IHCL AND MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT & ENTREPRENEURSHIP SIGN AN MOU FOR HOSPITALITY SKILL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE IN GOA

L to R : Ms Deepika Rao, IHCL; Mr Ranjit Phillipose, IHCL; Mr Prasad Lolayekar, IAS; Dr Pramod Sawant, Hon Chief Minister - Goa; Mr Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO IHCL; Mr S S Gaonkar Director Skill Development, Govt of Goa

GOA, FEBRUARY 26, 2025: Further to the recent announcement, Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Goa for the country’s largest hospitality skilling centre in Goa to boost employment opportunities for youth in the state. This signing ceremony was held in the presence of Honourable Chief Minister of Goa -Shri Pramod Sawant and Mr. Prasad Lolayekar, IAS, Secretary, Education and Skills Development and Mr. S S Gaonkar, Director of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship, Goa.

Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO, IHCL said, “Continuing its pioneering leadership in Goa for over five decades, IHCL is committed to enriching Goa's hospitality landscape. The upcoming skilling centre, in line with our ESG+ framework of Paathya, will bridge the employability gap and equip a skilled workforce to support Goa’s vibrant travel and tourism industry.

Shri Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister, Goa said, “Goa is the country's leading leisure destination and has long been a hub for tourism. IHCL’s initiative will open new employment opportunities for the youth, supporting Goa’s vision for continued growth and advancement in the tourism sector. This MOU is reflective of our joint commitment to develop a sustainable tourism eco-system and we are pleased to be associated with IHCL, India’s leading hospitality company for this initiative.”

The skilling centre will offer a series of tailored training programs and workshops designed to address the evolving demands of the industry. These sessions will impart essential foundational literacy and hospitality-specific programs including front office, housekeeping, food production and food and beverage service preparing participants for careers in the industry. It will also feature industry-based internships that provide hands-on experience in corporate environments, bridging the gap between education and employment.

Under its industry leading ESG+ framework of Paathya, IHCL with 47 skilling centres, continues to invest in talent pools to support deserving youth and their families, enhancing employment opportunities and contributing to the growth of the hospitality sector.

About The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL)

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; 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 362 hotels including 125 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; SeleQtions; Tree of Life; Vivanta; Gateway; Ginger

For more information, please contact: malihah.faizi@ihcltata.com