International Institute of Hotel Management : Latest News, Events, Photos & Campus Reports

IIHM (International Institute of Hotel Management) is the largest chain of premier hospitality and hotel management schools across India that started its journey in 1994 at Kolkata. IIHM is a part of Indismart Group, the conglomerate that operates Indismart Hotels. IIHM campuses are located across ten national and international cities with the associate institute IAM-IHM located in Kolkata, and Guwahati. Read more about the happenings of the institute.

IIHM Culinary Education Tour 2022 starts with Lucknow, Jaipur, Delhi and Goa as Destinations

Date: May 17, 2022

Bidding adieu to virtual tours, IIHM students once again took to the streets of India, to taste, experience and learn about the culinary history of Indian cuisine. The IIHM Culinary Educational Tour 2022 kicked off on February 28, 2022 in which 17 students from Food Production department various IIHM campuses will be touring Lucknow, Jaipur, Delhi and Goa through two weeks visiting the Old bylane Food Prodigies, Organic Farms, Food Processing Units, Food Packaging Units, Experience Commercial Fishing in Arabian Sea and much more. The students will be accompanied by Chef Sanjay Kak, Culinary Director of IIHM on their tour.

The IIHM Culinary Educational Tour 2022 was flagged off from the Hyatt Regency Lucknow by Dr Suborno Bose, Chairman and Chief Mentor of IIHM. He said, “This is a great opportunity for the students to learn hands-on from the people and places itself. Lucknow is a place rich in heritage and its cuisine is historic among Indian cuisine. This history is the base of all culinary journeys. So, its important for students to learn the history and evolution of the food and this tour is meant to do that. Whatever this group of students will learn will be passed on to others at their respective campuses"

The tour has been curated by Dr Suborno Bose, Chef Ranveer Brar and Chef Sanjay Kak

The other guests who were present virtually at the inauguration were Diwan Gautam Anand, distinguished hotelier, Ashish Kumar, GM, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, Chef Sharad Dewan, Chef Shaun Kenworthy among others.

The tour started with a tour of the Old City of Lucknow, visiting the Kakori Museum and Imambara. This will be followed by a Kebab Walk at Mohan Market where they will learn about Awadhi Kebabs at Tunday Kebabi. The Awadhi Biryani destination is Idrees Biryani at KN Raha Bazaar Chowk. Students will learn about curries at Datarkwan Tulsi Theatre and the famous basket Chaat from Aminabad Royal Café. They sign off with a sweet tooth at Prakash ki Kulfi.

Day 3 of the Tour, March 1 will explore Makhan Malai at Gol Darwaza, Khasta & Kachori at Rattilal - Latouche Road followed by Bun Maska at Hazratganj. Students will proceed to the food workshop with Chef Mohsin Quereshi at Lebua Hotel, Lucknow followed by a city culinary walk covering Ram Ashray ki Mithai, Mubeens ke Pasande with Kulche Nahari, Idrees Ki Biryani and ending the day with Prakash Ki Kulfi.

Day 4 of the tour will comprise a Contemporary Food Walk in the New City of Lucknow and towards the day end will proceed to Jaipur.

Day 5 will be in Jaipur which will start with a visit to a Hydroponic Farm. Lunch will be at Mahaveer Bhandar enjoying ‘bijar ka rotla’. A short tour of Jantar Mantar and City Palace and a tour of Blue Pottery. The day will end with dinner and authentic Rajasthani experience at Chokhi Dhani.

Day 6 will still be at Jaipur where students will visit Salt Farms and the Salt Museum at Sambar. The group will depart from Jaipur on Day 7 after a brief tour of the lanes and bylanes of the city to taste and experience pickles, spices and choorans of the city. The Jaipur leg will end with a demonstration of making Laal Maas at Kebabs and Curries Company.

The next two legs will be in Delhi and Goa. In Delhi, the group will visit ITC Grand Bharat’s organic farm, organic duck farm in Manesar, rice factory, cold storages, Azadpur Fruits and Vegetable Market and several other interesting sites.

The final leg being at Goa, students will learn important insights on Goan cuisine from Chef Rego. The tour will include a visit to a Goan bakery, an organic farm, Tanshidar Spice farm and they will also get to learn how to do commercial fishing where they will leave at 3 am in the morning in the deep sea on a trawler learning the art of fishing and selling in the local market. The tour will end after some local sight-seeing and a mini food fest on campus.

