As the global hospitality industry undergoes rapid transformation driven by technology, sustainability, and evolving consumer expectations, institutions must keep pace to remain relevant. Travellers World Media spoke with the academic leadership at S P Jain School of Global Management to understand how they are equipping students for the future. Here are key insights from our conversation:
- How is S P Jain School of Global Management, and institutions at large, redesigning their hospitality curriculum to keep pace with the rapidly evolving demands of the industry?
AT S P Jain School of Global Management we are actively redesigning our Hospitality Business Leadership (HBL) curriculum to meet the dynamic needs of the industry.
Partnering with leading hospitality firms like Blue Bay Marine Yachts, St Regis hotels, The Oberoi Trident, Taj Rambagh Palace, and more to ensure the curriculum reflects current trends and technologies. Incorporating practical components like internships, simulations, and real-world projects to provide students with hands-on experience. Integrating technology and digital tools into the curriculum, focusing on areas like data analytics, customer relationship management, and e-commerce. Offering international exposure through study abroad programs and global case studies to prepare students for a diverse workforce. Our ground breaking pathway format enabled via a strategic partnership with Glion Institute of Higher Education, Switzerland via which students are able to transfer to Glion after completion of the first semester at S P Jain allows for the immaculate international immersive exposure. Fostering essential soft skills like communication (practical dining & ettiquettes workshop outside of the mundane classroom), leadership, and critical thinking, which are crucial for success in hospitality. Establishing a framework for regular feedback from industry stakeholders to update and refine the curriculum continuously. Including topics like health and safety protocols, crisis management, and new consumer behaviour patterns post-pandemic. These strategies help to ensure that their hospitality program equips students with relevant skills and knowledge, preparing them for successful careers in the evolving hospitality landscape.
- Over the past few years, have you observed a significant rise in student interest toward global hospitality careers? What factors do you think are driving this enthusiasm for international roles in the sector?
Yes, there has been a notable increase in student interest toward global hospitality careers in recent years.
The hospitality industry is increasingly interconnected, with opportunities arising across borders. Students are drawn to the idea of working in diverse cultural settings. The hospitality sector offers a wide range of career paths—hotels, restaurants, travel, and events—which are appealing to many students. The hospitality sector is vibrant and ever-evolving, attracting students who seek a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. Many students are motivated by the chance to experience different cultures and enhance their global perspectives. The rise of technology in hospitality, such as AI, online booking systems, and data analytics, is exciting for tech-savvy students interested in modern career opportunities. An increased focus on sustainable practices within the industry appeals to environmentally conscious students wanting to make a positive impact. As the industry bounces back from the pandemic, there’s a renewed interest and optimism about career prospects. New avenues within the hospitality, travel and tourism industry such as sports tourism, medical tourism, wellness, leisure and ayurveda amongst other recent ones like digital detox vacations are a big reason for travel, hospitality and tourism opening big doors for young aspirants looking to grow in this industry. Offering specialized programs in global hospitality management attract students eager to enter this field with targeted knowledge and skills.
- Can you share insights on the current hiring trends in hospitality across key markets like India and the UAE?
The hiring trends in hospitality across key markets like India and the UAE have shown some interesting patterns recently.
- Post-Pandemic Recovery: The hospitality industry in India is experiencing a strong rebound as travel restrictions ease. There’s increased hiring to meet the growing demand for travel and accommodation.
- Focus on Quality Service: Employers are prioritizing candidates with strong customer service skills and hospitality training, emphasizing the importance of guest experience.
- Technology Integration: There’s a rise in demand for professionals skilled in digital tools and platforms, particularly for roles related to online booking, data analytics, and social media marketing.
- Diverse Roles: Hiring is not limited to traditional hotel roles; there’s growth in areas like event management, travel consultancy, and food delivery services, reflecting the evolving nature of the industry.
- Sustainability Practices: Organizations are increasingly looking for candidates who understand and can implement sustainable practices in hospitality.
- Luxury Market Growth: The UAE continues to attract high-end tourists, leading to increased hiring in luxury hotels and resorts. There’s a demand for staff who can provide exceptional service in premium settings.
- International Talent: The UAE market remains open to international talent, with employers looking for diverse backgrounds and multilingual abilities to cater to a global clientele.
- Health and Safety Focus: Post-pandemic hiring trends emphasize the need for roles related to health and safety protocols, ensuring guests feel secure while traveling.
- Digital Transformation: Like India, there is an increasing need for professionals adept in AI, CRM systems, and digital marketing strategies to enhance guest experiences.
Overall, both India and the UAE present promising hiring trends in the hospitality industry, driven by recovery from the pandemic, technological advancements, and a shift towards sustainability. These factors are shaping a dynamic job market, creating opportunities for aspiring professionals in the field.
