AHP’s Hospitality Challenge & Awards 2025 Returns with a Sharper Focus on Skill, Scale & Inclusion

New Delhi, June 18, 2025: The 8th edition of the AHP Hospitality Challenge & Awards 2025 is set to take centre stage this July, bringing together India’s most dedicated hospitality professionals, students, and specially-abled talent on a single national platform. Organised by the Association of Hospitality Professionals (AHP), the event returns with a robust line-up of competitions and recognitions across culinary arts, front office, F&B service, and housekeeping — all designed to highlight the talent, commitment, and quiet excellence that define India’s service industry. The competitions will run from 3rd to 9th July, with the grand awards ceremony scheduled for 30th July at The Suryaa, New Delhi.

Bringing together over 300 participants, judged by 50 esteemed jury members across more than 20 unique competition categories, the 2025 edition reaffirms AHP’s role as a national platform for performance benchmarking and skill elevation. Each competition is designed not only to test technical expertise but also to celebrate passion, creativity, and the ability to deliver excellence under pressure.

This year’s event will unfold across multiple esteemed venues in the capital, including Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management (3rd–5th July) for the Culinary Challenge, Indian Hotel Academy (8th July) for the Front Office Master competition, Radisson Blu, Paschim Vihar (9th July) for Art of Bed Making and Towel Folding, and The Suryaa, New Delhi (7th July and 30th July) for War of Spirits, Table Setting, and the final Awards Ceremony. The day-wise scheduling ensures that each skill domain is given its due focus, and participants benefit from diverse professional settings.

Vinod Gulati, President of the AHP Executive Committee, added: “Hospitality is one of the most human-centric industries, and it thrives because of the talent and integrity of those at the frontlines. Our platform is an ode to that spirit — to give a moment of spotlight to those who work with passion and precision, often behind the scenes.”

A standout feature of this year’s edition is the continued emphasis on inclusivity through Sashakt – Empowering Special Ability Professionals. This initiative enables individuals with special abilities to participate across all major competition categories — from culinary and front office to F&B service and housekeeping — on an equal footing with their peers. With thoughtful accommodations in place and no separate judging standards, the platform celebrates talent, not limitations. By recognising and uplifting specially-abled professionals within the mainstream of hospitality, AHP reiterates its commitment to building a more diverse, equitable, and empowering future for the industry.

From high-pressure culinary showdowns and beverage innovation to table setting, bed making, napkin and towel folding, and real-world front office simulations, the event will showcase the multidimensional skill sets that power the hospitality sector.

Devipshita Gautam, Founder and General Secretary of AHP, said about the upcoming edition:
“This competition is a celebration of effort and intent. Every challenge we create is rooted in respect for those who work with their hands, hearts and minds. As we host the 8th edition, we continue to strengthen our belief that hospitality is not just a service — it is a transformative profession that deserves recognition, investment, and pride.”

On the final day, the industry will come together to applaud its finest through the Hospitality Excellence Awards 2025, Tourism Excellence Awards, and Food Awards. From general managers, chefs and housekeepers to boutique hotels, sustainable stays and multi-cuisine restaurants, these honours will highlight both individual and institutional achievements that define best practices in Indian hospitality today.

Founded as a registered not-for-profit body under the Societies Registration Act of 1860, the Association of Hospitality Professionals (AHP) is committed to strengthening the professional identity and future of India’s hospitality sector. Through large-scale skill competitions, inclusive platforms, awards, and training-led initiatives, AHP brings together hotels, institutes, professionals, suppliers, and thought leaders to promote excellence, collaboration, and growth in service of the tourism and hospitality ecosystem.