Radisson Academy Celebrates Five Years of Empowering Talent

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 31, 2024

Radisson Academy, the learning and development hub of Radisson Hotel Group, is celebrating its fifth anniversary. Since its launch in 2019, Radisson Academy has significantly grown, offering over 2,500 training programs. This milestone highlights Radisson’s commitment to enhancing employee skills and driving business success.

Over the past five years, Radisson Hotel Group has invested heavily in its diverse team across more than 95 countries. The academy’s mission is to create a productive learning environment, equipping team members with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles and adapt to the ever-evolving market demands. Radisson Academy provides continuous learning opportunities and customized training programs through various platforms, including Radisson Academy Online, Live, On the Job, Virtual, and Certifications.

In 2023, Radisson Academy achieved an impressive milestone, delivering over 1.5 million hours of training through more than 2,500 online, live, and virtual sessions. These programs cover a wide range of skills, from service and business acumen to leadership and hospitality fundamentals. Over the past five years, training completions have increased twenty-sevenfold, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 for each session. This has resulted in over 571,000 training completions, with each participant completing an average of 14.7 courses, significantly enhancing their professional skills.

According to Iñigo Capell, Global Chief People and Resources Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, “At Radisson Hotel Group, people remain our most important asset. We live by our cultural ethos of ‘We grow talent; talent grows us.’ Our growing Radisson Academy offering is a vital way to engage and support existing team members professionally and personally, attract new, dynamic team members, and ensure our team members have the necessary tools to build clear, broad, and fast careers.”

In 2019, Radisson Academy established its foundation with three primary training formats: Online, Live, and On the Job. That same year, the academy partnered with Typsy, a leading learning platform in the hospitality sector, to launch the Hospitality Fundamentals—a collection of 1,500 short video tutorials by industry experts, complete with widely recognized certificates. For Radisson Academy Online, the group engaged with business leaders to introduce new specialized training programs covering leadership, people management, hotel operations, and functional skills in areas like M&E, sales, and revenue management.

The following year, as the world adapted to remote learning due to the pandemic, Radisson Academy introduced a fourth channel, Radisson Academy Virtual. This platform quickly became a vital tool for engaging team members through developmental sessions and discussions led by notable external and internal speakers. Since its inception, Radisson Academy Virtual has hosted over 200 sessions and continues to adapt based on employee feedback.

In 2023, Radisson Academy launched its fifth training channel, Radisson Academy Certifications, to further enhance team members’ functional and strategic skills, aiding in career progression. These micro-credentials have been co-developed with experts and are led by the Group’s Leadership and Executive teams. To date, more than 9,000 team members have earned certifications across eight programs. Additionally, in 2022, Radisson launched Accelerate, a career development initiative aimed at preparing selected emerging leaders for general management roles, ensuring a solid leadership succession plan.

Looking ahead, Radisson Academy is committed to expanding its training and development initiatives to meet evolving business needs, equipping team members with essential skills for professional growth, tailored development opportunities, and fostering a strong performance culture that supports career advancement throughout the organization.

WGH Hotels & Resorts Unveils Kochi Flagship to Kerala Industries Minister

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 31, 2025

WGH Hotels & Resorts Pvt. Ltd., the hospitality wing of the diversified World Group, recently hosted Hon. Minister for Industries, Government of Kerala, P. Rajeev at the site of its upcoming flagship project in Kochi. The high-profile visit underlines the significance of this luxury development, which was also featured at the Kerala Global Investment Meet, reinforcing the state's push for sustainable and experiential tourism.

With a legacy that began in 2012 through the acquisition of World Backwaters Alleppey, WGH now boasts a strong presence in Kerala with operating properties in Alleppey, Munnar, and Thekkady. The group is now expanding ambitiously with new developments in Kochi, Varkala, Trivandrum, and Ashtamudi, including a signature wellness resort—all designed to meet international standards while staying true to Kerala’s heritage.

During the ministerial visit, WGH presented the master plan and design vision for its Kochi project, set for launch on January 1, 2028. The development aims to redefine luxury tourism in Kerala by fusing modern architecture with authentic, culturally immersive experiences.

Mr. J. Jayakrishnan, Director of World Group and WGH Hotels & Resorts, thanked the government for its proactive support, stating:

“Kerala’s infrastructure development and progressive tourism policies are perfectly aligned with our vision. Our projects aim to promote responsible and sustainable tourism while gifting guests an immersive experience of Kerala’s unique lifestyle and traditions.”

The World Group, with nearly four decades of business leadership across mining, logistics, agriculture, DRI, and consulting, has already invested INR 250 crores in Kerala's hospitality sector over the past two years. An additional INR 500 crores has been earmarked for future ventures—including the flagship resorts, a hospitality college in Kochi, and a chain of vegetarian restaurants throughout the state.

The proposed hospitality college is envisioned to train 200 professionals annually, building a strong local talent pool to meet global industry standards. Meanwhile, the Varkala and Ashtamudi resorts are scheduled to open by 2027, further anchoring WGH’s role in shaping Kerala’s tourism future.

WGH Hotels & Resorts remains deeply committed to supporting Kerala's growth as a world-class tourism hub, guided by principles of sustainability, cultural authenticity, and community development.

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Clarks Exotica Champions Purpose-Driven Culture at Work

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 30, 2025

In the world of luxury hospitality, where lavish experiences often steal the spotlight, Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa stands out by leading with a deeper mission — purpose. For Clarks, hospitality is not just about the scenic views and impeccable service; it’s about building a culture rooted in values, unity, and community responsibility.

At the core of Clarks' success is a people-first philosophy — a belief that genuine service begins with a strong, supported team. Under the leadership of Nilisha Ghuliani, Vice President, the resort has cultivated a workplace that feels less like a job and more like a purpose-driven family.

Honouring National Pride: #OperationSindoor

One of Clarks’ standout initiatives this year was #OperationSindoor, a heartfelt tribute to the Indian Armed Forces. Employees dressed in red and pink — symbols of strength, unity, and gratitude — and came together to honour those who serve the nation.

This was more than just a ceremony. It was a collective expression of patriotism, creating a sense of purpose and solidarity among team members. “At Clarks, patriotism is not a moment — it’s a mindset,” shares Nilisha Ghuliani.

Nurturing the Earth: Earth Day Tree Planting

Sustainability isn’t just a policy at Clarks — it’s a practice. On Earth Day, employees participated in a tree-planting initiative at the Clubhouse Lawn, reflecting the resort’s long-standing commitment to the environment.

From water conservation to green operations, Clarks has consistently invested in planet-positive action, ensuring that everyday efforts contribute to long-term impact.

Empowering People: Culture of Care

Employee wellbeing and growth are central to the Clarks ethos. Through training programs, internal recognition, and continuous engagement, the resort empowers its team to lead, grow, and evolve. Whether it's supporting career advancement or celebrating small wins, Clarks ensures that its people feel seen, heard, and valued.

"Every initiative — whether for the nation, the environment, or our people — is designed to deepen connection and build meaning," Nilisha explains.

Clarks Exotica is proving that a great workplace isn't just built with policies — it's built with heart. Here, service excellence begins within, and each action is a step toward a more unified, compassionate, and conscious world.