Hospitality Sector Betting Big on Strategic Industry-Academia Alliances

The hospitality sector stands as one of the fastest-growing industries in India, anticipated to grow from $247.31 billion in 2024 to $475.37 billion in 2029 according to research firm, Mordor Intelligence.

 

This exponential growth, driven by rising disposable incomes and the new generation of travellers eyeing personalised services and experiences, is enabling strategic collaborations between academic institutions and hospitality players to drive innovation, enhance service quality, and address the evolving demands of the industry.

 

Furthermore, the unprecedented expansion of the sector is poised to generate lucrative employment opportunities for aspiring hospitality professionals, fostering a dynamic and professional workforce.

 

Tapping on this immense opportunity, the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH) has joined forces with Marriott International to deliver an unprecedented combination of academic excellence and industry experience. The collaboration presents an outstanding opportunity for graduates with one year of experience to thrive in the dynamic and rewarding hospitality industry.

 

”The one-year programme will witness 36 graduate students with a year of experience enrolling in kitchen management, revenue management and sales management. In addition, they will receive a stipend of INR 15,000 per month for the first six months at ISH followed by an INR 25,000 stipend for another six months during their training at Marriott,” said Mr. Kunal Vasudeva, Co- Founder & Managing Director of Indian School of Hospitality.

 

Post the completion of the programme, the students will receive a package of INR 6 lakhs per month at Marriott and will be placed on a career acceleration path after a year. The initiative seamlessly integrates theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world applications, preparing them to excel in the competitive hospitality sector.

 

Delving further into the benefits of the programme, Mr. Jaswal, Vice President of HR South Asia for Marriott International, said,’’It is an excellent opportunity for individuals from various industries who want to pivot. It is designed for experienced candidates looking to explore beyond their industry, leverage their core skills, and remain industry-agnostic. For those aiming to fast-track their career, this is the ideal programme.’’

 

‘’Since it is a post-graduation program, we are looking for participants to have a certain level of advanced skills in their core functional competencies. These include sales, revenue management, or kitchen management skills, all of which should be slightly more advanced than those of a typical graduate. Additionally, we are looking for candidates with general management capabilities. These individuals will be stepping into the roles of assistant managers and managers, where they will be responsible for leading teams and contributing to the overall success of the hotel. They must have a clear understanding of what the hotel business entails,’’ added Mr. Jaswal.

 

Teacher training and development are other key areas where industry-academia alliances are making a substantial impact. Together, hospitality education institutions and industry players are designing comprehensive training programs to enhance educational delivery and learning outcomes.

 

”We see the industry as our primary customer. This means that when the industry changes, we adapt by working closely with them. We start researching new subjects a year in advance, consulting with industry experts to ensure our modules are relevant. Once we have their feedback, we refine our approach and ensure that professors and facilitators understand the industry’s requirements. Given the rapid pace of industry change, we have to do this every quarter or six months,’’ says Mr. Vasudeva.

 

The growing trend of industry-academia coalitions in the hospitality sector is a win-win proposition. It not only enhances the quality of education and training but also drives innovation and addresses key challenges of the sector. As these partnerships continue to evolve, they are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of hospitality.