Appointment to the apex body for hospitality education as the sector’s demand for skilled talent grows

New Delhi, 08 October 2026 – The Tourism and Hospitality industry welcomed the nomination of Mr. K.B. Kachru, President, HAI and Chairman – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, and Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Chairman and Managing Director, HRH Group of Hotels, to the Board of Governors of the National Council of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT).

NCHMCT is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Mr. Kachru and Dr. Mewar have been named to the Board as experts from the hotel and catering industry. The nominations come at a time of strong growth for the Indian hospitality sector, which has increased the need for a skilled, industry-ready workforce. As the sector expands across markets and formats, it is critical to bridge the gap between hospitality education and the evolving requirements of the industry.

Speaking on his nomination, Mr. K.B. Kachru said, “I am honoured to be nominated as a member of the Board of Governors of NCHMCT. India’s hospitality sector is entering a defining phase of growth, and the demand for skilled, industry-ready talent has never been greater. Meeting this demand will determine how well we sustain and build on this momentum. Closing the gap between hospitality education and the realities of the workplace is an urgent priority, and it cannot be achieved by any one stakeholder alone. It calls for industry and government to work together, aligning curricula with evolving needs, expanding practical exposure and creating clear pathways for young people to enter the sector. At HAI, we have been working closely with stakeholders across the industry to advance skilling, employability and industry engagement. I look forward to bringing these perspectives to the Board and contributing to initiatives that equip our young professionals with the skills, exposure and opportunities to build rewarding careers in hospitality.”

Under the stewardship of the Executive Committee, HAI has launched several skilling initiatives to address the widening talent gap in the sector. The Industry Mentoring Programme, an industry-first, structured mentorship platform designed exclusively for hotels, focuses on leadership development and career progression to support the sector’s sustainable growth. Earlier in April this year, HAI signed an MoU with The LaLliT Suri Hospitality School (TLSHS) to set up the ‘Image & Life Skills Lab’, a specialised 10-day Professional Presence & Communication Development Programme. It equips hoteliers and hospitality aspirants with the interpersonal and communication skills essential to excel in today’s experience-driven landscape.

The nomination is expected to bring a stronger industry perspective to the Board of NCHMCT, helping ensure that curriculum and governance decisions remain aligned with the day-to-day realities of hotels, restaurants and catering businesses.

About Hotel Association of India (HAI)

The Hotel Association of India is a leading industry body representing a wide network of hotels across the country, working towards policy advocacy, industry growth, and capacity building for India’s hospitality sector.