The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) [HRAWI] and Vihaan Outdoors have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote inclusivity in the hospitality industry for individuals with special needs. The MoU was signed by Mr. Pradeep Shetty, Hon. Secretary of HRAWI, and Mr. Sudhir Kothare, Proprietor of Vihaan Outdoors.
The partnership aims to empower individuals with disabilities through skill development and employment opportunities in the hospitality sector. It focuses on capacity building, training, and generating job opportunities, fostering mainstream acceptance and inclusivity within the industry.
Mr. Shetty highlighted the collaboration as a transformative step towards reshaping perceptions within the hospitality industry, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity. Vihaan Outdoors will work with special schools and institutions to identify potential candidates for hospitality-related training and provide comprehensive support to families, schools, and guardians.
Mr. Kothare emphasized that inclusion is a fundamental right and a pathway to excellence, driving innovation, creativity, and superior performance in businesses. He stressed that embracing diversity and fostering belonging can enhance morale, productivity, and customer satisfaction within the hospitality industry.
The initiative aligns with growing efforts within India’s hospitality sector, where hotel chains like Lemon Tree Hotels, IHCL, and ITC Hotels are actively employing individuals with disabilities. The hospitality industry is a significant contributor to employment and economic growth, particularly in India, which is projected to support 53 million hospitality jobs by 2029.
Despite the industry’s optimistic growth, it faces a workforce shortage, requiring an additional 100,000–150,000 skilled workers annually. The partnership between HRAWI and Vihaan Outdoors aims to address these challenges by promoting inclusive hiring practices within the sector.
Mr. Shetty concluded by encouraging others in the industry to embrace this initiative, calling for a future where inclusivity becomes the norm, not the exception.
