Hotel Association of India introduces an Industry Mentoring Program structured for the hotel sector

Bold initiative to hone & nurture 100,000 hotel leaders to support India Tourism Vision 2047

New Delhi, 2025: The Hotel Association of India (HAI), the apex body representing the Indian hospitality industry, has unveiled a landmark initiative — an industry-first, structured mentorship platform designed exclusively for the hotel sector. This programme comes at a time when the industry is witnessing significant growth, especially in the tier-2 and tier-3 cities i.e., covering about 50 locations.

This initiative aims to address the widening talent gap in the Indian hotel sector and support its sustainable growth. The focus is on leadership development, career progression, organizational culture, and improving employee attraction towards the sector and their retention and engagement. A team of domain experts from HAI member hotels has designed the operational framework.

Hailing the initiative as a game-changer for the Indian tourism landscape,while launching the program, the Hon’ble Minister of Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said, “The Hotel Association of India’s innovative program marks a significant step towards establishing India as a global tourism powerhouse, with an ambitious goal of creating a USD 3 trillion tourism economy by 2047.” As the demand for tourism continues to surge, the need for talented and visionary leaders in hospitality has never been greater. This program will develop professionals prepared to lead the future of tourism and hospitality, setting a high standard that inspires excellence beyond our borders.”

KB Kachru, President, Hotel Association of India, Chairman - South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group added, “This is a one of its kind initiative by industry experts – rooted in the guru-shishya parampara, to provide expert mentorship, and inspire a lasting commitment to the future of hospitality leadership in India. The government and industry have set a target of creating around million branded hotel rooms to achieve the India Tourism vision 2047. This will require an addition of around 100,000 middle to senior management hotel managers to the existing pool."

HAI will work with its member hotels to adopt this programme and embed it into their brand culture, empowering future leaders and strengthening India’s position as a world-class hospitality destination.

Hotel Association of India welcomes landmark decision to ease licensing norms in Delhi

Delhi June 2025: The Hotel Association of India (HAI), the apex body of the Indian hospitality sector, welcomes the recent directive issued by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, which withdraws the requirement for licenses and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Delhi Police for seven categories of trade — including hotels, motels, guest houses, and eating houses. This decisive reform aligns with national efforts to simplify the regulatory framework and improve the ease of doing business in the hospitality sector, thereby bolstering economic activity in the capital.

HAI welcomed the move as a vital step aligned with the views of the Hon’ble High Court and Hon’ble Supreme Court. This reform simplifies the process and boosts the ease of doing business, encouraging investment in the hospitality sector. HAI believes this progressive step by the Delhi government will create a more business-friendly environment that supports tourism growth and strengthens Delhi’s position as a leading hospitality destination

Commenting on the development, Mr. KB Kachru, President, Hotel Association of India, Chairman of South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group said, “This is a landmark moment for Delhi’s hospitality industry. The streamlining of licensing norms will not only reduce compliance burden and transaction costs but also foster greater transparency and accountability. We believe this decision will significantly contribute to Delhi’s growth as a competitive and investment-friendly hospitality hub.”

Mr. Rohit Khosla, Vice President, Hotel Association of India, Executive Vice President (Ops.), The Indian Hotels Company Limited, said, “This is a much-needed regulatory reform that will enable the hospitality industry to operate with greater agility and focus on delivering superior guest experiences. By fostering a more collaborative governance framework, Delhi has taken a progressive step towards aligning with global standards of ease of doing business. This initiative will catalyse growth, enhance investor confidence, and support job creation across the tourism and service economy.”

HAI views this reform as a milestone for greater investment, innovation, and formalisation in the hospitality sector, and it sets a positive example for other states to follow similar regulations to enhance tourism. The Association members remain committed to supporting smooth implementation while maintaining high standards of safety, service, and compliance.

About HAI

Established in 1996, Hotel Association of India (HAI) has evolved as an integrated hospitality industry platform to keep pace with the growing buoyancy ushered in by the liberalisation of the Indian economy in the mid-90s. With its membership extending from major hotel groups; boutique, heritage and small hotels, HAI represents the entire spectrum of the industry. Its Executive Committee is a potent combination of the commitment of hotel owners on one hand and hard-core professionalism of hotel managers on the other. As the apex Industry Body, HAI works in the areas of Promotion of Regional Cooperation and Hospitality Research & Education in addition to taking Industry centric initiatives. By launching Unprecedented ‘Social Inclusion’ initiatives, HAI also projects the ‘Social Face’ of the Indian hospitality industry”

Hotel stocks surge as govt allows resumption of hospitality services from June 8

Key Take Away

Hotel stocks are rallying after the Home Ministry's announced the re-opening of economic and other activities in the country except for containment zones, which will continue to remain in lockdown till June 30.

The government has allowed hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality services to resume operations from June 8 onwards.

Hotel Association of India Vice President K.B. Kachru said, "The pandemic and consequent lockdowns have had a disastrous impact on the hotel sector."

For More Information

www.cnbctv18.com/market/stocks/hotel-stocks-surge-nearly-18-as-govt-allows-resumption-of-hospitality-services-from-june-8-6042661.htm