IHCL Enables Tourism With Hospitality Skilling Initiatives In Jammu and Kashmir

Reinforcing its commitment to inclusive growth and nation building, Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, continues to expand its skilling and employability initiatives across the country, with a focused push in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K).

Purpose & Vision
- IHCL is reinforcing its commitment to inclusive growth and nation building by expanding skilling and employability programs in J&K.
- The focus is on empowering youth with industry-relevant hospitality skills, creating sustainable career pathways and supporting regional socio-economic development.

Initiatives in J&K
- Skill Centre in Uri: Established with REACHA and supported by the Indian Army, offering specialized hospitality training.
- Tata STRIVE Partnership: Training youth in Baramulla and Kupwara in bakery and food & beverage services, aligned with local employment opportunities.
- Collaboration with IIT Jammu: Designing structured skilling programs that combine academic excellence with industry exposure.

Scale & Impact
- IHCL has expanded its skilling infrastructure to 83 centres across India, focusing on underserved destinations with high tourism potential.
- Over 42,000 youth trained nationwide so far under its ESG+ framework Paathya.
- Goal: Upskill 100,000 youth by 2030.

Leadership Perspective
Mr. Gaurav Pokhariyal, EVP – Human Resources, IHCL:
> “Skilling is a powerful catalyst for employment generation and social transformation. Our initiatives in J&K aim to empower youth with industry-relevant skills, enabling them to build sustainable careers in hospitality.”

IHCL at a Glance
- India’s largest hospitality company with a portfolio of 628 hotels (255 in pipeline) across 14 countries.
- Brands include Taj, Vivanta, SeleQtions, Ginger, Brij, Claridges Collection, Tree of Life, Gateway, Atmantan.
- Recognized as the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand 2025 by Brand Finance.

This initiative positions IHCL not just as a hospitality leader, but as a driver of tourism-led development and community empowerment in J&K.