Hospitality sector has experienced a strong resurgence in post-COVID era: Dean & Head, The Lalit Suri Hospitality School

Anupam Mukherjee, Dean & Head of The Lalit Suri Hospitality School (TLSHS), shares insights on how the sector is transforming, the emerging skill sets hospitality professionals need today, and how TLSHS is equipping students with real-world exposure

In a post-COVID world where travel, hygiene, personalization, and sustainability have become critical to hospitality, educational institutions are evolving to meet the industry's changing demands. In this interview, Anupam Mukherjee, Dean & Head of The Lalit Suri Hospitality School (TLSHS), shares insights on how the sector is transforming, the emerging skill sets hospitality professionals need today, and how TLSHS is equipping students with real-world exposure, modern curricula, and industry-aligned training to help them thrive in a dynamic and competitive environment.

Q. How do you see the hospitality sector evolving in the post-COVID era, and how has the demand for professionals changed? How is The Lalit Suri Hospitality School working to be a part of this trend?

Anupam Mukherjee: The hospitality sector has experienced a strong resurgence in the post-COVID era, with increasing travel demand and evolving guest expectations. There is now a greater focus on hygiene, personalized services, and sustainable practices, which has led to a shift in the skills required by professionals in the industry. Hotels, restaurants, and tourism businesses are actively seeking talent that can blend traditional hospitality values with modern industry needs.

At The Lalit Suri Hospitality School (TLSHS), we have adapted our approach to meet these changes. Our practical learning modules, state-of-the-art training infrastructure, and industry-oriented curriculum prepare students for the evolving demands of hospitality. We emphasize experiential learning through internships, live projects, and mentorship programs, ensuring that our graduates are ready to excel in a competitive and dynamic environment.

Q. What are the new skill sets a hospitality professional needs to hone to succeed in the industry?

Anupam Mukherjee: To be successful in today’s hospitality industry, professionals must develop a well-rounded skill set that encompasses both technical expertise and interpersonal capabilities. Crisis and risk management skills are essential to handle unexpected situations and ensure seamless operations. Professionals must also understand and implement sustainable and eco-friendly practices within hospitality operations, given the industry's growing focus on sustainability. Culinary and food and beverage expertise is important too, with a need to stay updated on global culinary trends, dietary preferences, and beverage innovations.

In addition, building strong customer relationship management abilities helps deliver personalized services and enhance guest experiences. Cross-cultural communication and adaptability are crucial for engaging effectively with guests and employees from diverse backgrounds. At TLSHS, these competencies are integrated into our curriculum through hands-on training, workshops, and expert-led sessions, ensuring our students are ready to meet the evolving expectations of the industry.

Q. Can you talk about some of the most popular jobs in the hospitality sector?

Anupam Mukherjee: The hospitality industry offers a broad spectrum of career opportunities, with roles evolving to meet new demands. Hotel and resort management is a key area, where professionals oversee hotel operations, guest services, and overall business strategy. Food and beverage management remains highly sought after, involving the management of restaurant and catering services across various formats, including fine dining and quick service restaurants. Event and conference planning is also a major growth area, focusing on organizing corporate events, weddings, and large-scale hospitality functions.

Front office and guest relations professionals ensure smooth check-ins, concierge services, and customer satisfaction, while housekeeping and facility management experts maintain hospitality spaces to deliver world-class experiences. Culinary arts and pastry roles continue to attract creative talent looking to innovate in global cuisines, baking, and fine dining. Additionally, tourism and travel management has expanded into luxury travel, adventure tourism, and heritage tourism operations.

Beyond traditional hospitality roles, TLSHS graduates also explore opportunities in sectors such as infrastructure, retail, aviation, and the broader service industry, applying their skills in customer service, operations management, and guest experience. Through strong industry partnerships, internships, and real-world exposure, TLSHS ensures that students are well-prepared for success in diverse and exciting career paths.

Q. What courses does The Lalit Suri Hospitality School offer, and what is the admission process?

Anupam Mukherjee: The Lalit Suri Hospitality School offers a range of industry-driven programs designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the hospitality and tourism sector. The Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Hospitality and Hotel Administration (HHA) is a three-year degree program that provides comprehensive knowledge and skills in hotel management, food production, and hospitality operations. The school also offers a Diploma in Food Production, a one-year specialized program focusing on culinary arts and food preparation techniques, and a Diploma in Bakery and Confectionery for students passionate about baking and pastry arts.

For admission, applicants must have completed 10+2 (Higher Secondary) or an equivalent qualification from a recognized board. Interested candidates can apply through the official website or by visiting the campus to obtain an application form. Selection is based on academic performance, followed by a personal interview and counselling session to assess the candidate’s aptitude and passion for the hospitality industry.

TLSHS is committed to nurturing aspiring hospitality professionals through a blend of theoretical learning and hands-on industry exposure, ensuring that students graduate with the expertise and confidence needed to excel in today’s dynamic hospitality landscape.

Read More:

• University of Birmingham Launches 125 Scholarships for Dubai Campus, Offering 50% Tuition Support
• Delhi University Faces Backlash Over Psychology Syllabus Overhaul