India’s hospitality and tourism sector is no longer a peripheral contributor to the economy; it is a mainstream engine of employment. The sector supports 13.34% of India’s total employment, according to the Ministry of Tourism’s India Tourism Data Compendium 2025, with direct employment alone accounting for 5.82% of jobs nationally. A workforce of that size, spread across front offices, kitchens and housekeeping floors in every state, does not run on infrastructure and investment alone. It runs on thousands of daily interactions between staff and guests, each one an opportunity to build trust or lose it.

That is what makes communication different from the industry’s other operational concerns. A guest who is misunderstood at check-in, or who cannot get a room-service request across, notices it at the moment, with nowhere for the lapse to hide. As the sector scales to meet rising demand, that capability needs to be built with the same intent as any other operational standard.

A pipeline under pressure to keep pace

The growth driving this pressure is substantial. Global travel and tourism, which dipped to 9.6% of world GDP during the pandemic, has since rebounded past US$11 trillion and is projected to reach US$16 trillion by 2034, per Statista. India’s training infrastructure is scaling in step: the country runs 71 government Institutes of Hotel Management alongside a growing base of private hospitality schools, and top campuses report placement rates above 90%. Every new hotel opening is another set of guest-facing roles that need talent ready to perform from day one.

Employers are responding accordingly. ETS’s TOEIC Global English Skills Report, based on responses from over 1,300 HR decision-makers across 17 countries, found that 97% of employers in India now say English communication matters more to their business than it used to, and 98% say formally assessing it during hiring would improve workplace efficiency. For a sector built on split-second, face-to-face exchanges with guests worldwide, that is less a statistic than a description of the job itself.

Why one score isn’t enough

The harder question is how that ability gets defined. A front-desk check-in, a housekeeping request confirmed correctly, and a food and beverage manager presenting to a corporate client are three different communication tasks. A single, generic English score cannot tell an employer whether a candidate can reliably do any one of them.

A recent joint study between the TOEIC programme at ETS and the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) set out to close that gap, mapping the actual English communication demands of six hospitality roles, junior and senior positions in Front Office, Food & Beverage and Housekeeping, against validated proficiency benchmarks.

The most instructive finding was that proficiency demands tracked the nature of the task more closely than seniority. Some junior, guest-facing roles required a higher speaking standard than senior, internally focused ones: a junior front office manager needed stronger spoken English than a senior housekeeper, whose work centres more on documentation than direct guest contact. It is a useful correction to the assumption that communication demands rise neatly with rank; in practice, they track who a role requires someone to speak to, and under what pressure.

Building the pipeline with intent

Identifying the gap is only the first step; the sector’s real task is closing it in practice. That begins with treating English communication as a workplace skill to be developed continuously, not a one-time qualification checked at the point of hiring. Employees improve fastest when practice reflects the actual situations they encounter on the job, rather than generic language instruction removed from daily work. This also means giving employees a clear, ongoing sense of how their communication is progressing, so improvement is visible and not left to chance. Built consistently into how a workplace already operates, this kind of development does not require large new systems, only sustained attention, the same attention hospitality already gives to service quality.

The value of measuring English proficiency lies not in using it to screen candidates out, but in showing employers exactly where to direct training investment. Approached this way, communication becomes a lever the industry can actively pull, not a hurdle placed in front of talent. As India’s hospitality sector continues to expand, that shift in how proficiency is used may matter as much as the growth itself.

The post Why Communication Skills Are Becoming Critical to India’s Hospitality Talent Pipeline appeared first on TnHGlobal.

Nok Air is strengthening its connection with India with the launch of its new international service between Hyderabad and Bangkok, opening a new link between one of India’s fastest-growing cities and Thailand through Don Mueang International Airport.The new service marks an important step in Nok Air’s international growth and reflects the airline’s confidence in the growing travel opportunities between India and Thailand.

For Nok Air, Hyderabad represents more than a new destination on its international network. The airline sees the city as an important gateway to India’s growing outbound travel market, with opportunities across leisure, business and visiting-friends-and-relatives travel.

The airline is also looking beyond the route itself, working closely with its local partners, travel trade and distributionnetwork to build awareness and make Hyderabad an increasingly accessible gateway to Thailand.

“India is an important market for Nok Air, and Hyderabad is a market we believe has strong potential,” said Pichit Satapattayanont, Chief Executive Officer of Nok Air.

