In a landmark move for India’s fast-expanding hospitality sector, the Hotel Association of India (HAI), the apex body representing the country’s hotels, has unveiled a structured mentorship platform aimed at developing the next generation of leaders. This industry-first initiative is designed to nurture talent, strengthen organizational culture, and accelerate leadership growth across more than 50 emerging tourism hubs, particularly in India’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
The programme, developed by a panel of domain experts from HAI member hotels, is positioned as a comprehensive response to the hospitality industry’s widening talent gap. With India’s tourism sector set to become a key pillar of national growth, the platform focuses on leadership development, career advancement, employee engagement, and retention—critical areas where the industry has long faced challenges.
Unveiling the initiative, Union Minister of Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat described it as a transformative step for India’s hospitality landscape. “The Hotel Association of India’s innovative program marks a significant step towards establishing India as a global tourism powerhouse, with the ambitious goal of creating a USD 3 trillion tourism economy by 2047. As tourism demand continues to rise, the need for talented and visionary leaders has never been greater. This program will prepare professionals to lead the future of hospitality and set standards of excellence that resonate globally,” he said.
According to HAI, India’s hospitality sector is at a critical juncture. The government and industry together have set a target of developing nearly one million branded hotel rooms by 2047 to support India’s tourism vision. This expansion alone will demand an additional 100,000 middle- to senior-level managers in the coming decades.
K.B. Kachru, President of the Hotel Association of India and Chairman – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, emphasized the cultural grounding of the initiative, noting that it draws inspiration from India’s traditional guru-shishya parampara. “This is a first-of-its-kind initiative by industry experts, designed to provide structured mentorship and inspire a lasting commitment to the future of hospitality leadership in India. Building a strong talent pipeline will be essential if we are to meet the ambitious targets of India’s tourism growth story,” Kachru said.
Through this programme, HAI will collaborate with its member hotels to integrate mentorship into their organizational cultures. The framework is designed to provide aspiring leaders with structured guidance, peer learning, and direct access to industry veterans, while ensuring hotels retain and nurture talent at all levels.
The initiative comes at a time when India’s tourism economy is expanding rapidly, propelled by infrastructure investments, rising domestic travel, and a surge in international arrivals. By strengthening talent development across both established and emerging destinations, the mentorship platform is expected to play a pivotal role in reinforcing India’s position as a global hospitality leader.
Industry Impact: Why This Matters
- Tier-2 & Tier-3 Growth Hubs: With nearly 50 emerging tourism locations being targeted, the mentorship programme is expected to fast-track professionalization in smaller markets, where talent shortages are more acute.
- Leadership Pipeline: The sector needs around 100,000 additional managers by 2047. This structured mentorship aims to fill that gap by creating a steady flow of trained professionals ready for leadership roles.
- Retention & Culture: By embedding mentorship into organizational frameworks, hotels are likely to see improved employee engagement and reduced attrition—long-standing challenges in the sector.
- Investor Confidence: For global and domestic investors eyeing Indian hospitality, a robust leadership pipeline signals stronger operational stability and sustainable returns.
- Tourism Vision 2047: By aligning with India’s long-term target of a USD 3 trillion tourism economy, the initiative positions hospitality talent as a critical enabler of national growth.
