IHCL Expands Skills Initiative in Andamans

IHCL Partners with Tata STRIVE and ANIIDCO for Hospitality Skills Programme

On World Youth Skills Day, Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has partnered with Tata STRIVE and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Limited (ANIIDCO) to strengthen hospitality skills development across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

The initiative aims to improve employability, support workforce development, and strengthen the tourism sector by providing structured training and certification for hospitality professionals across the islands.

Hospitality Skills Programme

The partnership will begin with a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme that will certify and upskill 250 hospitality professionals working in hotels, resorts, restaurants and related establishments.

The programme will be conducted across:

• Sri Vijayapuram
• Swaraj Dweep
• Shaheed Dweep

Training will cover:

• Front Office Operations
• Food and Beverage Service
• Housekeeping
• Kitchen Operations
• Multi-Cuisine Cooking
• Bakery
• Guest House Operations

Collaborative Approach

Under the partnership:

• Tata STRIVE will lead training delivery, assessments and certification.
• IHCL will provide hospitality expertise and operational knowledge.
• ANIIDCO will support the programme as part of its efforts to strengthen tourism infrastructure and workforce development in the Union Territory.

Leadership Comments

K. Mohanchandran, Senior Vice President – Operations (East and North East), IHCL, said:

“As India’s hospitality sector continues to grow, structured vocational training has become increasingly important. Through this partnership with Tata STRIVE and ANIIDCO, we aim to strengthen employability, service standards and livelihood opportunities for young people and hospitality professionals while supporting the tourism sector in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.”

Ameya Vanjari, Chief Operating Officer, Tata STRIVE, said:

“Our collaboration with IHCL has supported hospitality skills development over the years. Through this partnership with ANIIDCO, we look forward to creating more opportunities for young people in the Andaman Islands by strengthening professional skills and supporting employment and entrepreneurship in tourism and hospitality.”

Chanchal Yadav, Managing Director, ANIIDCO, said:

“Tourism plays an important role in the economy of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Developing a skilled workforce will support the long-term growth of the sector while creating opportunities for local communities.”

Supporting Long-Term Workforce Development

The initiative forms part of IHCL’s ESG+ framework, Paathya, under which the company aims to skill 100,000 young people by 2030.

Since 2020, IHCL has expanded its skilling network to more than 80 centres across India and has trained over 49,000 young people, supporting employment opportunities across established and emerging tourism destinations.

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