Visa and THSC Partner to Upskill 20,000 Indian Youth in Tourism

Visa has actively contributed to India's tourism sector by leveraging its data and analytics expertise to boost inbound tourism and promote India’s diverse destinations globally.

The Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), operating under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has announced a three-year partnership with Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, in a deal valued at up to $1 million USD. The initiative, aimed at upskilling at least 20,000 Indian youth in tourism-related skills, was formalized with the presence of Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and the Ministry of Education.

This collaboration builds on Visa’s existing engagement with the Ministry of Tourism and targets training youth across ten states, including Assam, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and West Bengal. The program will focus on vital roles within the domestic tourism sector, such as tour guides, customer service executives, naturalists, and paragliding tandem pilots, to enhance the tourism service experience for visitors.

Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary commented at the MoU signing ceremony, “India’s tourism industry holds significant potential to boost economic growth and create millions of jobs nationwide. This partnership with Visa is a crucial step towards unlocking that potential, providing our youth with the skills necessary to excel in the tourism sector, and positioning India as a premier global tourism destination. The collaboration underscores our joint commitment to empowering young Indians and contributing to the nation’s growth.”

Kelly Mahon Tullier, Vice Chair and Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer at Visa, added, “By equipping India’s youth with skills for the tourism industry, we aim to enhance their employment prospects and improve the experience for tourists visiting India. Our partnership with THSC and support from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship highlights Visa’s dedication to India and aligns with the Government’s vision of making the country a top global tourism destination.”

Visa has actively contributed to India's tourism sector by leveraging its data and analytics expertise to boost inbound tourism and promote India’s diverse destinations globally. With tourism being a major contributor to India’s economy, accounting for over $231 billion in GDP and employing more than 42 million people in 2023, the NSDC-Visa initiative is poised to provide a skilled workforce that supports India’s ambition of becoming a global tourism hub.