Tourism Minister Stresses Industry-Academia Partnership at IHM Gangtok Summit

The Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Gangtok, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim, hosted the Industry Partnership Summit 2025 at Mayfair Spa & Resort in Ranipool. The summit, held under the Sikkim INSPIRES Project, brought together industry leaders, hospitality professionals, and government officials to address the evolving trends and workforce challenges in the tourism and hospitality sector.

Mr. Tshering Thendup Bhutia, Minister for Tourism & Civil Aviation and Commerce & Industries, graced the event as the chief guest. He was accompanied by Mr. CS Rao, Principal Secretary, Tourism Department, as the guest of honour, along with key government officials and industry experts.

In his keynote address, Minister Bhutia emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between education and industry to create a skilled workforce. He highlighted that the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative aims to empower youth and women through sustainable economic opportunities, skill development, and entrepreneurship. “A well-trained, well-mentored student with hands-on industry exposure will be better prepared to tackle real-world challenges,” he said.

Minister Bhutia urged major hotel chains such as Mayfair, ITC, Taj, Ramada, and Summit to collaborate with IHM Gangtok and introduce industry-driven training programs. He also called for the introduction of short-term industry-certified courses aligned with employer needs to improve employability and career prospects for IHM graduates.

Mr. Rao, Principal Secretary, underscored the need for systematic reforms in hospitality education, including a specialized Himalayan Region Hospitality course to equip students with region-specific expertise. He stressed the importance of improving work conditions and competitive salaries to retain talent in the industry.

Mr. Neeraj Pradhan, Principal Chief Engineer and Nodal Officer of Sikkim INSPIRES, highlighted that the project’s objective is to enhance IHM Gangtok’s curriculum and placement opportunities through tailored training programs. He announced upcoming initiatives to address the skilled manpower gap and strengthen industry-academic ties.

The summit featured interactive sessions with industry leaders, including Mr. Rajesh Arya, President of the Global Association of Events and Hospitality Professionals, and Ms. Ritu Jolly, Head of Learning & Development at ITC Hotels. A panel discussion explored strategies to improve workforce readiness and employee retention.

The event also showcased a placement software developed by Argia Solutions under the Sikkim INSPIRES Project, aimed at streamlining job opportunities for IHM graduates. The summit concluded with the distribution of mementos to participants and resource persons, marking a significant step toward building a resilient and skilled hospitality workforce in Sikkim.