Mumbai, August 30, 2019: Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., India’s leading integrated travel and related financial services company, is spearheading Prime Minister Modi’s vision for growth of the Indian travel & tourism industry by creating specialised job-ready professionals, through education, vocational and skill development programmes at the Thomas Cook Centre of Learning. The 25% surge in admissions and over 70% placement by the Centre of Learning, reiterates its delivery of a robust pipe line of a skilled, job-ready work force to address the strong need of the travel & tourism sector.
The FICCI-Yes Bank Report highlights that the travel & tourism sector having generated Rs 16.91 trillion in 2018 (accounting for 9.2% of the economy), is expected to reach Rs 35 trillion, with a 9.6% GDP contribution and generate a significant 53 million jobs (direct and indirect) by 2029. Hence, given the sizeable demand of job-ready professionals for the sector, the vision of Thomas Cook India’s Centre of Learning is to empower the industry with an invaluable resource pool, equipped with vocational skill sets and practical on-job experience, necessary to bridge this need gap.
The Thomas Cook Centre of Learning has witnessed an over 70% placement record, addressing the resource need of leading travel & tourism companies and consular organisations, including The Royal Thai Embassy, Thomas Cook India, SOTC, TCI-Sita, VFS Global, Carlson Wagonlit, Air Asia, Rail Europe, Wel-Travel Australia, Veena World, Red Apple, Mercury Travels, musafir.com, etc.
Ms. Mona Cheriyan, President & Group Head – Human Resources, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., said, “With our focussed aim to support the Skill India initiative, we provide significant impetus to the sector by bridging the need gap via creating job-ready professionals for the travel and tourism industry. Additionally, in light of Prime Minister Modi’s vision for domestic tourism, our certification programmes like ‘My India My Way’ intend to equip students with an in-depth understanding of Destination India, valuable business skills and on-ground training.”
She concluded with, “Given the significant and growing potential of employment generation by the Travel & Tourism sector, Thomas Cook India’s Centre for Learning aims to play a leadership role in creating a pool of talented individuals, equipped with industry knowledge and strong vocational skill sets, to drive sustainability of the industry.”
The eighth convocation of the Thomas Cook Centre of Learning (Academic year 2018-19), honoured 283 students, graduating in courses including Travel Professional Programme – a Post Graduate Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management, Advanced Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management, IATA Courses and Certificate Course in World Tour Management.
The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest, Ms. S. Munshaw – Director Atout France, India and Mr. S. Ianniello – Italian National Tourism Board as the key note speaker. The Guests of Honour were Ms. Ryna Sequeira – Country Manager India for Tourism & Events, Queensland, Mr. Brijesh Modi – Chief Financial Officer, Thomas Cook India and Ms. Mona Cheriyan – President & Group Head Human Resources, Thomas Cook India.