“Our commitment goes beyond introducing a new route. It is about building a strong and sustainablepresence in the market. We want to work closely with our partners in India, understand the needs of Indian travelers and create a travel proposition that delivers value to both our customers and our partners.”

The Hyderabad – Bangkok service also provides Indian travelerswith access to Nok Air’s wider network through Don Mueang International Airport, including destinations across Thailand. This creates opportunities for travelers to combine Bangkok with Thailand’s leisure destinations and explore the country through a broader regional network.

For leisure travelers, the connection provides greater access to Thailand’s destinations, while business travelers can benefit from improved connectivity between Hyderabad and Bangkok and onward connections within Thailand.

Nok Air’s presence in Hyderabad is supported by DEX Group, its General Sales Agent in India, together with local travel agencies and industry partners. The airline sees collaboration across the travel ecosystem as an important part of establishing the route and building long-term demand.

“We believe the success of this route will come from building the market together,” Pichit added.

“Our partners in India are an important part of that journey. We are committed to working closely with them to develop the market, build awareness and make Nok Air a trusted choice for travelers between India and Thailand.”

The airline’s leadership team is also engaging directly with the Indian market as part of the route launch, meeting travel partners and gaining a deeper understanding of the opportunities in Hyderabad.

This approach reflects Nok Air’s intention to build its international network with a long-term perspective – focusing not only on opening routes, but also on developing the commercial foundations, partnerships and customer demand required to make each market sustainable.

For Hyderabad, the new service creates another connection to Thailand at a time when travelers are increasingly looking for convenient and accessible options across Asia.

For Nok Air, it represents the beginning of a new relationship with the Hyderabad market.

“We are pleased to be back in India and to begin a new chapter in our journey with Hyderabad,” said Pichit.

“We see strong opportunities ahead, and we look forward to building this market together with our partners in India and welcoming more Indian travelers to Thailand.”

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This year, the ten-day Onam season started on August 16 with the day of Atham in the traditional calendar, bringing in its wake a zealously-preserved tradition celebrated by Malayalis since ancient times, cutting across social and economic barriers. The festival culminates with the ‘Thiruvonam’ Day on August 26.

Onam is defined by its beauty, grace, charm and inclusivity. Though at its core is a Hindu myth, Onam is a festival that blurs borderlines of faith and social rankings. The festival is deeply ingrained in the socio-cultural ethos of Malayalis, whether they live in Kerala or in any part of the world.

Onam, which falls in the month of ‘Chingam’ in the Malayalam calendar, comes after three months of southwest monsoon, with fresh shoots springing from the bowels of Mother Earth. For an agricultural community, which Kerala essentially was until not-so-distant past, the season implied the paddy harvest time.

The Mahabali Myth

Onam has a legend behind to it. The region comprising Kerala was eons ago ruled by the Asura King Mahabali. So ideal was his reign that the kingdom was like a paradise on earth—no trace of lie, deception or malice of any kind.

Could such harmony be allowed to flourish in the mundane world? Of course, it made the Devas envious. They hatched plans to bring an end to the golden era. Instigated by them, Lord Vishnu transfigured into a dwarf (Vamana) and came down to Mahabali. Always keen to welcome guests, the king expressed his willingness to grant anything the visitor would request.

The dwarf asked for three steps of earth. Mahabali agreed. Ahead of taking his first step, Vamana suddenly grew in size to emerge like a titan. Thus, his one foot covered the whole of earth, the second the whole of heaven. As there was no ground left, Mahabali offered his head for the dwarf to place his foot on a third time. The emperor was stomped down to the netherworld (Patal). Resolved to his downfall, the king asked for a favour: “Can I visit my subjects once a year?” Yes, said Vishnu generously. And that’s the Onam season, the homecoming of Mahabali every year, to be welcomed by his subjects with all honours.

Floral Carpet

The most enduring and colourful image of Onam is the tradition of laying out floral carpets to welcome Mahabali. It is also known as ‘Atha Pookkalam’ as it starts at homes on the ‘Atham Day’, 10 days ahead of Thiruvonam.

These days Onam has assumed a larger social dimension, with festivities spilling over to community cultural spaces. So, Pookkalam is laid out in schools, offices and even tech campuses.

A visitor to the state during Onam is greeted with the Pookkalam, laid out with a variety of flowers adorning the front yard of homes. Members of families, including little ones, give full play to their aesthetic sensibility in making the floral carpet. With fast-paced urbanisation turning vast swaths of land into concrete jungles, the flowers for Pookkalam now mostly come from neighbouring states.

