HAI & TLSHS Roll Out 10-Day Skills Lab as India Targets $3T Tourism Economy
Hotel Association of India & The Lalit Suri Hospitality School partner to launch ‘Image & Life Skills Lab’ In presence of Union Tourism Minister.
By SOH Edit Team
Strengthening its commitment to developing future-ready talent for India’s hospitality industry, the Hotel Association of India (HAI) and The Lalit Suri Hospitality School (TLSHS) formalised a strategic collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU exchange took place in the presence of the Hon’ble Union Minister of Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, underscoring its alignment with the Government’s vision of tourism-led economic growth. The partnership marks a significant step toward strengthening skill development frameworks within the sector.
At the heart of the collaboration is the launch of the ‘Image & Life Skills Lab’—a specialised 10-day Professional Presence & Communication Development Programme. Designed to address the growing demand for soft skills in hospitality, the programme will focus on interpersonal effectiveness, communication, and professional grooming—capabilities increasingly critical in today’s experience-driven landscape.
A Collaborative, Non-Commercial Model
Structured as a non-commercial initiative, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to industry advancement without financial exchange. HAI will lead outreach, industry integration, and awareness, while TLSHS will spearhead programme delivery, leveraging its academic expertise, campus infrastructure, and immersive training methodologies.
Participants who successfully complete the programme will be awarded a joint certification from HAI and TLSHS, enhancing both employability and professional readiness.
Industry Leaders and Stakeholders in Attendance
The signing ceremony was attended by senior leadership from both organisations, including K.B. Kachru, President, HAI, and Dr. Jyotsna Suri, CMD, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group. Members of the HAI Executive Committee and representatives from member hotels were also present. The event featured a campus tour, MoU exchange, ministerial address, and interactive sessions with students and faculty.
Congratulating both institutions, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat described the collaboration as a “historic initiative” that will benefit future generations. He emphasised that such partnerships are critical in creating employable, industry-ready professionals and strengthening the talent pipeline.
Highlighting the sector’s potential, he noted that hospitality remains one of India’s most promising avenues for employment generation and livelihood creation. As India progresses toward its vision of becoming a $30 trillion economy by 2047, he added, sectors like tourism and hospitality will play a pivotal role in driving growth, entrepreneurship, and economic resilience.
Industry Voices on the Collaboration
Commenting on the initiative, K.B. Kachru, President, HAI and Chairman–South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said: “Through this collaboration, HAI and The Lalit Suri Hospitality School aim to bridge critical capability gaps by equipping professionals with essential interpersonal and communication skills. Expanding this programme nationwide will be instrumental in supporting India’s aspiration of achieving a $3 trillion tourism economy by 2047.”
Dr. Jyotsna Suri, CMD, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, added: “At TLSHS, we believe education must go beyond technical training. Through the Image & Life Skills Lab, we aim to nurture confident, inclusive, and industry-ready individuals who can meet the evolving demands of the hospitality sector.”
