HYATT INDIA RECENTLY launched the Vocational Education and Training Swiss Professional Diploma program across its properties, including Hyatt Regency Delhi, Andaz Delhi, Grand Hyatt Gurgaon and Hyatt Regency Lucknow. The company worked with the Confederation of Indian Industry and EHL Hospitality Business School to offer an 18-month program for students who have completed their higher secondary education with at least 50 percent marks in English.
The program, divided into foundational, intermediate and advanced levels, will equip students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the hospitality industry, according to a joint press statement.
“At a time when India is emerging as a global leader in the hospitality industry, there is significant growth potential for the youth of India who choose the VET by EHL program offered by the Confederation of Indian Industry,” said Sunjae Sharma, Hyatt Hotels’ managing director, India and Southwest Asia. “We are proud to be the first international hotel chain in India to collaborate with CII and EHL for this initiative and to contribute to training a new generation of hoteliers. I am confident that the learning and training imparted at Hyatt will enable these young minds to stand out in this competitive sector and achieve their dreams.”
The program will offer learning in three streams: culinary, food & beverage service and rooms, following VET by EHL’s quality assurance standards, the statement said. Each certificate level builds on the previous one and culminates in a professional diploma. CII guarantees job placements for students upon their successful completion of the Swiss Professional Diploma.
“With the rapidly expanding hospitality industry in India and beyond, there is an unprecedented need for skilled professionals,” said Sougata Roy Choudhury, CII’s executive director. “Additionally, youth interest in long-duration courses is dwindling. To address this gap, CII has introduced the VET by EHL Swiss Professional Diploma initiative, which offers practical training by industry experts at renowned Hyatt hotels. We ensure students are job-ready from day one, and upon completing this 18-month diploma, they secure placements in top hotels and restaurants worldwide.”
More than 500 students are currently undergoing training with CII at other hotels across India, the statement said.
“The objective of the program is to prepare youth worldwide for frontline roles in the hospitality industry at global standards,” said Aman Aditya Sachdev, EHL’s director and regional head for South Asia, the Middle East and Myanmar. “Students in India will gain a significant advantage with future employers, in global mobility and in career progression. They will acquire the relevant knowledge and competencies required by the industry, on par with international programs.”
Hyatt Hotels Corp.'s global initiative RiseHY connects young people with career opportunities in hospitality. Through RiseHY, Hyatt has pledged to hire 10,000 Opportunity Youth globally by 2025.
According to the latest data from Brand Finance, Hyatt is the world's second most valuable hotel brand, after Hilton Hotels & Resorts, while India's Taj Hotels is the world's second-fastest-growing brand, driven by revenue growth and improved brand strength.
Canadian traveler picks Pakistan’s hospitality over India’s
Pakistan Beats India in Hospitality, Says Canadian Vlogger
INDIA IS KNOWN for “Atithi Devo Bhava,” meaning "The guest is God," but some foreigners disagree. A Canadian man, when asked to choose between India and Pakistan for better hospitality, picked Pakistan without hesitation.
His brief interview with an Instagram user has since gone viral, Hindustan Times reported.
Instagram user @officialnamour, known for vox pop videos, recently asked Canadian traveler Nolan Saumure about "desi" hospitality. Saumure, a Canadian travel vlogger, has visited dozens of countries, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Indonesia, the U.S. and Vietnam.
When asked, “India or Pakistan—which has better hospitality?” Saumure instantly replied, "Pakistan, obviously."
He explained that Indians often see foreigners as wealthy customers, while Pakistanis offer warm hospitality, inviting tourists into their homes and offering food.
"You go to India, and people just see you as a walking ATM," Saumure said. "You go to Pakistan, and people are like, 'Oh, come here, sit. Take this free food. Come sleep at my place.'"
The video has more than 4.4 million views and hundreds of comments, many agreeing with Saumure.
"As an African living in Dubai, I agree with him. Pakistanis are friendlier than Indians. Pakistanis see you as a friend, while Indians see you as a stranger," one user commented. Another added simply, “I agree (I’m Indian).”
“India gets a lot of tourists, so we’re used to it and have built an economy around them,” another Instagram user said. “Pakistan gets only a few hundred tourists a year, so seeing a foreigner is a big deal for them.”
Some criticized Saumure’s opinion, some with racial overtones.
“Why do whites expect princess treatment from Indians after stealing $45 trillion from India?” one user asked.
A whitepaper by the Confederation of Indian Industry and EY projects India’s tourism and hospitality sector will create 6.1 million jobs by 2034. It currently accounts for 8 percent of total employment.