Supporting Employment Challenges in Hospitality: Sommet Education Foundation's Initiative

Supporting Employment Challenges in Hospitality: Sommet Education Foundation's Initiative

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on April 30, 2024

Sommet Education, a global leader in hospitality education with a community of 10,000 students and 60,000 alumni, proudly announces the launch of its Foundation to address employment challenges in the hospitality sector.

The Foundation's focus is clear: to provide scholarships for talented individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds and promote careers in hospitality. This initiative comes at a crucial time, with the travel and tourism sector expected to employ 449 million people worldwide by 2034. Despite this growth, many destinations and hospitality employers face recruitment hurdles.

Leveraging its network of hospitality schools, the Sommet Education Foundation aims to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue fulfilling careers in hospitality. With support from partners like UN agencies and NGOs, the Foundation will prioritize inclusive education, targeting youth from impoverished backgrounds and women.

According to Anouck Weiss, Executive Vice President at Sommet Education Foundation, “Joining the Hospitality Industry is more than a job guarantee; it is a promise of a rewarding and fulfilling career nurtured by human encounters, passion, cultural exchanges, and experiences. By offering scholarships leading to employment opportunities, we aim at offering life-changing opportunities to a new generation of talents and empowering them with the necessary skills to join the thriving hospitality industry.”

Accor, as a Founding Patron, has already committed to supporting talent development and fostering social equality through initiatives like those in India. Steven Daines, Chief Talent and Culture Officer at Accor, said “As a leading hospitality group, investing in people’s talent is a key priority. Hospitality is a sector that transcends territories and borders. This implies open-mindedness and connection to others. I am proud to be in a sector that promotes cross-border work experiences and multicultural environments.”

To guide its efforts, the Foundation conducted a comprehensive European survey, revealing the sector's strong appeal to young professionals and the challenges faced by HR managers. Despite these challenges, there's optimism within the industry, with professionals confident in its allure and ability to provide upward mobility opportunities.

Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive at Mandarin Oriental, said “Architects design the buildings of tomorrow. I would like people coming out of hospitality schools to be able to design the experience of tomorrow.”

The Sommet Education Foundation's initiative aims to transform lives by providing access to education and empowering individuals to thrive in the dynamic hospitality industry. For more information, visit https://www.sommet-education.com/


Lemon Tree Hotels Opens Sixth Property in Tamil Nadu with New Launch in Erode

Lemon Tree Hotels Opens Sixth Property in Tamil Nadu with New Launch in Erode

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 17, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the grand opening of Lemon Tree Hotel, Erode, further strengthening its footprint in Tamil Nadu. With this addition, the group now proudly operates six hotels across the state, reaffirming its commitment to offering high-quality hospitality experiences throughout India.

Strategically located in Erode — a vibrant city known as the “Loom City of India” and the “Turmeric Capital” — the new hotel features 64 well-appointed rooms, Citrus Café, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and modern conference facilities catering to both business and leisure travellers.

Speaking on the occasion, Kapil Sharma, Executive Vice President - Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Lemon Tree Hotels, said, “With the launch of Lemon Tree Hotel, Erode, we now have six operational properties in Tamil Nadu. This opening aligns with our vision of offering a Lemon Tree Hotel across the length and breadth of the country where one or the other sub brands is available for our discerning guests in every city.”

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Set along the banks of the River Cauvery, Erode is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, thriving textile industry, and robust agricultural economy. Its seamless connectivity to Coimbatore, Salem, and Bangalore, coupled with attractions like Kodiveri Dam and a serene lifestyle, makes it a compelling destination for travellers and investors alike.

With this launch, Lemon Tree Hotels continues to build on its promise of combining comfort, convenience, and consistent quality, ensuring guests experience the perfect balance of tradition and modernity that cities like Erode have to offer.

Factsheet:

  • Property: Lemon Tree Hotel, Erode

  • Rooms: 64

  • Facilities: Citrus Café (multi-cuisine restaurant), conference facilities

  • Location: Erode, Tamil Nadu

  • Nearby Highlights: Kodiveri Dam, textile markets, River Cauvery


OBLU SELECT Sangeli Signs Landmark Pact with Maldives EPA to Boost Reef Conservation

OBLU SELECT Sangeli Signs Landmark Pact with Maldives EPA to Boost Reef Conservation

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 15, 2025

In a milestone move for marine conservation in the Maldives, OBLU SELECT Sangeli has formalised a partnership with the Maldives Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This landmark agreement aligns the resort’s proactive marine initiatives with national environmental objectives, focusing on the joint management and monitoring of the Rasfari Reef Restoration Programme.

Despite extensive coral bleaching that has impacted much of the Maldives, Sangeli’s reefs have shown notable resilience, thanks to dedicated conservation work by its marine team. The resort has already transplanted over 10,000 coral fragments using advanced nursery and frame methods, underlining its long-standing commitment to protecting marine ecosystems.

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Situated just 25 km from the Rasfari Marine Protected Area—a quick 20-minute speedboat ride—OBLU SELECT Sangeli’s marine team is ideally positioned to support this vital initiative. The official signing took place on 2 July 2025 at the resort, with Mr Ashraf, owner of OBLU SELECT Sangeli, hosting Mr Naeem, Director General of the EPA, to endorse the partnership.

“Working directly with the EPA empowers us to make a deeper impact. It’s about more than one reef—it’s about coming together to safeguard the future of these vital ecosystems,” said Mr Ashraf. “We are honoured to support this national initiative and to contribute meaningfully to the wider marine environment.”

Under the MoU, Sangeli’s marine team will actively assist with reef health monitoring, implement conservation protocols, and engage in knowledge-sharing and capacity-building with EPA experts. This collaboration blends the EPA’s regulatory strength with Sangeli’s hands-on reef expertise, enhancing monitoring practices and building long-term ecological resilience.

Located on the serene north-western tip of North Malé Atoll, OBLU SELECT Sangeli is known for its stunning natural surroundings, modern villa designs, exceptional all-inclusive Serenity Plan™, and easy access to some of the Maldives’ top diving and snorkelling sites. The partnership underscores how luxury travel and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand—offering guests unforgettable experiences while contributing to a healthier planet.


Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection Hosts Exclusive Appreciation Evening for Indian Travel Trade and Media in Mumbai

Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection Hosts Exclusive Appreciation Evening for Indian Travel Trade and Media in Mumbai

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 15, 2025

Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection, Dubai’s emblem of luxury hospitality, recently hosted an exclusive evening in Mumbai to appreciate its Indian media and travel trade partners for their continued collaboration and support. Held on 11th July 2025 at Tamasha, Worli, the elegant event brought together key industry professionals for an evening of curated hospitality, vibrant networking, and forward-looking conversations.

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The evening provided the perfect setting for guests to connect with the hotel collection’s senior leadership, including Vishesh Amerkar, Complex Director of Sales – MICE, and Tulay Kilic, Complex Director of Marketing. It also offered a platform to discuss future growth opportunities and deepen existing relationships.

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Highlighting the importance of the Indian market, Tulay Kilic shared, "India remains one of our strongest and most consistent source markets, and this event is our way of expressing gratitude to our valued partners for their continued support year after year. It has provided a great platform to strengthen existing relationships and explore new opportunities, as we remain committed to delivering exclusive, luxury experiences in the iconic travel destination of Dubai."

The Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection includes three distinctive properties: Al Habtoor Palace Dubai, part of the Legend Collection by Preferred Hotels & Resorts; V Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton; and Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City. Each offers its own unique brand of luxury and personalised service, along with seamless access to Dubai’s top attractions, making the collection a favourite for discerning travellers from India and beyond.

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