru, has been honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality Award at the International Day of Hospitality celebrations organised by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), Bengaluru.

The award recognises her significant contributions to the hospitality industry through leadership, guest service excellence, talent development and her continued efforts towards enhancing hospitality standards. Under her leadership, Welcomhotel Bengaluru has strengthened its reputation as a preferred destination for both travellers and dining guests.

Receiving the recognition, Bela Babhoota said, “I am honoured to receive this recognition from IIHM. Hospitality is ultimately about people - our guests and our teams. This award reflects the collective efforts of every colleague who contributes to creating memorable experiences each day.”

The International Day of Hospitality celebrations hosted by IIHM brought together hospitality professionals, educators and industry leaders to acknowledge individuals who have made valuable contributions to the sector.

Commenting on the achievement, a spokesperson for Welcomhotel Bengaluru said, “We are delighted to see Ms. Babhoota’s leadership and commitment to hospitality being recognised by one of the industry’s respected institutions. This honour reflects the passion, dedication, and excellence that she brings to the organisation and the wider hospitality community.”

The recognition further highlights Welcomhotel Bengaluru’s focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences while fostering a culture centred on service excellence, innovation and professional growth. It also reflects the hotel's ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards across all aspects of hospitality.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a management agreement with Zon Hotels (Mumbai) Private Limited for the development of InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon. Scheduled to open in Q1 2030, the new hotel will further strengthen IHG’s luxury portfolio in India and expand its presence in Mumbai, one of the country’s most important business and travel destinations.

Located in Goregaon, a rapidly growing commercial hub in Mumbai’s western suburbs, the hotel will feature 350 guest rooms, including 70 suites. Positioned between Andheri and Malad, the property will offer convenient access to key business districts, entertainment centres and transportation networks, making it suitable for both business and leisure travellers.

The signing marks another milestone for InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, the luxury brand known for delivering globally inspired experiences while connecting guests with local culture and destinations. The brand currently operates more than 237 hotels worldwide and has over 100 properties in its development pipeline.

Commenting on the development, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said:

"We are delighted to partner with Zon Hotels (Mumbai) Private Limited to bring InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon to the city. Mumbai continues to demonstrate strong demand across both business and leisure travel, and Goregaon's emergence as a growing commercial corridor makes it an ideal location to expand our luxury portfolio."

He added:

"InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is synonymous with culturally rich and globally inspired hospitality. With InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon joining our portfolio, we look forward to creating a destination that offers world-class amenities, intuitive service, and a strong sense of place, catering to the evolving needs of modern travellers."

Sandip Gupta, Director, Zon Hotels (Mumbai) Private Limited, said:

"We are pleased to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring the world-renowned InterContinental brand to Goregaon. This collaboration builds on our existing relationship with IHG and reflects our shared vision of developing landmark hospitality destinations. We are confident the hotel will set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in Mumbai. Leveraging IHG's global expertise, enterprise systems, and powerful loyalty platform, we are well positioned to deliver exceptional value to both guests and stakeholders alike."

The hotel will feature five dining venues, including an all-day dining restaurant, specialty restaurants, a bar and a lobby lounge. Guests will also have access to a range of wellness and leisure facilities, including a fitness centre, spa and swimming pool.

Designed to cater to large-scale events and corporate gatherings, the property will offer extensive meeting and event spaces, including one of the largest ballrooms in Mumbai. Additional facilities will include retail spaces and ample parking, enhancing the overall guest experience.

Commenting on the project, Ishwar Shukla, Director, DGS Group, said:

"The hotel will be a landmark destination in North Mumbai and a flagship asset for all stakeholders involved. Designed to the highest international standards, the property will feature exceptional architecture and contemporary design, setting a new benchmark for hospitality in the region. Catering to a diverse range of customer segments, the hotel will offer world-class experiences, combining luxury, comfort, and outstanding service."

As IHG continues to expand its luxury and lifestyle portfolio across India, InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon is expected to play a key role in strengthening the company’s presence in major gateway cities. The property aims to combine international hospitality standards with meaningful local experiences, creating a distinctive luxury destination in Mumbai.

IHG currently operates 52 hotels across seven brands in India, including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Six Senses, Crowne Plaza, voco Hotels, Holiday Inn Resort and Holiday Inn Express. The company also has a strong pipeline of 98 hotels planned to open across the country over the next three to five years.