The Global Association of Events and Hospitality Professionals (GAEHP) has emerged as a key player in the hospitality and tourism sector by taking a significant role in the Industry Partnership Summit 2025. The event, organized by the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Gangtok under the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative, was held at the Mayfair Spa & Resort in Ranipool, Sikkim. This summit brought together industry professionals, educators, government officials, and academic institutions with a primary focus on addressing the pressing challenges faced by the hospitality sector, particularly in education, workforce development, and industry-academia collaboration.
Bridging the Gap in Hospitality Education
The primary goal of the summit was to discuss how the hospitality industry can align itself with the evolving demands of the workforce. With technological advancements and changing customer expectations, there is a growing need for professionals who are well-versed in the latest industry trends. The summit was organized to find solutions to the critical issue of bridging the skills gap in the hospitality sector. One of the most important discussions during the event revolved around ensuring that students pursuing careers in hospitality receive industry-relevant training and have access to placement opportunities that will allow them to thrive in the workforce.
Throughout the summit, multiple panel discussions, expert talks, and networking sessions addressed key issues such as workforce readiness, technological innovations, and the need for specialized skill development. Industry leaders emphasized the importance of structured training programs and collaboration between educational institutions and the industry to create a sustainable workforce that meets the needs of modern hospitality establishments.
GAEHP’s Vital Contributions to the Summit
The GAEHP’s contributions were instrumental in shaping the direction of the summit’s conversations. The president of GAEHP, Mr. Rajesh Arya, played a prominent role as one of the summit’s key speakers. His presentation, titled “Current Hiring Trends in Hospitality & Tourism,” highlighted the dynamic changes occurring within the hospitality workforce and the impact these trends have on hiring practices. His address underscored the growing importance of structured training programs and standardized certifications, noting that industry-academia partnerships are essential for creating a workforce equipped with the skills required to meet the challenges of today’s rapidly evolving hospitality industry.
Mr. Arya also spoke about the need for hospitality professionals to be adaptable and continuously upgrade their skills in response to technological advancements and customer expectations. The hospitality sector, he explained, is increasingly relying on digital tools and platforms, and as such, professionals must be prepared to integrate these innovations into their daily work. The importance of cross-industry collaboration and the role of educational institutions in shaping the workforce of the future were also central to his address.
In addition to Mr. Arya’s leadership, Ms. Geeta Maheshwari, GAEHP’s Director of PR & Liaisoning, played an active role in driving discussions and fostering collaboration between policymakers, educators, and hospitality professionals. Ms. Maheshwari participated in various conversations throughout the event, seeking ways to strengthen industry ties, encourage innovation, and improve the overall effectiveness of hospitality training programs. Her presence and contributions reflected GAEHP’s commitment to advancing the field of hospitality and tourism by creating opportunities for strategic partnerships that foster long-term growth.
Government and Industry Leaders in Attendance
The Industry Partnership Summit 2025 also received strong support from government representatives and industry leaders. The summit was graced by Mr. Tshering Thendup Bhutia, the Minister for Tourism & Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim, who attended as the Chief Guest. His presence at the summit demonstrated the government’s commitment to the growth of the hospitality industry and the importance of providing a skilled workforce. Mr. Bhutia acknowledged the critical role of the hospitality sector in Sikkim’s tourism economy and assured attendees that the government would continue to invest in hospitality education and training initiatives.
Also in attendance was Mr. C.S. Rao, Principal Secretary of the Tourism Department, who highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the infrastructure and opportunities for aspiring hospitality professionals. Both Mr. Bhutia and Mr. Rao underscored the need for collaborative efforts between educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and government bodies to ensure that Sikkim’s hospitality sector remains competitive and sustainable in the long term. They reaffirmed their commitment to expanding placement opportunities for IHM Gangtok graduates and providing them with the necessary tools to succeed in the industry.
The Role of GAEHP in Shaping the Hospitality Landscape
Founded by seasoned experts, the Global Association of Events and Hospitality Professionals (GAEHP) has emerged as a prominent platform for collaboration within the hospitality industry. GAEHP is focused on driving technological advancements, enhancing skill development programs, and creating networking opportunities for professionals in the event planning, travel, and hospitality sectors. Through its various initiatives, GAEHP plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and excellence in the hospitality and events industries.
GAEHP’s efforts to bring together professionals from across the hospitality sector were clearly evident in the Industry Partnership Summit 2025. The association’s leadership in facilitating conversations and collaborations on important industry topics demonstrates its commitment to improving the overall standard of hospitality education and practice. Furthermore, GAEHP’s advocacy for structured training and standardized certifications ensures that hospitality professionals are well-prepared for the ever-changing demands of the industry.
Conclusion
The Industry Partnership Summit 2025 in Gangtok, organized under the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative, proved to be a valuable platform for discussing the future of hospitality education, workforce development, and industry collaboration. Through its contributions, GAEHP demonstrated its leadership in shaping the direction of the hospitality industry and its commitment to advancing education and training in the sector. By promoting dialogue between government bodies, educational institutions, and industry professionals, the summit successfully highlighted the need for a highly skilled and adaptable workforce to meet the challenges of the modern hospitality landscape.