 The 15 Day Culinary tour will be focusing on building a student relationship with food and not just cooking.

Chef Ranveer Brar in the morning briefing said "Food is not a recipe but a confluence of culture, people and history. The people you see making these specialities have devoted their lives doing these things and so you should come back knowing that so much you did not know - he says "Chhote hoke aana"

Italy Wins Gold in World’s Biggest Culinary Olympiad “Young Chef Olympiad”, Singapore wins Silver and Iceland Bronze

Date: May 17, 2022

The 8th International IIHM Young Chef Olympiad drew to a close at a glittering Closing Ceremony organised at IIHM Kolkata’s Global Campus. Matteo Cignetti of Italy won the coveted gold trophy, digital certificate and cheque for USD 5,000 to be crowned Best Young Chef of 2022. The silver went to Chong Jia De of Singapore while Halldor Haflidason of Iceland bagged bronze. 

After seven eventful days across six continents and 24 times zones, a remarkable edition of the world’s Biggest Culinary Battle came to a close. Connecting over 50 countries of the world through state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure, YCO 2022, was one of the biggest in size and scale with 176 cameras catching all the action of 40 participants, 200 judges, 150 hospitality stalwarts. YCO also presented 124 Expert Guest Sessions on varied topics for Students joining from all over the World to listen on dedicated 7 Channels beaming knowledge over the full Week. The Closing Ceremony, on the online platform, was equally grand and exciting as the offline event. IIHM Global Campus in Kolkata had turned into YCO Global Studio that was the nerve centre of all the action that was happening through seven days of this mega culinary event. The winners, connected over video conferencing at different ends of the world and sitting in different time zones, rejoiced and celebrated their win on video, as their names were announced by Prof David Foskett, the Chairman of the Jury, YCO and Padma Shri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, the Principal Judge of YCO.

Besides the top three, YCO 2022 had a long list of special category winners. The Plate Trophy round held the next best ranked between 11 to 20 in the competition, went to GayaneSimonyanof Armenia. The Kitchen Cut Management Award went to Switzerland. The Best Vegetarian Dish went to England while the Best Crème Caramel Dish went to Bulgaria.

Six Mentor Awards were given away based on each of the mentor’s recommendations about their respective participants. The awards went to Nigeria, Canada, Italy, Nepal, Spain, England. The six Best Young Chef Ambassador Awards went to India, Mexico, Switzerland, Iceland, Greece, Namibia.Participants were also marked on Best Hygiene and Kitchen Practice maintained during competition and this award went to four participants from Greece, Iceland, Iran and Nepal. The Best Knife Skills Award went to four participants from Iran, Italy, Canada and Namibia. 

Three special awards of The Spirit of YCO 2022 went to KulsumHussin, CEO, Welcome Skills International School of Hospitality, Bangladesh, Chef Andreas Mueller, Programme Director (International Cuisine) at VTC, Hong Kong, who is also one of the chief judges at YCO 2022 and Chef Enzo Oliveri Sicilian Celebrity Chef with Six Italian Restaurants in London and Sicily.

Organised by the International Hospitality Council (IHC) and hosted by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), YCO 2022 wasa larger and more inclusive edition thanks to the technological advancement that broke all barriers. 

YCO 2022 had a brilliant panel of more than 50 esteemed judges from around the world. Led by Prof David Foskett, Chairman of the Jury andChief Judge, Chef Andreas Muller, Programme Director (International Cuisine) at VTC, Hong Kong. Michelin-starred chefs Chris Galvin, co-founder Galvin Restaurants and John Wood, the Founder and Director of Kitchen Cut, Chef Gary Maclean, National Chef of Scotland, Chef Stuart Littlejohn, former Executive Chef of Oxford and Cambridge Club, UK, Sicilian Chef Enzo Oliveri, Chef George Smith, Lecturer TU Dublin University, Chef Garth Stroebel, South African chef, Chef Brian Turner, celebrity TV chef and President of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts were senior judges of the competition among several other iconic culinary professionals from around the world. Other renowned chef judges of the competition included Chef Stephen Hogan, Executive Chef, The Corinthian Palace Hotel, Malta, Chef Geoff Acott, MBE, Fund Manager Army Catering Training Trust, England, Sharad Dewanand several other renowned chef judges. 

