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WWW.HOSPITALITYBIZINDIA.COMhospitality industry, making them not just employable but indispensable in a tech-driven world. Further, the%u201cattitude%u201d dimension of service quality, which emphasizes attributes like resilience and ethical decisionmaking, was critical to recruiters and contributed to positive perceptions of IHM graduates.An intriguing finding from the survey reveals a surprising yet positive connection between recruiters%u2019 perceptions of sacrifice%u2014such as offering competitive salary packages, investing effort, and dedicating time to train recruits%u2014and the value they associate with these hires contributing to their brand. Simply put, hotel brands take pride in having IHM graduates on their teams and actively strive to onboard the best talent from these institutes. Now, this creates an exciting opportunity for IHMs to foster a dynamic and competitive recruitment environment. By strategically inviting multiple hotel brands to participate in campus placements, IHMs can ignite healthy competition among recruiters, leading to better student salary packages and heightened visibility for their talent pool. This competition not only benefits students but also reinforces the institute%u2019s reputation as a premier source of hospitality talent.Connecting with National Goals: NEP 2020 and Hospitality EducationAligning with India%u2019s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, IHMs can play a major role in producing graduates who are not only technically skilled but also ready to make a positive impact on the hospitality landscape. The NEP emphasizes employability and quality education, both of which are directly connected to how well IHMs meet recruiters%u2019 expectations. By focusing on practical skill-building and staying tuned to industry needs, IHMs can reinforce their relevance, helping India meet its goal of producing highly skilled professionals by 2030.Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Path ForwardAs hospitality education and industry demands evolve, IHMs have a unique opportunity to stay at the cutting edge. By prioritizing service quality, ensuring recruiter satisfaction, and maximizing service value, these institutions can strengthen their reputation as leading talent providers in hospitality by attracting the budding hospitality professionals. Building a strong partnership with hotel recruiters is not just about meeting immediate hiring needs but about fostering a sustainable relationship that benefits both the education sector and the hospitality industry.The future of hospitality education in India lies in understanding and acting on what recruiters value most. By focusing on these expectations, IHMs can help graduates excel, provide recruiters with top talent, and ultimately set new standards for hospitality education in India. With a strategy that aligns with quality, satisfaction, and value, IHMs are wellpositioned to lead the next generation of hospitality professionals into the future.In this endeavour, the Ministry of Tourism (MOT), has facilitated a much-needed breakthrough collaboration by signing a MOU between all Central IHMs and leading hotel brands across the country to mutually benefit from a strategic partnership for the overall improvement of hospitality education and the employability of students. This step will surely provide the impetus for IHMs to conduct workshops, short internships, faculty development programs and joint research with industry partners. For example, short, intensive internships provide students with hands-on experience, reducing the training burden on recruiters and giving graduates a head start in the industry. Partnerships with hotels to facilitate these internships can create a win-win situation: recruiters get access to better-prepared candidates, while students benefit from real-world learning. This collaboration also aligns perfectly with the industry%u2019s need for job-ready graduates, further strengthening IHMs%u2019 value proposition.Further significant steps have been taken by the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) and the MOT to bridge the gap between industry expectations and academic delivery at IHMs. The curriculum has undergone a comprehensive revision, incorporating cutting-edge topics such as AI in hospitality, digital marketing, cultural diversity and sustainable tourism, etc, ensuring that students are equipped with modern skills. A landmark collaboration with Michigan State University, USAhas opened new avenues for academic research, faculty development, and student exchange programs, bringing global perspectives to Indian hospitality education. Additionally, the Marriott International Internship Program now offers IHM students hands-on training opportunities in Marriott hotels in Mauritius, providing invaluable international exposure. These initiatives, both implemented and, in the pipeline, demonstrate a strong commitment to aligning IHM education with global industry standards, preparing graduates to excel in the rapidly evolving hospitality landscape.India has always been known for its rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and diversity, making it the perfect place to nurture worldclass hospitality professionals. IHMs across the country has a huge opportunity to be at the forefront of this effort, providing students with top-quality education and hands-on training. As the global hospitality industry recovers rapidly post-COVID, the demand for skilled professionals is higher than ever. By incorporating the initiatives of MOT and NCHMCT along with modern technology, sustainable practices, and a global outlook into their curriculum, IHMs are on course in preparing graduates who are ready to excel in a competitive, interconnected world. With their ability to combine professionalism with India%u2019s signature warmth, IHM graduates can meet the growing global demand, positioning India as a leader in hospitality talent and meeting the overall vision of transforming our country into a Viksit Bharat 2047. n(Ref: Ghosh, P., Jhamb, D., & Yu, L. (2023). Measuring service quality perceptions of hotel management institutes on hotel recruiters%u2019 hiring intentions: effect of sacrifice, satisfaction and service value. Journal of Teaching in Travel & Tourism, 23(4), 469%u2013493. https://doi.org/10.1080/15313220.2023.2222076 )The views expressed within this column are the opinion of the author, and may not necessarily be endorsed by the publication.HOSPITALITY BIZ n JANUARY, 2025 EXPERT SPEAK 13