FHRAI calls for urgent reforms to bridge hospitality skills gap

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), has presented a comprehensive set of recommendations to the Ministry of Tourism, addressing critical workforce challenges within the sector.

India’s hospitality industry faces several hurdles, including declining enrolments in hospitality programmes, a shortage of skilled operational staff, and mismatched curriculums that fail to meet industry needs. These issues are impeding growth and preventing the sector from meeting the demands of an increasingly competitive global tourism landscape.

Key FHRAI proposals include the creation of a centralised portal by the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) to streamline internship and placement opportunities for students. The organisation also advocates for enhanced collaboration between academic institutions and industry players to provide structured, multi-departmental internships, alongside updates to hospitality curricula every 3-5 years to reflect emerging trends.

Practical training, such as real-world projects in event planning and property management, is highlighted as essential to making students job-ready. FHRAI further suggests balancing educational intake to cater equally to frontline and managerial roles, ensuring a comprehensive workforce.

K Syama Raju, President, FHRAI said, “The hospitality industry is a cornerstone of India's economy, and addressing the HR and skill gaps is critical for its growth. These recommendations are not just solutions for today, but investments for the future. We urge the Ministry of Tourism to consider these actionable points, as they will help create a sustainable and competitive workforce for India's hospitality sector, while aligning with the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat’. We are committed to working closely with the Ministry and other stakeholders to bring these recommendations to life, ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for India’s hospitality sector.”

At a recent HR Summit hosted by FHRAI’s Centre of Excellence, industry experts, educators, and policymakers convened to discuss these challenges and solutions.