Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has announced the establishment of India’s largest hospitality skilling centre at Aguada Plateau, Goa. The initiative was unwrapped during the 50th anniversary celebrations of the iconic Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Goa, in the presence of Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Goa.
Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO, IHCL said, “The skilling centre located on the Aguada plateau will address the critical need for a skilled workforce to support the travel and tourism sector. This capability-building initiative will leverage the untapped talent and bridge the employability gap in the sector.”
Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa said, “Goans have a natural flair for hospitality, and as tourism continues to evolve, skilling, reskilling and upskilling are the need of the hour. Goa, as the country's premier leisure & MICE destination, has always been at the heart of tourism. IHCL's initiative will create new employment opportunities for our youth, supporting Goa's vision for sustained growth in the tourism sector. By fostering essential skilling programs, this effort embraces our principles of regenerative tourism, ensuring sustainable development while empowering local communities, and enabling them to build successful careers right here in Goa.”
The initiative aligns with IHCL’s Paathya ESG+ framework, under which it operates 38 skilling centres across the country. By focusing on skilling programmes, IHCL aims to enhance employment opportunities, bridge the talent gap, and empower local communities while supporting regenerative tourism.