The hotel giant Accor and the Sommet Education Foundation join forces around an initiative for youth in India. With the support of both partners, young people will be able to join the Indian School of Hospitality and train for careers in the hospitality industry.
On April 4th, the Accor Group and the Sommet Education Foundation announced a partnership also involving the Indian School of Hospitality. This alliance was formalized during the 19th Hotel Investment Conference, HICSA 2024, in Bengaluru.
Together, the three entities have established the Indian Talent Development Initiative. Set to commence in August 2024, this initiative aims to invest in the skills of Indian youth and provide them with professional development opportunities in the hospitality sector.
The Sommet Education Foundation and the Accor Group will sponsor 16 young people from disadvantaged backgrounds each year to enable them to join the Indian School of Hospitality, a higher education institution specializing in hospitality industry careers. Future students will be able to pursue training programs dedicated to culinary arts such as the Intensive Culinary Arts Program or the Intensive Pastry and Bakery Program. ISH has built a reputation by partnering with renowned institutions such as École Ducasse in France and Les Roches in Switzerland.
“As a leading hospitality education institution, we recognize the transformative potential of the Indian Talent Development Initiative to support individuals who wish to join and make a difference in the hospitality sector. ISH is committed to providing high-quality training and exceptional learning experiences to shape a generation of talents who will set new standards in hospitality and have a lasting impact on the future of the industry,” said Mr. Kunal Vasudeva, Co-founder and CEO of the Indian School of Hospitality.
Indian School of Hospitality programs are designed to accelerate careers in culinary arts and will include a three-month immersion in the field at Accor, followed by pre-qualified employment contracts ensuring students a 100% employability.
A commitment to professionalization in India
The Indian tourism and hospitality sector has experienced significant growth in recent years, becoming one of the main contributors to the country’s economy. The Indian hospitality industry is expected to reach $24.61 billion in 2024 and $31.01 billion in 2029 according to Mordor Intelligence.
Despite these promising figures, young people in the country face significant challenges in professionalizing. In fact, more than 82% of the total unemployed population consists of youth according to the Indian Employment Report.
“Through this support to the Sommet Education Foundation and the development of this first initiative in India, we are committed to bringing about positive change by providing international-level education and hands-on training to young people in India who aspire to professional fulfillment,” affirmed Anne-Sophie Beraud, Senior Vice President Diversity & Inclusion & Social Care at Accor.
The launch of the Indian Talent Development Initiative reflects the shared vision and commitment of Sommet Education, ISH, and Accor to promote talent development, foster social equality, and support economic growth in India. This unique initiative will also open up new avenues for development and contribute to raising standards and prospects in the hospitality sector in India.
Read also> HOSPITALITY: RADISSON COLLECTION SETS FOOT IN INDIA
Featured Photo : © Accor