YCO 2022 had a very important and significant theme that aims to achieve the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A special award, the Zenobia NadirshawDiamond Research Award went to students who had done research on the SDGs and how to achieve them to make the world a better place to live. Four awards in this category went to Kenya, Bangladesh, India and Italy. 

YCO 2022 successful connected the world on a single virtual platform and left everyone awestruck of the scale and organisation by IIHM. From the Opening Ceremony, the cook-offs, the United World of Young Chefs, the symposiums and even the glamorous Closing Ceremony saw seamlessly connection of participants, mentors and judges from different geographies and time zones together at the same time on the same platform. “YCO 2022 has been exemplary in showing how we can beat a pandemic and the obstacles that it brings with it and we have done it together. This has been an incredible YCO with the support of the countries, mentors, judges and everyone who was involved. It has been tough for everyone including those who have even tested Covid positive during the competition. YCO 2022 has shown the light of hope and positivity to the hospitality industry and I think this is the beginning of good days again. We are absolutely committed to the UN SDGs and we are also proud and grateful to the UNWTO Secretary-General, ZurabPololikashvili for his support. This YCO was dedicated to the SDGs and it is an honour to be able to be associated with these goals,” said Dr Suborno Bose, CEO, International Hospitality Council (IHC) and Founder, YCO.

UNWTO Secretary General inaugurates the IIHM Global Centre for Tourism and Hospitality Research 

Date: May 17, 2022

In his address to IIHM on World Tourism Day 2021, Mr Zurab Pololikashvili praises India and lauds IIHM for its role in connecting Indian youth to the world through tourism & hospitality education

New Delhi, September 27, 2021: On the occasion of the World Tourism Day 2021, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Secretary-General Mr Zurab Pololikashvili officially inaugurated the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) Global Centre for Tourism and Hospitality Research. Mr Pololikashvili, who was the Chief Guest of the inauguration celebrations, commended the efforts and initiatives of IIHM to connect the youth of India and the world through tourism and hospitality education.

In his address to IIHM, the UNWTO Secretary-General said,“On World Tourism Day, UNWTO is proud to stand with IIHM and I am honoured to officially inaugurate the IIHM Global Centre for Tourism and Hospitality Research on this historic occasion.”He further added,“International Institute of Hotel Management has emerged as a true leader in the Tourism sector. IIHM connects India’s talented youth to the wider sector and the world. Furthermore, the IIHM Global Centre for Tourism and Hospitality Research is a forum that will enhance this unique relationship between Hospitality education and employers.”

In response to the Secretary-General’s address, IIHM’s Chairman and Chief Mentor Dr Suborno Bose said, “IIHM is deeply honoured and humbled by the recognition and affirmation of our role by the UNWTO. This will only strengthen our resolve and that of our partners to champion the cause of Hospitality and Tourism across the world.”

The celebrations on this occasion also included a panel discussion showcasing the importance of involvement of all stakeholders towards 'Tourism for Inclusive Growth’, which was the theme of World Tourism Day 2021. Apart from Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, the key panellists for the session included H.E.M. N DRY Eric Camille (Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Cote d lvoir), HH Maharaja Gaj Singh Ji (Custodian of The House of Marwar), Prof David Foskett (MBE) (Chairman, International Hospitality Council London), Dr Suborno Bose (CEO and Chairman, IIHM Hotel School), Mr Ron Scott (International Director, APIU, UK), Ms Anita Mendiratta (Advisor, Secretary General of UNWTO), Mr Rakesh Mathur (Honorary President and Founding Member, Responsible Tourism Society of India), Mike Berthet (Director, Aquaesea Ltd UK) and Mr SK Carlisle Vaz (National President, SKAL International India). 

In his message to India, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili said,“It’s my great pleasure to greet you on World Tourism Day. I bring with me the best wishes of all UNWTO members, a community of 159 members. We celebrate as the world cautiously reopens to travel. Now is the time to recognise our sector’s essential role as a vision of sustainable and equal development. The theme for World Tourism Day 2021 is Tourism for Inclusive Growth. We highlight the value of everyone involved in tourism, both visitors and the visited. India has always seen tourists as a vital part of social-economic, cultural and environmental advancements. You have also long been a value, a life of UNWTO. In 2019 Incredible India was the host country for World Tourism Day and your government has supported tourism through the biggest crisis in the history of the sector.” 