Onam Sadhya, the Multi-Dish Feast

The Onam Sadhya, the multi-dish feast served on a plantain leaf, is a delicious highlight of the festival. Traditionally, the Sadhya used to be prepared by women at home, with the menfolk lending a helping hand to fry banana chips and fritters.

The dishes, laid out on banana leaves, are  vegetarian . Rice, sambhar, avial, rasam, olan, erissery, pappadam, fried banana chips and pickles make the list pretty long, along with savouries like sweet ‘pradhaman.’ In parts of the Malabar region (north Kerala), fish and meat are also added to enliven the menu.

These days, the full-course Sadhya—complete with the banana leaf—gets delivered directly to homes. Scores of restaurants and caterers make a roaring business during the season. Onam Sadhya is available in major restaurants and star hotels during Onam across major cities in India, as well as in the Middle East, the USA, and the UK.

Women at the Centre of Festivities

Onam has always been a time for people to engage in arts and sports, seeing the return of many cherished traditions. At a time when women were essentially homemakers, Onam was an occasion for them to express their artistic talents, traditionally before family audiences.

There are choreographic expressions like Kaikottikali, in which dancers clap their hands in unison while moving clockwise and anticlockwise rhythmically. The themes are drawn from Hindu mythology; however, an offshoot in Christian homes is called Margamkali, where the lyrics are largely Biblical. The Islamic tap-and-sing traditions of DuffMuttu and Arbanakali are also popular.

Sporting Season for Men and Children

In parts of Kerala, Onam offers an occasion for men to display physical prowess by engaging in a pastime fight called Onathallu, which has its combat tactics borrowed from the martial art of Kalaripayattu. They also engage in many other rural sports.

Community Cultural Spaces and Tourism Week

From home grounds, these cultural expressions have moved to community spaces. The State Government organises Onam Celebrations on a grand scale for a whole week in the state capital, district headquarters, and cities and towns across the state. In suburban and rural areas, local cultural outfits take the lead in organising the festival.

The season also sees a massive inflow of tourists to Kerala. For hosting and taking them around the festival venues, the Tourism Department has made special arrangements.

“The week-long celebrations will showcase Kerala’s cultural diversity, traditions, artistic heritage and tourism potential. The celebrations are aimed at presenting Kerala’s traditional and cultural heritage along with its tourist attractions,” said Tourism Minister Shri P. C. Vishnunadh.

The Onam season also provides  the visitors an opportunity to experience the eclectic culture of the people, the Minister added.

This year, the week-long Tourism Week Celebrations, organised by the Tourism Department, will be inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Shri V. D. Satheesan in the presence of the Tourism Minister, along with Malayalam film actor Kunchako Boban  in Thiruvananthapuram on August 24. The celebrations, dominated by cultural programmes and the illumination of main thoroughfares and landmark buildings, will conclude with a grand, colourful pageantry on August 30.Vice President of India Shri C P Radhakrishnan will flag off the cultural procession. 

Boat Races

Onam is also the season of boat races. Kerala has a string of sprawling backwaters. The Travancore region—especially the rice-bowl of low-lying Kuttanad—serves as the hub of boat races. The prime attraction is the chundanvallam: snake-boats, as long as 140 feet and accommodating 120 paddlers. There are also smaller vessels, enabling women to contest as well.

Ironic Twist

Though Onam is primarily a festival that welcomes the return of Mahabali, in some regions the celebrations also take on an ironic twist. For many, it is also an occasion to worship Maha Vishnu, who transfigured as Vamana to banish Mahabali to the netherworld.

As part of this tradition, clay cubes that are made, and floral offerings are placed at its base. This  ritual is called  worshipping Thrikkakarayappan , representing Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have ended the mythological Mahabali regime. However, this in no way dampens the festive spirit, whose core focus remains the joyous homecoming of Mahabali.

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The registrations include 790 international buyers and 2,210 domestic buyers.

The formal inauguration of the three-day event will be held here on September 24, while the business meetings will take place from September 25 to 27.

The inaugural ceremony will be held at the Lulu International Convention Centre, Bolgatty. The exhibition and business meetings will be hosted at the Sagara and Samudrika Convention Centres on Willingdon Island.

The mart has also recorded a significant increase in participation from tourism enterprises and organisations. As many as 382 sellers have completed stall bookings, while around 30 stalls representing various government institutions will also be part of the event.

