The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), in partnership with the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) and the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Northern India (HRANI), concluded its HR Summit on Education and Career in Hospitality on November 14, 2024, at Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi. The summit was a gathering of over 200 industry leaders, educators, and government representatives committed to addressing the challenges in the hospitality sector and shaping its future.

The summit focused on critical issues, including the shortage of skilled workers, declining student enrolment in hospitality courses, and high employee attrition rates. It featured three insightful sessions covering career opportunities, enrolment and retention challenges, and best practices for managing human resources.

During the event, FHRAI released a report titled "Future of Hospitality: Challenges, Skill Shortages and Solutions," developed by the FHRAI Centre of Excellence after consulting over 1,500 stakeholders. The report underscored the growing demand for skilled workers, estimating a need for an additional 100,000–150,000 skilled professionals annually to meet the sector's rapid growth, projected to double by 2029.

Key Voices at the Summit

Gyan Bhushan, CEO of NCHMCT, highlighted the transformative opportunities in the hospitality industry post-pandemic, stating, “Hospitality is a key growth sector in India’s economy, poised for robust job creation with the right focus on education and skill development.”

Pradeep Shetty, Vice President of FHRAI, emphasized the industry's potential to drive economic growth and job creation, saying, “Hospitality contributes significantly to employment and foreign exchange. However, addressing workforce shortages and making careers attractive to new professionals are urgent priorities.”

K.B. Kachru, President of the Hotel Association of India (HAI), stressed the need for unified efforts across government, industry, and academia. “India is on the verge of becoming the third-largest economy, and hospitality must play a pivotal role in driving this growth,” he remarked.

Surendra Kumar Jaiswal, President of HRANI, applauded the collaborative spirit of the summit and its focus on workforce development. “Education and training are critical for the future of hospitality, and this summit serves as a platform for meaningful dialogue and action,” he noted.

Key Discussions and Outcomes
The three sessions delved into:

1. Career Opportunities in Hospitality: Exploring new roles, skill development, and strategies for growth.
2. Addressing Low Enrolment and High Attrition: Tackling curriculum updates and reducing turnover.
3. Managing Human Resources in Hospitality: Sharing best practices for talent retention and workforce motivation.

The summit concluded with a collective commitment from FHRAI, NCHMCT, and HRANI to enhance collaboration, improve hospitality education, and create sustainable career pathways.

About FHRAI:

Founded in 1955, FHRAI is India’s apex hospitality body and the third-largest hospitality association globally. It serves as the leading voice for the industry, fostering growth and collaboration among stakeholders.

The HR Summit marked a significant step towards strengthening India’s hospitality workforce, ensuring it remains a driving force in the nation’s economic and employment landscape.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Pratesh Patil as General Manager – Operations for South and East India. In his new role, Patil will oversee the management and operations of the company’s properties across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Kerala.

Patil brings over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, specializing in operations management, team leadership, and business strategy. His appointment comes as The Fern Hotels & Resorts expands its presence in the southern and eastern regions of India. Patil’s focus will be on enhancing operational excellence, delivering exceptional guest experiences, and fostering sustainable practices at the brand’s properties.

Commenting on his appointment, Patil expressed his commitment to aligning operational strategies with The Fern’s core values of luxury and sustainability. He aims to enhance service quality while maintaining the brand’s reputation as a leader in eco-conscious hospitality.

Before joining The Fern Hotels & Resorts, Patil held senior positions with global hospitality giants like Marriott International and Accor Group. His expertise in revenue management, strategic planning, and operational efficiency has consistently contributed to improved profitability and guest satisfaction. Additionally, his experience spans both luxury and business hotel segments, making him a versatile leader in the industry.

Patil’s role will also include aligning the company’s operations with its sustainability goals. The Fern Hotels & Resorts is widely recognized for its commitment to eco-sensitive practices, and Patil’s expertise in sustainable operations aligns perfectly with the brand’s ethos.

This appointment underscores The Fern Hotels & Resorts’ dedication to strengthening its operational capabilities while reinforcing its position as a preferred choice for guests seeking a balance of luxury and environmental responsibility.

Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla has announced the appointment of Ritesh Sharma as its new General Manager. With over 23 years of experience in hospitality management, Mr. Sharma is recognized for his strategic leadership and expertise in enhancing guest experiences, improving operational efficiencies, and fostering strong team engagement. This new role marks a homecoming for Mr. Sharma, who previously served as Director of Rooms at the same property, where he played a key role in improving employee engagement and driving operational success.

Prior to rejoining Crowne Plaza, Mr. Sharma successfully led the pre-opening efforts at Holiday Inn Katra Vaishno Devi. Under his leadership, the property quickly achieved a top ranking on TripAdvisor, establishing itself as a preferred choice for travelers. Mr. Sharma also held the position of General Manager at Holiday Inn Express New Delhi International Airport T3, where he was instrumental in achieving multiple awards for operational excellence and high guest satisfaction scores. These accomplishments underscore his dedication to providing quality service and creating a positive impact within the industry.

In his new role, Mr. Sharma aims to build upon the Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla’s reputation for excellence. “I am thrilled to be back at Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla,” he shared. “I look forward to working with the talented team here to deliver memorable guest experiences and to drive growth and innovation. Together, we’ll continue to uphold the exceptional service standards and brand values that Crowne Plaza is known for.”

Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla, part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio, is strategically located in South Delhi, close to major business districts and iconic landmarks. Situated approximately 21 kilometers from Indira Gandhi International Airport, the property offers easy access to prominent business hubs, including Okhla Industrial Estate, Jasola, Noida, and Nehru Place. Additionally, its proximity to famous attractions like the Lotus Temple, Red Fort, and Qutab Minar makes it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Known for its commitment to integrated hospitality, Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla provides a blend of comfort and sophistication tailored to the needs of today’s travelers. With Mr. Sharma’s return, the property is poised to further enhance its offerings and continue delivering top-tier experiences for its guests.