IIHM Signs Historic MoU with Marriott Hotels India Ltd to enhanceIndustrial Learning for IIHM students

Date: May 16, 2022

A world of opportunities has opened up before students studying hospitality management at the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) as a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between IIHM and Marriott Hotels India Pvt Ltd on May 11, 2022. A mutual understanding and agreement to enhance the learning experience of hospitality education and training at IIHM, the two leaders of the world, one in hotel chains and another in hospitality education, signed an MoU to collaborate towards enhancing the learning experience of the students of Hospitality Management at IIHM to create a highly employable graduate. 

“Marriott and IIHM have done many things together and this MoU will further celebrate this partnership and bridge the gap between academia and industry and create future talent in the hospitality industry. IIHM has been leading in the education platform of the hospitality industry and for us to partner and try to further enhance the education levels, ensure that we can have internships and eventually create job opportunities in our portfolio of hotels. This MoU will help to add value to system and uplift the education levels of students and eventually we hope that a large part of them join the Marriott family. I feel that they will have an edge over others as they will not only learn the basics of hospitality from IIHM but also the nuances of working in a corporate organisation like Marriott International,” said Gaurav Singh, Market Vice President, East India and Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. 

According to the MoU, Marriott India will train the 2nd and 3rd year classes doing Bachelors and Diploma courses in Hospitality Management in IIHM. They will provide mentorship, career guidance, guest lectures and assistance in project work to impart industry trends and enhance the learning experience of students. Further, students of IIHM will get first preference to be placed in Marriott hotels across India for their industrial training programmes. 

“IIHM and Marriott share a significant bond and this MoU will strengthen the bond between us and help us to work closely. Marriott Hotels India is one of the first organisations in this industry to think of such a programme to bring the industry and academia to work together and garner real talent. For the first time such a structured arrangement has been put into place with a special classroom designed according to Marriott’s guidelines and students will also get to do their internship at Marriott Hotels and if they pass the selection criteria, they will also be selected for placement at the hotels,” said Dr Suborno Bose, the Founder and Chairman of IIHM. 

“We have been working with IIHM for a very long time in various cities. We are happy to join in this effort to enhance students’ careers and make sure that they are industry ready,” said Lizanne Pinto, Area Director, HR, South and East India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. 

Elaborating on other aspects of the MoU, future students of IIHM will be delighted to be privileged to be a part of this exemplary programme. Securing their future, Marriott India will extend first preference to recruit qualified students of IIHM at entry level position or any applicable existing opportunity in Marriott India.

“This is an historic marriage between the largest and prestigious hotel group in the world and IIHM a universally respected leader of hospitality management education. This initiative will create wider and better opportunities and career paths for all IIHM students across the world, further demonstrating why IIHM is the international Hospitality Management College of the 21st century,” said Prof David Foskett, MBE, renowned hospitality educator and author and Chairman of International Hospitality Council (IHC), London.

Chef Himanshu Taneja, Culinary Director of Marriott International, said, “It’s a great day for all of us as Marriott collaborates with IIHM, the best hospitality institute of the country. The talent that we will get from this collaboration will be truly commendable.”

Chef Shaun Leonard, Executive Chef and Culinary Programme Leader, BHMS, Switzerland and FIIHM, who joined this historic moment virtually, said, “It is an important moment for IIHM students to secure their future and it is important for leading hotel groups like Marriott International to secure the future of our students and our industry.” 

The IIHM (International Institute of Hotel Management) International College of Distinguished Fellows confers the Fellow of IIHM to 150 Global Hospitality Leaders for their exemplary contribution to the Hospitality industry

Date: August 3, 2021

Hospitality today has transformed from a mere profession to an earnest passion that is executed with wholehearted dedication and compassion towards serving mankind. Across the world, this zeal among Hospitality professionals has inspired others to follow in their footsteps. To spread the light of inspiration, knowledge and experience, the IIHM College of Distinguished Fellows has elected 140 dedicated professionals of the Hospitality industry to become Fellows of IIHM. All of those who have been conferred this honour, have greatly contributed to the international Hospitality industry in some way and would now share their knowledge and experiences to educate the upcoming future generation of hospitality professionals studying at IIHM. 

The motto of The IIHM International College of Distinguished Fellows is ‘FIAT LUX’ (Let there be Light). The distinguished Fellows are the shining light of the industry, always guiding future generations and students of hospitality. 

The Vision is to create The IIHM International College of Distinguished Fellows membership that will solely comprise individuals who have been conferred the Fellow of IIHM. The key objective of this college is to proactively create and provide support in a range of ways to the student and academic community in general. This will further enhance the educational and career aspirations of all students and graduates of the hospitality industry through inspirational leadership. 

