FHRAI Signs MoU with ETS India to Benchmark English Communication Standards in the Hospitality Industry

FHRAI will identify a representative sample of hotels and Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs), to participate in a pilot benchmarking study

Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ETS India to establish role-specific english communication benchmarks for hospitality and restaurant sector using TOEIC Link assessment.

This partnership brings together FHRAI’s industry leadership and ETS’s global assessment expertise to drive a sector-wide transformation in workforce readiness. With communication as cornerstone of guest engagement and service delivery, the MoU focuses on integrating English language proficiency as a measurable hiring and training standard.

K. Syama Raju, President, FHRAI, said, “This partnership is a significant step toward standardizing hospitality communication skills across our member hotels and institutes. With ETS India’s support, we aim to establish clear benchmarks that will help our industry meet global service expectations. It’s time we equip our workforce not just with technical know-how, but with the ability to communicate confidently and clearly.”

Sachin Jain, Country Manager India and South Asia, ETS, emphasized the broader significance of the initiative, stating “ETS India is committed to supporting India’s skilling ecosystem through globally validated assessments. By working with FHRAI, we hope to not only bridge the English communication gap but also help create a standardized, scalable framework for talent development in hospitality sector. This collaboration has the potential to become a model for sector-wide adoption not just in India but globally.”

FHRAI will also identify a representative sample of hotels and Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs), to participate in a pilot benchmarking study. ETS India will conduct TOEIC Link assessments for hotel staff, new recruits, and final-year IHM students to define minimum communication requirements tailored to key job roles such as front office, housekeeping, and food and beverage services.