The Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), operating under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Visa, a global leader in digital payments, for a three-year collaboration valued at up to $1 million USD. The agreement, aimed at enhancing the skills of at least 20,000 Indian youth in tourism-related professions, was formalized with the participation of Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
This partnership, which builds on Visa’s ongoing work with the Ministry of Tourism, seeks to deliver training across ten states, including Assam, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and West Bengal. The focus of the program will be on crucial roles within the domestic tourism industry such as tour guides, customer service executives, naturalists, and paragliding tandem pilots.
During the MoU signing ceremony, Jayant Chaudhary highlighted the immense potential of India’s tourism sector to drive economic growth and create millions of jobs nationwide. He stated, “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. The collaboration reflects our shared commitment to empowering young Indians with the skills and opportunities they need to shape their futures and contribute to the nation’s growth story.”
Kelly Mahon Tullier, Vice Chair and Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer at Visa, emphasized the company’s dedication to improving the tourism sector in India. She noted, “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. The partnership with THSC and the support of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship underscores Visa’s unwavering commitment to India by nurturing talent and supporting the Government’s vision of making India a top destination for global tourists.”
Visa has been actively involved in strengthening India’s tourism landscape over recent years, leveraging its data and analytics expertise to boost inbound tourism. The company has provided valuable insights to the Ministry of Tourism, aiding in the global promotion of India’s diverse destinations.
The tourism sector is a significant contributor to India’s economy, accounting for over $231 billion in GDP and employing more than 42 million people in 2023. As the post-pandemic travel industry continues to expand, the NSDC-Visa initiative aims to ensure a skilled workforce that supports India’s aspirations of becoming a leading global tourism hub.
Visa is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Visa’s mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive. Visa believes that inclusive economies uplift everyone and views access as fundamental to the future of money movement.