The IIHM International College of Distinguished Fellows was inaugurated on 9th July with 8EX Hospitality E- Conclave bringing together 200 Hospitality professionals from across the world. The conclave was a massive platform for exchange of ideas and experiences through speeches and panel discussions on the online platform. 

The Details on the 8EX E – Conclave may be seen at (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf8J62mmQGU)

The Entire 8EX Hospitality E- Conclave may be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge24y84_xAM

A special virtual convocation ceremony was held on 10th July 2021 where Dr Suborno Bose, CEO, International Institute of Hotel Management & CEO, International Hospitality Council, Prof David Foskett , MBE, Chairman -International Hospitality Council, London, Ron Scott, International Director, Indismart Group came together to confer the Fellowship on to the 150 selected Hospitality professionals.

The elected 150 professionals to become members of IIHM International College of Distinguished Fellows include several Global Hospitality leaders and Hospitality icons. Some of the names include Patu Keswani, Chairman and MD of Lemon Tree Hotels, Priya Paul, Chairperson, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, AD Singh, Founder and MD, Olive Group of Restaurants, Chef Vikas Kapoor, Robin Sheppard , President, Bespoke Hotels, Allister Telford, Lionel Benjamin, Ajay Bakaya, MD, Sarovar Hotels and Resorts, Sanjay Sethi, CEO and Co-Founder at Shopclues.com, Chef Ranveer Brar, Anil Chadha, COO, ITC Hotels, Chef Manish Mehrotra, Michelin star Chef Chris Galvin, Chef Patron at Galvin Restaurants, Chef John Wood, Co-Founder of Kitchen Cut, Chef Gary Hunter, Head of Faculty, Westminster Kingsway College, Peter Jones, MBE, Chef Karl Guggenmos, Dean of Culinary Education and Development, Johnson and Wales University USA, Anita Mendiratta, Author and International Advisor in Tourism and Development, Special Advisor to the Secretary General, UNWTO, Yangdup Lama, Mixologist and entrepreneur, Dr Rupinder Sodhi, MD, Amul India, Ranvir Bhandari, Area Head Oberoi Hotels (West), Ian Dubier, Area Director, Taj Hotels. 

The Convocation of The “Fellow of IIHM” may be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl8sK-XQSnk

Celebrity Chef Padma Shri Sanjeev Kapoor joined in to say a few words. “This is a momentous occasion where the stars of the hospitality industry have been inducted as Fellows of IIHM. It amazes me how IIHM keeps on coming up with innovative ideas for the industry. This is the time for shared learning and there could be no other better way than inducting such experts and stalwarts of the industry as Fellows of the IIHM International College of Distinguished Fellows.” 

On this special occasion, Dr Suborno Bose, CEO, International Institute of Hotel Management & CEO, International Hospitality Council, said, “The 150 selected Fellows are being celebrated for all their hard work and immense contribution to the Hospitality industry by being conferred the Fellow of IIHM. We are sure that these iconic leaders will show the guiding light and provide great inspiration to youngsters and future generations who would want to join this industry.” 

Prof David Foskett, MBE, started the convocation ceremony with “All of those who are being felicitated with this Fellowship has led us through the darkness of the pandemic and now finally the dawn is breaking bringing much hope for the future.

IIHM sets up Oxygen Support Isolation Centre, Waives students fees & Offers fees assistance

Date: June 02, 2021

The Covid 19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the world and for the past two months, in our country leaving families devastated as the virus has gripped and taken away a member from them. Scarcity of oxygen, lack of beds in hospitals and desolate queues outside cremation grounds paint a bleak picture of the nation in the minds of people nowadays. While staying safe is of utmost priority, standing beside devastated families is also a social responsibility.

Trying to shine a ray of hope amidst this desolation, the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) has stepped in to do its bit towards community welfare. Compassion is the key word in the Hospitality industry and IIHM is practising just that. Witnessing the widespread desolation and suffering that people are experiencing, IIHM has joined hands with several NGOs to set up a 25 bed Oxygen Support Isolation Centre in New Town, Kolkata to provide basic treatment and Oxygen supply to the needy. 

