Hilton Global Foundation Awards 2026 grant to Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) to advance workforce development in India

The Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) has announced that it has been selected as a 2026 Hilton Global Foundation (HGF) grantee, receiving grant support to strengthen hospitality workforce development and employment pathways for young people across India

The Hilton Global Foundation awards annual grants to nonprofit organizations that strengthen travel destinations, expand economic opportunity and advance Hilton’s Travel with Purpose strategy through initiatives focused on workforce development, destination sustainability and community resilience.

THSC was selected for its demonstrated impact in delivering industry-aligned skills training and certification for India’s tourism and hospitality sector. With support from the Hilton Global Foundation, THSC will train more than 1,000 young people through certified hospitality programs and provide structured job placement assistance, enabling graduates to secure stable employment and build long-term careers in the hospitality industry.

“Support from the Hilton Global Foundation is yet another strong endorsement of THSC’s mission to build a future-ready hospitality workforce for India,” said Rajan Bahadur, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council. “This partnership will allow us to expand access to quality, industry-relevant training for young people and connect them to meaningful employment opportunities, while contributing to stronger communities and a more sustainable tourism ecosystem.”

“Today’s announcement highlights the exponential power of partnership,” said Katherine Lugar, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Hilton and President, Hilton Global Foundation. “Together with this year’s Hilton Global Foundation grantees, we are delivering impact far beyond what any one organisation could do alone—expanding access to opportunity and protecting the destinations where people travel.”