
The Global Association of Events and Hospitality Professionals (GAEHP) took center stage at the Industry Partnership Summit 2025, hosted by the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Gangtok as part of the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative. Held at the luxurious Mayfair Spa & Resort, Ranipool, the summit brought together hospitality professionals, industry leaders, and academic institutions to tackle some of the biggest challenges in hospitality education, workforce development, and bridging the gap between academia and industry.
The event zeroed in on closing the skills gap, making sure students get the right training and job opportunities that align with industry needs. It also shone a spotlight on technology trends, workforce readiness, and skill-building, with a mix of panel discussions, expert talks, and networking sessions that connected key players in hospitality and tourism.
GAEHP’s Standout Role at the Summit
GAEHP President Rajesh Arya made waves with his presentation on “Current Hiring Trends in Hospitality & Tourism.” He stressed the need for structured training programs, standardized certifications, and stronger ties between industry and academia to build a skilled workforce ready for the future.
Meanwhile, GAEHP’s Director of PR & Liaisoning, Ms. Geeta Maheshwari, dove into strategic conversations with policymakers, educators, and hospitality professionals, exploring fresh ways to boost collaboration and drive workforce growth.
The summit was honored to have Mr. Tshering Thendup Bhutia, Minister for Tourism & Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim, as the Chief Guest, along with Mr. C.S. Rao, Principal Secretary, Tourism Department. Both government leaders reaffirmed their commitment to improving hospitality training programs and creating more job opportunities for IHM Gangtok graduates.
With its strong industry presence and forward-thinking discussions, the Industry Partnership Summit 2025 is poised to make a real impact on reshaping hospitality education and workforce development in India. It’s all about preparing the next generation of hospitality professionals to thrive in a fast-evolving industry.