A total of 40000 business meetings have already been scheduled, highlighting the scale of business engagement and the investment and market opportunities available in Kerala’s tourism sector.

The event has also attracted substantial interest from the media, with 138 media representatives registering for the event. They include 71 international and 67 national media representatives.

Business meets, meetings of tourism policymakers and seminars featuring national and international experts will be held as part of the three-day mart.

Post-mart tours have been scheduled from September 28 to October 3, covering 12 different sectors. A separate pre-mart tour will be organised for invited international and domestic media representatives.

A major feature of KTM 2026 will be the shift to a fully digital system. All processes associated with the event, including registration, business-to-business (B2B) meetings and seminars, will be managed digitally. A new software platform and mobile application will be used for the purpose.

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The event focused on strengthening collaboration between government, industry and the skilling ecosystem to address emerging workforce requirements and create stronger pathways from skills to employment. The growing Tourism and Hospitality sector presents significant opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship, while also creating a need for a larger pool of skilled and industry-ready professionals.

The programme was graced by members of NCVET and representatives from the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), senior Board Members of the THSC Governing Board, and prominent leaders from the industry, training partner network, and wider skilling ecosystem.

Mr. Rajan Bahadur, CEO, Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council, said:

“The Tourism and Hospitality sector is growing, and with that growth comes an enormous responsibility to ensure that the workforce grows with it. Partnerships are the bridge between what the industry needs and what the skilling ecosystem delivers. THSC Connect is about converting these partnerships into action—through industry-led training, stronger employer linkages, meaningful CSR interventions, apprenticeships and new pathways to employment. Our objective is simple: every young person we skill should be better prepared for a real opportunity in the world of work.”

Ms. Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson, Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council, said:

“The strength of Tourism and Hospitality lies in its people. As India emerges as a major global tourism destination, developing a skilled, professional and future-ready workforce will be central to sustaining this growth. THSC Connect brings together the different pillars of this ecosystem to share experiences, recognise successful collaborations and identify new opportunities. When industry, government and training partners work with a shared purpose, skilling becomes more than a programme—it becomes a pathway to careers, livelihoods and national growth.”

The event saw participation from leading hospitality and tourism organisations, industry leaders, corporate and CSR representatives, training partners, educational institutions and other stakeholders. The presence of both industry and training partners highlighted the importance of closer alignment between training delivery and the actual requirements of employers.

The programme featured discussions and presentations on corporate-led social responsibility and skilling initiatives, government schemes and policy, industry partnerships, international employment opportunities and emerging workforce requirements.

The event also featured four focused panel discussions:

• Shaping the Future Workforce: Skills for a Changing Tourism & Hospitality Industry
• Partnerships That Perform: Transforming Skilling Through CSR & Industry
• The Future of Learning: Student Investment, Industry Outcomes
• Unlocking State Potential Through Skill Partnerships

The discussions brought together senior representatives from industry, government and the skilling ecosystem to deliberate on changing skill requirements, industry-led training, CSR investments in skilling, learner outcomes and opportunities for state-level partnerships.

The programme also featured the THSC Skill Champions Awards & Recognitions, celebrating organisations and individuals who have made significant contributions towards skill development and workforce transformation in the Tourism and Hospitality sector.

With “The Power of Partnerships” as its central theme, THSC Connect 2026 reinforced the need for sustained collaboration across the ecosystem to build a workforce capable of supporting the continued growth and global ambitions of India’s Tourism and Hospitality sector.

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The sales mission brought together 47 Malaysian tourism stakeholders, comprising tour operators, hoteliers and airline partners, to strengthen trade partnerships, expand business opportunities and reinforce Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for Indian travellers. The programme also served as a platform for business-to-business (B2B) engagements, networking and the development of new travel opportunities between Malaysian and Indian tourism stakeholders.

The mission was led by Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, and organised in collaboration with Batik Air, reflecting the strong public- private partnership in promoting Malaysia as a premier tourism destination.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim said, “India remains one of Tourism Malaysia’s most important and fastest-growing source markets. While the current geopolitical developments and evolving international travel landscape may influence travel sentiment in certain regions, Tourism Malaysia remains committed to maintaining a strong presence in the market and ensuring Malaysia remains top of mind among Indian travellers. This calls for sustained, targeted and market-driven promotional efforts, supported by close collaboration with our airline partners and the travel trade.”

Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal added, “Through this sales mission, we aim to strengthen business partnerships, generate new commercial opportunities and encourage our industry partners to develop more attractive and competitive travel packages tailored to the Indian market. At the same time, we want to inspire travellers to explore destinations beyond the traditional Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highlands itineraries.”

“Destinations such as Sarawak, Langkawi, Penang, Johor and Sabah offer tremendous potential for the Indian market, featuring diverse experiences ranging from nature, adventure and island holidays to cultural heritage, gastronomy, shopping, family attractions, MICE and destination weddings. Promoting these destinations more extensively will encourage longer stays, higher visitor spending and repeat visitation.”

India continues to be one of Malaysia’s key international source markets, supported by an extensive network of more than 190 direct flights weekly, offering a seat capacity of over 37,000 seats per week. This strong air connectivity provides seamless access to Malaysia and continues to support sustained growth in visitor arrivals.

The market also continues to record encouraging performance. Following the introduction of visa-free travel for Indian nationals in December 2023, Malaysia welcomed more than 1.5 million visitor arrivals from India in 2025, placing India among Malaysia’s top five international source markets, alongside Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and China. This positive momentum is expected to continue through 2026 and beyond.

With the Visit Malaysia campaign extended through 2027, Tourism Malaysia will further intensify its promotional initiatives in India to sustain the momentum generated under Visit Malaysia 2026 while building a stronger pipeline of visitors for the extended campaign period. The extension provides greater opportunities to deepen industry collaboration, maintain Malaysia’s destination visibility and strengthen market confidence amid an evolving global tourism environment.

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• Technology‑enabled, state‑of‑the‑art centre to deliver fast, transparent, and efficient citizen services.
• End‑to‑end digital infrastructure and modern service delivery model to enhance
• efficiency, transparency, and citizen experience across all centres
• 4 more Model Sub-Registrar Offices to be launched across Mumbai, Thane, and Nagpur in Phase 1

VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure global mobility for governments and citizens, in consortium with WE Excel Software Pvt. Ltd., has launched Maharashtra’s first Model Sub-Registrar Office (SRO) in Pune to streamline and digitally transform property registration into a fast, transparent, and citizen-centric system.

Mr. Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Hon’ble Minister for Revenue, Government of Maharashtra (seventh from left), Mr. Ravindra Binwade, IAS Inspector General of Registration (IGR) & Controller of Stamps, Government of Maharashtra (sixth from left); Mr. Rajendra Muthe, Joint Inspector General of Registration, Department of Registration & Stamps, Government of Maharashtra (eighth from left); and Mr. Abhaysinh Mohite, Deputy Inspector General of Registration (IT), Department of Registration & Stamps, Government of Maharashtra (fifth from left), along with other officials and staff.

The inauguration of the new Model SRO in Pune was done on 13 August 2026 by Honorable Shri. Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Minister of Revenue, Government of Maharashtra, in the presence of Mr. Ravindra Binwade, Inspector General of Registration (IGR), Government of Maharashtra; Mr. Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Business Development, VFS Global, and other dignitaries from the Government of Maharashtra.

Honorable Shri. Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Minister of Revenue, Government of Maharashtra, said: “The launch of Maharashtra’s first Model Sub-Registrar Office in Pune marks an important milestone in our efforts to modernise property registration and make public services more citizen-centric. Through this initiative, we are combining strong government oversight with modern infrastructure, digital systems and efficient service delivery to create a faster, more transparent and more convenient experience for citizens. The Model SRO programme is designed to address longstanding challenges such as overcrowding and long waiting times, while maintaining the highest standards of governance and regulatory compliance. We are pleased to see the first centre become operational and look forward to expanding this model across the state in a phased manner.”

In early 2026, VFS Global, in consortium with WE Excel Software Pvt. Ltd., had won a five-year contract from the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) and Controller of Stamps under the Government of Maharashtra to launch 60 state-of-the-art Model Sub-Registrar Offices (SROs) across the state in a phased manner. The consortium will undertake the end‑to‑end setup of Model Sub‑Registrar Offices across Maharashtra, deploying cutting‑edge digital infrastructure and trained service delivery teams to modernise property registration services. These centres would be an optional service and government offices will continue to operate.

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The travel, tourism and hospitality fraternity is gearing up for the 6th Edition of the World Tourism Day Celebration, scheduled for September 26, 2026, at Udman Hotels and Resorts, NH8, Delhi.

