HBI Staff | Hyderabad 
The Association of Hospitality Professionals (AHP), a non-profit registered organization committed to promoting excellence in the hospitality industry, successfully kicked off the highly anticipated sixth edition of the AHP Hospitality Challenge and Awards – 2023. This prestigious event serves as a platform to encourage and recognize young hospitality professionals while showcasing their remarkable talent and creativity. Taking place until July 8th, the event features over 350 hospitality professionals competing in 17 different categories. Notably, in a historic moment for hospitality competitions, 25 specially-abled professionals are participating for the first time, showcasing the competition’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
The AHP Hospitality Challenge 2023 began with a series of competitions designed to test the skills and expertise of participants in various operational areas of the hotel industry. On the first day of the competition, over 40 professionals showcased their talents in two categories: The Art of Bed Making and Towel Art, held at The Park in New Delhi. Ms. Vanita Arora, the Chief of the Jury for the Housekeeping competitions, expressed her admiration for the outstanding performances and displays.
After the Housekeeping competitions, it was time for the culinary competitions, where more than 150 talented chefs showcased their culinary expertise across 11 categories. These categories encompassed a wide range of culinary skills, including International Cuisine, Halwai (Indian sweets), Dressing a Cake, Regional Indian Cuisine, Kebabs, Sweet Sensation (Display), 45 Minutes Live Cooking, Biryani, International Confectionery, Ornamental Bread, and another 45 Minutes Live Cooking event. The culinary battles took place at Banarsidas Chandiwala IHM in Delhi, where a distinguished panel of WACS-certified jury members had the privilege of evaluating the culinary competitions. Leading the panel as the chief of the jury for the culinary competitions was renowned Chef Sireesh Saxena.
The remaining four competitions, which include Art of Napkin Folding, Art of Table Setting, War of Spirits event, will take place at Radisson Paschim Vihar, New Delhi, and Front Office Master Indian Hotel Academy, Subharsh Nagar, New Delhi-18. Following the competitions, the AHP Hospitality Challenge will reach its culmination on July 8th with the esteemed AHP Hospitality Excellence Awards 2023, taking place at the USI Auditorium in New Delhi. This highly anticipated event will honor and recognize the winners for their exceptional excellence. It will be a grand gathering of prominent hoteliers, restaurateurs, renowned chefs, hospitality experts, and corporate executives, making it a prestigious celebration of the industry’s finest accomplishments.
Mr. Vinod Gulati, President of the Association of Hospitality Professionals, said, “We are thrilled to welcome participants from leading hotels across India who will compete in front of a distinguished jury comprising F&B Managers, Directors, Executive Chefs, and Executive Housekeepers from prestigious hotels and institutes. These competitions are a stepping stone for these young professionals, helping them gain recognition for their skills and paving their way to a successful career in the hospitality industry.”
Ms. Devipshita Gautam, General Secretary, Association of Hospitality Professionals, said “The AHP Hospitality Challenge and Awards provide a platform for budding hospitality professionals to shine. This year, we introduced the Specially Abled Category for the first time, showcasing our commitment to inclusivity and diversity. We had over 350 participants competing in 17 categories, highlighting the immense talent within the industry. AHP has partnered with the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council to support the Skill India Mission and promote the World Skill Competition.
(AHP) Association of Hospitality Professionals is a non-profit registered organization formed under the Society Act of 1860. Since its inception in 2010, AHP has been at the forefront of organizing hospitality events, competitions, and award functions, providing a platform to encourage and recognize the remarkable talents within the hospitality industry.
