The Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has entered into a three-year partnership with Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments. Valued at up to $1 million USD, this initiative aims to upskill at least 20,000 Indian youth in tourism-related skills.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signing
The MoU was formalized in the presence of Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Minister of State, Ministry of Education Government of India.
Program Details
- Objective: To train youth in tourism-relevant skills to improve the service experience for tourists.
- Scope: Training will occur across 10 states, including Assam, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and West Bengal.
- Focus Areas: Essential roles such as tour guides, customer service executives, naturalists, and paragliding tandem pilots.
Statements from Key Figures
- Shri Jayant Chaudhary:
- Emphasized India’s tourism industry’s potential for economic growth and job creation.
- Highlighted the partnership with Visa as a crucial step towards developing the necessary skills in youth to make India a leading global tourism destination.
- Kelly Mahon Tullier, Vice Chair, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer at Visa:
- Stressed the aim of enhancing employment prospects for Indian youth and improving tourist experiences.
- Mentioned Visa’s commitment to India through talent nurturing and supporting the government’s vision of positioning India as a top tourist destination.
Visa’s Contribution to Tourism
Visa has strengthened India’s tourism sector through strategic steps over recent years, utilizing its data and analytics expertise to boost inbound tourism. By providing valuable insights to the Ministry of Tourism, Visa has played a role in promoting India’s diverse destinations globally.
Economic Impact
- Tourism Sector: Contributes over $231 billion to India’s GDP.
- Employment: Provides jobs for more than 42 million people as of 2023.
- Future Outlook: The NSDC-Visa initiative will help support India’s ambition to become a global tourism hub in the growing post-pandemic travel landscape.
About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions across more than 200 countries and territories. Visa’s mission is to connect the world through innovative, reliable, and secure payment solutions, fostering economic growth and inclusivity.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the value of the partnership between Visa and the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC)?
- A) $500,000 USD
- B) $1 million USD
- C) $2 million USD
- D) $1.5 million USD
- Which Indian states will be included in the training program?
- A) Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh
- B) Maharashtra, Kerala, Rajasthan
- C) Assam, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal
- D) Delhi, Karnataka, Haryana
- What roles will the training program focus on?
- A) Hotel managers, chefs, event coordinators
- B) Tour guides, customer service executives, naturalists, paragliding tandem pilots
- C) Travel agents, tour operators, reservation specialists
- D) Marketing executives, tour planners, front desk staff
- What is the primary goal of Visa’s partnership with THSC?
- A) To promote Visa’s products
- B) To improve the overall experience for tourists and elevate employment prospects for Indian youth
- C) To increase Visa’s market share in India
- D) To support Visa’s retail business in India
- How much does the tourism sector contribute to India’s GDP?
- A) $100 billion
- B) $150 billion
- C) $231 billion
- D) $300 billion