Radisson Hotel Group scales up youth skilling efforts across India to build future-ready hospitality workforce

On World Youth Skills Day, celebrated annually on July 15, Radisson Hotel Group (RHG), a global leader in hospitality, is proud to share how it is strengthening India’s workforce by investing in comprehensive skilling programs to empower the nation’s youth in the hospitality sector. With 130 operational hotels and 77 in the pipeline in India, the Group is not only expanding its footprint but also playing a vital role in creating opportunities and generating employment across the country through its extensive hotel network.

As part of its community-focused outreach, Radisson Hotel Group, in collaboration with the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) and The Job Plus, is equipping over 308 youth across multiple states with essential skills in front office operations, housekeeping, and food & beverage service. Candidates undergo 300 hours of training and are trained for National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) level 4 skills in either housekeeping/front office/F&B services/GRE and are awarded a certificate by THSC.

A special emphasis has been placed on Jammu & Kashmir, recognizing both the unique challenges of the region and the untapped potential of its youth. As part of this effort, 70 young individuals from remote districts such as Kathua, Rajouri, Doda, Katra, and RS Pura are being provided structured skilling under the initiative and 34% of the current batch from Jammu & Kashmir comprises young women, an encouraging step toward greater gender inclusion in the formal workforce.

Additionally, through the Youth Employment Program led by the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, the Group provides hands-on learning opportunities across hotel departments for underprivileged youth. The impact is evident, with 85% of participants securing employment with RHG or other leading hospitality brands, underscoring the real-world value of these initiatives.

“Empowering India’s youth through structured skilling is central to our long-term growth strategy. These initiatives not only uplift individuals but also strengthen the broader hospitality ecosystem. By enhancing employability and economic independence, especially among underserved communities, these programs open doors to opportunities across leading hospitality brands and service-driven industries such as premium managed workspaces and facility management, where professionalism and guest experience are key. We are proud to lead with purpose and shape a resilient, future-ready industry,” said Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and COO – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.

To support the broader hospitality industry, RHG has established long-standing partnerships with premier academic institutions like the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM). These collaborations foster the development of industry-ready professionals through structured internships, updated curriculum, and on-ground exposure to hotel operations. RHG has also joined hands with Heinz Pro and Job Plus to launch a five-month frontline talent program that delivers essential soft and technical skills for young professionals entering the service industry.

RHG is equally focused on nurturing its existing workforce through continuous learning and internal growth. A testament to this is that over 70% of the Group’s General Manager positions are filled internally, an outcome of its ‘Hire for Attitude, Train for Skills’ philosophy. Focusing on the culture of professional development, the Group has partnered with Typsy, a leading global online learning platform, to deliver training through Radisson Academy Online. To date, the platform has facilitated more than 92,000 hours of training and issued over 111,000 certificates globally, with strong engagement from Indian employees. 

Radisson Hotel Group continues to command a leading presence in the Indian market and is one of the country’s largest international hotel operators with over 200 hotels in operation and development. It continues to be the largest hotel operator in a tier-1 market like Delhi NCR, while over 50% of its portfolio is in tier-2 and 3 markets. The Group has successfully introduced various brands to the growing Indian market, including Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Park Inn by Radisson, Park Plaza, Park Inn & Suites by Radisson and Radisson Individuals and its extension Radisson Individuals Retreats.