Strengthening its commitment to building future-ready talent for India’s hospitality industry, Hotel Association of India (HAI) & THE LALIT SURI HOSPITALITY SCHOOL (TLSHS) formalized a strategic collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the School’s Faridabad campus on April 22, 2026.

The MoU exchange took place in the esteemed presence of the Hon’ble Union Minister of Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, marking a significant step towards advancing skill development aligned with the Government’s vision for tourism-led growth.

This partnership introduces the ‘Image & Life Skills Lab’, a specialized 10-day Professional Presence & Communication Development Program aimed at equipping participants with essential soft skills – interpersonal and  communication skills, critical for success and excellence in today’s experience -driven hospitality landscape

The initiative is structured as a non-commercial collaboration, reflecting a shared commitment to industry advancement without financial obligations between the two institutions. While HAI will drive outreach, awareness, and industry integration, TLSHS will lead program delivery, leveraging its faculty expertise, campus infrastructure, and immersive training methodologies to develop the next generation of hospitality professionals.

Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a joint certification from HAI and TLSHS, significantly enhancing their employability and professional readiness.

The ceremony was attended by senior leadership from both organizations, including Mr. K. B. Kachru, President, HAI, and Dr. Jyotsna Suri, CMD, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, along with members of the HAI Executive Committee and representatives of several HAI  Member Hotels. The event included a campus tour, MoU exchange, ministerial address, and interactive engagement with students and faculty.

Congratulating HAI and TLSHS for taking up such an important step, the Hon’ble  Minister, said, it is a historic event and  posterity will reap the benefit of this initiative. This association   is a bridge to create employable and industry-ready professionals. Hospitality remains one of the most promising sectors for employment generation, with immense potential to create meaningful livelihoods across the country. By fostering structured collaboration, we are not only strengthening the talent pipeline but also contributing to the long-term growth and resilience of the hospitality ecosystem. Tourism and hospitality have tremendous possibilities and opportunities in India’s development story. As India progresses towards its vision of becoming a $30 trillion economy by 2047, the role of sectors like hospitality in driving employment, entrepreneurship, and economic growth will be critical.

Commenting on the collaboration,KB Kachru, President, Hotel Association of India (HAI) and Chairman – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “Hotel Association of India together with The Lalit Suri Hospitality School aims to bridge vital capability gaps by equipping professionals with the interpersonal and communication skills essential in a service-driven industry. This collaboration aims to bring the program to aspiring hospitality professionals across the country and is  pivotal to India’s aspiration to achieve a $3trillion tourism economy by 2047”

Dr. Jyotsna Suri speaking on the occasion, said, “At The Lalit Suri Hospitality School, we believe education goes beyond technical skills. Through the Image & Life Skills Lab, in partnership with Hotel Association of India, we aim to nurture individuals who are confident, inclusive and industry-ready for the evolving needs of hospitality.”