Summary:
- FAITH to sign MoU with AWPO to place veterans in India’s tourism sector.
- The initiative channels veterans’ skills and leadership into industry jobs.
- The collaboration boosts the tourism workforce and veteran employment.
THE FEDERATION OF Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality will work with the Army Welfare Placement Organization to support the placement of ex-servicemen, war widows and dependents in India’s tourism and hospitality sector. The initiative will use veterans’ skills and leadership to create structured employment opportunities in the industry.
During a joint meeting, AWPO shared insights into the profiles of more than 200,000 ex-servicemen, war widows and dependents in its national database, according to The Economic Times. These veterans have experience in logistics, supply chain, planning, engineering, catering, communications and administration. Their technical qualifications—from vocational certifications to advanced degrees—are supported by core Armed Forces attributes, including leadership, teamwork, discipline and dependability.
Ajeet Bajaj, FAITH vice chairman, said the next step is the formal signing of a memorandum of understanding between FAITH and AWPO.
“This partnership will create structured placement opportunities for veterans across tourism, travel and hospitality businesses,” he said. “It will benefit both veterans and the industry. Veterans will gain access to meaningful jobs and the sector will gain a trained and disciplined workforce.”
Retired Major Gen. Ajay Singh Chauhan, AWPO’s managing director, said the organization’s candidates can be placed across industries and roles, from junior to senior management.
“Our network of 18 regional offices and a placement portal enables us to support placements at scale while ensuring quality matches between candidates and employers,” he said.
The collaboration supports FAITH’s efforts to strengthen India’s tourism workforce and promote employment models aligned with the government’s skill development and veteran welfare goals, the Times reported. By linking industry manpower needs with the capabilities of Armed Forces veterans, the initiative aims to improve workforce strength and social impact in the tourism and hospitality sector.
Last year, Puneet Chhatwal, managing director and CEO of Indian Hotels Company Ltd., was re-elected chairman of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality for the 2024–2026 term.
