Government Teams Up with Visa to Train 20,000 Youth for Tourism Sector
The government has announced a three-year partnership with Visa, a global leader in digital payments, worth up to $1 million. This collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, aims to train 20,000 youth for the expanding tourism sector.
“India’s tourism industry has immense potential to drive economic growth and generate millions of jobs across the country. This partnership with Visa is a pivotal step towards realizing and unlocking that potential, equipping our youth with skills needed to thrive in the tourism sector and make India a premier global tourism destination”, said Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
The move aim to train youth across 10 states, including Assam, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and West Bengal to elevate the tourism service experience for tourists. The ministry said that the programme will focus on essential roles within the domestic tourism industry, such as tour guides, customer service executives, naturalists, and paragliding tandem pilots.
“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”, said Kelly Mahon Tullier, Vice Chair, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer at Visa.
The tourism industry plays a crucial role in India’s economy, generating over $231 billion in GDP and providing employment to more than 42 million people in 2023. As travel continues to expand in the post-pandemic era, the NSDC-Visa initiative will help develop a skilled workforce to advance India’s goal of becoming a global tourism hub, according to the government. Visa has also noted its strategic efforts over recent years to enhance India's tourism sector.