- With cutting-edge technologies such as AI and IoT transforming the hospitality landscape, how are you preparing students to harness these innovations, and what areas of future disruption do you foresee?
Preparing students to harness innovations in AI, IoT, and other cutting-edge technologies in the hospitality sector involves several strategies:
Curriculum and Tech – Integrated learning
Introducing courses focused on digital technologies, data analytics, AI applications, and IoT in hospitality helps students understand and utilize these tools effectively. Providing practical workshops and labs where students can interact with the latest technologies, such as property management systems, AI chatbots, and IoT devices. Our school has also recently announced the launch of AI-ELT (Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Learning Tutor), a proprietary AI-powered learning tool designed to provide students with personalised academic support across the entire learning journey. Unlike general purpose AI chatbots, AI-ELT is trained specifically on the SP Jain Group’s business curriculum, with content mapped to course outlines, learning outcomes, and assessment rubrics. The tutor engages students through a Socratic-style dialogue, prompting them to think critically, apply concepts, and progressively build their topic readiness through interactive conversations.
Soft Skills and Technical Development
Emphasizing communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, all of which are critical as technology evolves and integrates into workflows. Encouraging students to think critically about technology’s implications, ensuring they can assess and implement tech solutions strategically. Fostering a culture of innovation where students are encouraged to explore new ideas, prototype solutions, and engage in entrepreneurial thinking. AI will enable more personalized guest experiences through data analysis, impacting marketing strategies, service delivery, and customer engagement. Increased automation of tasks, from check-in processes to housekeeping, will change workforce dynamics and necessitate new roles focused on oversight and management of these technologies. The demand for contactless services (e.g., mobile check-ins, digital key cards) will continue to grow, shaping the guest experience and operational efficiency. The rise of IoT will lead to the development of smart hotels, where connected devices enhance comfort and convenience, prompting new skill sets in systems management. Advances in energy management and sustainability technologies will disrupt operational practices, as hotels aim to reduce their carbon footprints.
By equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to navigate and leverage these innovations, educational institutions can prepare the next generation of hospitality professionals for a rapidly evolving industry.
- In your discussions with hospitality recruiters, what are the most sought-after skills and qualities they expect from new graduates today, and how are you ensuring students meet and exceed these expectations?
Recruiters prioritize graduates who demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to create memorable guest experiences. The ability to pivot in a fast-paced environment and adjust to new challenges is crucial, especially given the dynamic nature of the hospitality industry. Familiarity with industry-specific technology, such as reservation systems, mobile applications, and social media, is essential. Recruiters look for graduates who can easily adapt to new tools. The ability to work effectively within a team is vital, as hospitality relies heavily on collaborative efforts. Recruiters appreciate candidates who can communicate well and contribute positively to team dynamics. Recruiters value graduates who can think critically and resolve issues quickly, ensuring smooth operations and guest satisfaction. Understanding and respecting cultural differences are important, especially in diverse environments where staff and guests come from various backgrounds. For those aspiring to management positions, demonstrating leadership qualities, initiative, and the ability to inspire others is important.
What S P Jain does to ensure we meet the demands of the ever evolving hospitality industry and its recruiters.
- Dual City Exposure: Learning in both Mumbai, India and Bulle Switzerland, enhances a student’s learning experience and provides a strong and robust learning curve for them to understand hospitality and the way it is evolving in both markets, Europe and India.
- Workshops and Training Programs: Conducting workshops focused on customer service and soft skills can help students refine their interpersonal abilities. Role-playing scenarios can enhance empathy and communication skills.
- Internships and Real-World Experience: Offering students internships with reputable hospitality companies allows them to gain firsthand experience, understand workplace dynamics, and apply classroom knowledge.
- Technology Integration: Incorporating technology training into the curriculum ensures students are familiar with the tools they will encounter in the industry. Simulated systems can provide practical experience.
- Team Projects: Encouraging collaborative projects in class fosters teamwork and communication. Students can learn to navigate group dynamics and contribute to a common goal.
- Problem-Solving Activities*: Implementing case studies and crisis management simulations can help students develop strong problem-solving skills, preparing them for real challenges in the hospitality field.
- Cultural Competency Training: Providing training that emphasizes cultural awareness and sensitivity prepares students to work in diverse environments and enhances their employability.
- Mentorship Programs*: Pairing students with industry professionals as mentors can provide insights, guidance, and networking opportunities, enabling them to understand and excel in the expectations of recruiters.
By focusing on these key skills and qualities and implementing comprehensive educational strategies, institutions can better prepare students for successful careers in hospitality, meeting and exceeding the expectations of recruiters.
