Visa and Skill India Initiative to Upskill 20,000 Youths for Tourism Sector

Digital payments leader Visa and The Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) have entered into a three-year agreement worth up to USD 1 million. This collaboration aims to enhance the skills of at least 20,000 Indian youths in tourism-related fields, as announced by the government on Friday.

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The THSC operates under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. This partnership builds on Visa's ongoing work with the Ministry of Tourism. The initiative will train youth in 10 states, including Assam, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and West Bengal, to improve tourism services.

Focus on Key Roles

The programme will target essential roles in the domestic tourism sector. These include tour guides, customer service executives, naturalists, and paragliding tandem pilots. The goal is to elevate the service experience for tourists visiting India.

Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary highlighted the potential of India's tourism industry. He stated, "India's tourism industry has immense potential to drive economic growth and generate millions of jobs across the country."

Empowering Youth

Kelly Mahon Tullier, Vice Chair and Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer at Visa, emphasised the broader impact of this initiative. She said: "By empowering the youth of the country with skills to thrive in the tourism industry, we aim not only to elevate their employment prospects but also to improve the overall experience for tourists visiting India."

This partnership is seen as a significant step towards unlocking India's tourism potential. It aims to equip young people with the necessary skills to succeed in this sector and make India a top global tourist destination.

The collaboration between Visa and THSC is expected to have a lasting impact on India's tourism industry. By focusing on skill development, it aims to create a more skilled workforce that can meet the demands of international tourists.

The programme will be implemented over three years, ensuring sustained efforts towards skill enhancement. This long-term approach is designed to provide continuous support and training to young individuals entering the tourism sector.

In summary, this partnership between Visa and THSC represents a strategic effort to boost India's tourism industry through targeted skill development. It aims to create job opportunities for youth while enhancing the overall tourist experience in India.