Organised by the Purvanchal Paryatan Association in association with the Great Indian Travel Fest (GITF), the event is expected to bring together 1,000+ tourism professionals and delegates, including more than 100 domestic and international hosted buyers. Travel agents, tour operators, hoteliers, DMCs, tourism boards and hospitality professionals are expected to participate.

The 2026 edition will focus strongly on B2B networking and business opportunities, giving tourism and hospitality companies a platform to meet buyers, showcase destinations and travel products, and explore new partnerships and markets.

Six Editions, One Growing Tourism Platform

Founded in 2021 by Mr. Shridhar Jha, the World Tourism Day Celebration has grown from a small industry gathering into a broader platform for the tourism fraternity. Over the years, the event has brought together travel trade professionals, hoteliers, destination specialists and other industry stakeholders.

The event has been hosted at leading properties across Delhi, including Hotel Stanley, Sakura by MAPS Group, Welcome Hotel ITC Dwarka and Radisson Blu Hotel Dwarka. The 2026 edition will move to Udman Hotels and Resorts, NH8.

Buyers, Businesses and New Opportunities

A major highlight this year will be the participation of 100+ hosted buyers from domestic and international markets. The organisers expect the programme to create direct opportunities for hotels, resorts, DMCs, tourism boards and experience providers to connect with potential business partners.

Alongside business networking, the celebration will highlight culture, heritage and sustainable tourism, with the organisers promoting stronger collaboration across the tourism value chain.

The event will also feature entertainment and engagement activities, including a lucky draw every 30 minutes, with gifts, tour packages and hotel stay vouchers for participants. The organisers are presenting this year’s gathering as a “Celebration of WTD in Bollywood’s Style.”

Event Details

Date: September 26, 2026
Venue: Udman Hotels and Resorts, NH8, Delhi
Organisers: Purvanchal Paryatan Association & GITF
Expected Participation: 1,000+ delegates
Hosted Buyers: 100+ domestic and international
Focus: B2B networking, business opportunities and sustainable tourism

With its combination of business networking, destination promotion and celebration, the 6th Edition is expected to provide a valuable meeting point for India’s travel and hospitality community and its international business partners.

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The Board conducted a comprehensive search to identify the next leader for Air India, overseen by a dedicated Board committee. The committee rigorously evaluated internal as well as highly accomplished external candidates from across the world.

The objective of the Board was to identify a leader with a proven record of managing mega-scale airline turnarounds, delivering operational excellence, fostering a strong culture of safety and service, and driving profitable expansion. Following an intensive evaluation process, the Board unanimously concluded that Mr. Gebremariam possesses the ideal combination of leadership, deep operational expertise, and strategic execution capability required for Air India’s next phase of growth.

Tewolde Gebremariam is widely recognized as one of the most successful aviation chief executives. During his decade-plus tenure as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, he spearheaded a multi-billion-dollar expansion, transforming a regional carrier into Africa’s largest, most profitable, and decorated airline group—growing revenue by more than fourfold and fleet size nearly threefold.

His unique strength lies in managing complex operational landscapes, driving cultural transformation, building competitive global hubs, and developing world-class MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) and aviation training infrastructure.

As Air India shifts from its foundational turnaround phase into a high growth & profitable execution phase, Mr. Gebremariam brings crucial capabilities required for Air India’s next leg of journey. He has strong experience in expanding international long-haul networks and building world-class hub operations, an unrelenting commitment to safety standards, engineering quality, and operational reliability. He also has a track record of driving sustained profitability.  while navigating complex economic cycles and dynamic global markets together with a deep experience in workforce upskilling, talent development, and embedding a high-performance, customer-first service culture.

N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons and Air India, said: “On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Tewolde to Air India. Having completed the initial phase of stabilization, integration, and fleet commitments under Campbell’s guidance, Air India is now entering a critical execution and expansion era. Tewolde’s track record in building one of the world’s most efficient and profitable airline groups makes him uniquely suited to lead Air India. His operational expertise, commitment to safety, and vision for hub development will be instrumental as we establish Air India as a premier global carrier and a source of national pride.”

Tewolde Gebremariam, Incoming CEO & Managing Director, said: “It is a profound honour to be entrusted with leading Air India at such a historic moment in its journey. Air India carries an incredible legacy, and the opportunity to build a world-class global airline that reflects India’s extraordinary economic potential is uniquely exciting. I look forward to working closely with Chairman Chandrasekaran, the Board, our employees, and all government and industry partners to deliver exceptional operational reliability, warm Indian hospitality, and sustained long-term growth.”

