IHCL Partners with Government of Uttarakhand for Skill Centre in Nainital

MUMBAI, JUNE 25, 2025: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SETU AAYOG, Government of Uttarakhand, to establish a state-of-the-art hospitality skill-training centre in Nainital.

Mr. Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President, IHCL said, “Uttarakhand is a well-established tourism destination with vast potential for employment generation in the hospitality sector. In line with IHCL’s ESG+ framework of Paathya, this upcoming skill centre will empower the region’s youth with industry-relevant training, encouraging inclusive growth while contributing to India’s travel and tourism economy.” The New Skill Development Centre for Youth in Nainital, Uttarakhand is in collaboration with SETU Aayog, Tata STRIVE, Kumaun University (KU), Nainital, Uttarakhand Skill Development Society and Department of Higher Education, Government of Uttarakhand .

Shri Raj Shekhar Joshi, Hon’ble Vice Chairman of SETU Aayog, said, “This initiative is a step forward in aligning industry and academia for job creation and regional economic growth. Through this partnership, Uttarakhand is setting a benchmark for collaborative, industry driven and outcome-driven skilling.”

The multi-partner initiative includes Tata STRIVE as the implementation partner, with Kumaun University providing the centre infrastructure. The Departments of Skill Development and Higher Education, Government of Uttarakhand, will support operational funding. Over a period of three years, the centre aims to train over 500 youth through entry-level courses in Food & Beverage Service, Front Office and Kitchen, supported with hostel facilities. The program will also include on-the-job internships to bridge the gap between education and employment. Mr. Ameya Vanjari, COO, Tata STRIVE, said, "This collaboration will open meaningful career pathways for the youth of the hills and create a ripple effect in local development."

Under its industry-leading ESG+ framework of Paathya, IHCL partners for 53 skill centres across India. With a target to train 1,00,000 youth by 2030, IHCL continues to invest in building future-ready talent and enabling economic upliftment through sustainable skilling efforts.

About The Indian Hotels Company Limited

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and its subsidiaries bring together a group of brands and businesses that offer a fusion of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service. These include Taj – the iconic brand for the most discerning travellers and ranked as World's Strongest Hotel Brand 2024 and India’s Strongest Brand 2024 as per Brand Finance;  Claridges Collection, a curated set of boutique luxury hotels merging elegance with historical charm; SeleQtions, a named collection of hotels; Tree of Life, private escapes in tranquil settings; Vivanta, sophisticated upscale hotels; Gateway, full-service hotels designed to be your gateway to exceptional destinations and Ginger, which is revolutionising the lean luxe segment.

Incorporated by the founder of the Tata Group, Jamsetji Tata, the Company opened its first hotel - The Taj Mahal Palace, in Bombay in 1903. IHCL has a portfolio of 388 hotels including 139 under development globally across 4 continents, 14 countries and in over 150+ locations. The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is India’s largest hospitality company by market capitalization. It is listed on the BSE and NSE. Please visit: IHCL; Taj; Claridges Collection; SeleQtions; Tree of Life; Vivanta; Gateway; Ginger