DoT Turns Global HR Consultant

Anindita Chattopadhyay - New Delhi

Rashmi Verma

India’s very own Department of Tourism (MoT) may soon be considered a global name in Human Resource (HR) consultancy if it continues on its current path.

After the department received requests from Maldives and Sudan to set up hospitality institutes via its National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) (Express Hotelier & Caterer issue dated June 24, 2002), it is now in discussion with countries like Vietnam and of late Turkey which have expressed interest in the DoT’s HR consultancy services.

Speaking to the Express Hotelier & Caterer on her return from Turkey, Rashmi Verma, additional director general, Department of Tourism, said, “Human resources are a key element in ensuring the quality and content of tourism. India is a pioneer in tourism manpower, while many other countries with a highly developed tourism sector have ignored this aspect. A number of countries have already approached India for consultancy and training services.” Verma was in Cappadocia, Turkey to make a presentation on India’s HR development potential at a two-day seminar titled: ‘Conference on Challenges and Policies Regarding Human Resources in Tourism’. The conference was organised by the Organisation of Economic Corporation and Development (OECD) Tourism Committee, which has member countries of the likes of Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Australia, France, UK and the USA.

“The idea is to generate employment and earn foreign exchange as well. There is great demand for Indian hotel management and tourism professionals abroad. So, such tie-ups will open up employment scope for Indians in these countries and India will earn foreign exchange in terms of consultancy fees,” Verma added.

The DoT this year started a two-year full-fledged Masters’ of Business Administration (MBA) course on travel and tourism at the Indian Institute of Travel and Trade Management, Gwalior. The first batch of 30 students will get a degree on tourism. The course has been designed in consultation with the industry, IGNOU and other universities. Also, the construction work of the institute to be set up in Kurukshetra will start this financial year.