This leadership transition reinforces Air India’s alignment with national priorities and stakeholder expectations. Air India remains steadfastly committed to supporting India’s civil aviation ambitions and national economic vision. Under Mr. Gebremariam’s leadership, Air India will work closely with civil aviation authorities and regulators to strengthen India’s position as a premier global aviation hub, enhance international connectivity, and maintain the highest benchmarks of aviation safety and compliance.

People are the backbone of this transformation. Mr. Gebremariam’s leadership philosophy places people at the centre of organizational success. Employees across all divisions—flight crew, ground operations, engineering, and corporate—can look forward to a continued emphasis on training, exciting career pathways, and an empowering work environment built on merit, accountability, and pride in our national carrier.

Air India belongs to India and represents India to the world and is committed to building a reliable, warm, and world-class airline that every Indian can be immensely proud of. Passengers will see an accelerated push toward on-time performance, modern aircraft cabins, elevated hospitality, and seamless global connectivity.

The Board also thanked Campbell Wilson for his leadership over the past phase of Air India’s revitalization. He successfully oversaw complex merger and integration processes, initiated massive fleet modernization programs, established new corporate governance standards, and laid the foundations that were necessary for the future.

With a solid foundation now in place, Air India enters its next era with clear strategic clarity, robust capital backing, and world-class leadership at the helm. The Board is fully confident that under Tewolde Gebremariam, Air India will realize its full potential as a premier global aviation power.

Further details regarding the exact onboarding timeline and transition schedule will be shared in due course.

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New Delhi, July 29, 2026: The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group announced the launch of ‘Hospitality With A Heart’, a defining brand philosophy that brings together the values that have shaped the Group’s journey for over three decades. More than a campaign, Hospitality With A Heart reaffirms The LaLiT’s enduring commitment to authentic Indian hospitality, inclusion, sustainability and meaningful guest experiences.

Inspired by the founding vision of the founder chairman, Lalit Suri and carried forward by Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, the philosophy reflects the belief that hospitality is not merely about exceptional service, but about making every guest feel genuinely welcomed, valued and cared for.

Built around three enduring pillars—Homegrown, Inclusive and Sustainable—Hospitality With A Heart celebrates India’s rich cultural heritage while embracing diversity and responsible business practices.

As a proudly Indian hospitality brand, The LaLiT has always drawn inspiration from the destinations it calls home. From architecture and cuisine to local art, culture and craftsmanship, every hotel offers guests an immersive experience that reflects the unique identity of its region while upholding the timeless Indian tradition of Atithi Devo Bhava.

The philosophy also reinforces The LaLiT’s long-standing leadership in inclusive hospitality. Through its inclusive employment initiatives and in collaboration with the Keshav Suri Foundation, the Group has created opportunities for over 2,000 members of the LGBTQIA+ community through

skilling, employment and empowerment programmes. The organisation has also championed equal opportunities for persons with disabilities, acid attack survivors, neurodivergent individuals and people from other underrepresented communities, fostering workplaces where everyone belongs.

Sustainability remains another cornerstone of the philosophy, encompassing not just the environment but also people, communities, and long-term responsible growth. At The LaLiT, it is about creating a sustainable balance where business success goes hand in hand with the well-being of employees, local communities, and the planet. From planting over 20 lakh trees across India and operating six net-zero carbon footprint properties to promoting zero-waste kitchens, supporting local artisans and farmers through locally sourced produce, and embedding responsible practices across its operations, The LaLiT continues to make sustainability an integral part of how it operates and grows.

Announcing the launch, Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, said:

“Hospitality With A Heart reflects who we are at The LaLiT. We have always believed that true luxury is about making people feel welcome, respected and valued. As a proudly Indian hospitality group, our commitment to inclusion, sustainability and genuine care has shaped our journey and continues to guide us every day. Hospitality With A Heart brings this philosophy to life and reaffirms our promise to our guests, our people and the communities we serve.”

With this launch, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group reinforces its position as one of India’s leading hospitality brands—where luxury is enriched by purpose, every destination tells a local story, and every guest is welcomed with warmth, dignity and heart.

The post The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group Unveils ‘Hospitality With A Heart’ – A Purpose-Led Brand Philosophy Rooted in Indian Values appeared first on TnHGlobal.