The IIHM family, that includes the students at large, have also been deeply affected by the Covid 19. On 15th May, a student from one of the campuses lost his father to the virus. The family is devastated as the father was the only breadwinner of the family. In this situation, the livelihood of the family is at stake, let alone paying the fees for the boy’s education. In this condition, IIHM extended its hand of support and has waived off all the remaining fees of the student so that he can complete his course. 

Dr Suborno Bose, Chief Mentor of IIHM said, “Amidst this mass devastation, we cannot just sit and watch people suffering, but have to come forward and help people in need in whatever way we can. In case of our student, too, we cannot bring back the departed soul, but we can surely try to stand by these families and do our part.”  The institute has circulated a message to everyone, to approach them if they hear of any student currently studying in IIHM, who has lost a parent and who was the earning member of the family, so that the institute can support them in whichever way possible.  

The hospitality management institution is truly practising the values of the hospitality trade by coming forward wherever possible to support people in this pandemic. Not just those who have been ailing, but also to those parents who have suffered job losses due to the pandemic and lockdown, IIHM has also promised to consider fees assistance on a case to case basis. Students have been asked to mail to their directors at the campuses with their appeal.

IIHM and IHC Celebrate International Hospitality Day globally on the Online Platform To Uplift the Spirit of Hospitality

Date: May 04, 2021

Hospitality stalwarts and professionals from across the world joined in on the virtual platform to celebrate the 6th International Hospitality Day recently. Celebrations started in advance in various parts of the world. Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute celebrated International Hospitality Day a day in advance. Augustinian University Columbia, celebrated IHD by sharing their rich culinary heritage with IIHM. This showed how the spirit of hospitality is upheld in every part of the world.  In view of the ongoing pandemic, IHC and IIHM celebrations had to be restricted to the online platform. However, there was no dearth of enthusiasm as everyone joined in from across the world to experience the celebration. 

The International Hospitality Day celebration kickstarted with a global celebration where international members of the International Hospitality Council were present. Prof. David Foskett, MBE, Chairman, International Hospitality Council (IHC) opened the global celebration with an inspirational address to all those associated with the Hospitality industry.  “The hospitality industry is vital to the world economy. Despite the troubles of the world, there is no lockdown on friendship and hospitality. It is a wonderful industry that will surely bounce back better once it opens up completely. It provides key skills and opportunities to young people. IIHM is an institution that leads in world initiatives like IT in the hospitality industry, creating opportunities and bringing people together.  IIHM is a fantastic institution that has done so much to connect the World.” Adding a note of positivity and passion, Dr Suborno Bose, CEO and Convenor, International Hospitality Council and CEO and Chairman, IIHM, said, “Hospitality is very close to our heart. We live and die for hospitality On International Hospitality Day, the entire hospitality fraternity has come forward to stand next to each other and support each other. We dedicate this International Hospitality Day to all the brave hearts of this industry, who, despite difficult times have tried to put a smile on people’s faces.”

Puneet Chhatwal, MD and CEO, Indian Hotels Company, was Guest of Honour at the event. “It’s a wonderful way to celebrate International Hospitality Day bringing in 50 different countries from different time zones on a single platform which has been made possible by IHC and IIHM. Hospitality has shown resilience, patience and compassion through the past year,” said Chhatwal. 

Padma Shri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor was also present and said, “Celebration is a feeling that comes from within and today the world has come together on International Hospitality Day to celebrate Hospitality. Congratulations to IIHM for instituting the International Hospitality Council and establishing International Hospitality Day on 24th April. Hospitality industry has shown a lot of compassion in this pandemic period and has redefined its meaning. IHD has brought the world together to celebrate this compassion and hard work of individuals in this field.”

Eminent personalities related to the global and Indian hospitality industries attended the online celebrations on International Hospitality Day. Michelin star chef Chris Galvin, Chef Patron, Galvin Restaurants, Chef Karl Guggenmos, Dean of Culinary Development, Johnson and Wales University, USA, Chef Garth Stroebel and Chef Shaun Leonard from BHMS, Switzerland were among the attendees at the virtual event. Anita Mendiratta, Global Advisor and Author, Tourism and Development, Special advisor to Secretary General, UNWTO, said in her address, “I congratulate IIHM, IHC and Dr Suborno Bose and everyone for keeping the spirit of hospitality alive. The Hospitality industry is invaluable to the world and there are essentially five pillars that will bring this industry back on its feet. First of all is our commitment to the industry that we love. Second is maintaining confidence that the industry will definitely come back after this brief setback. We all know that travelling is not just a physical journey but a mental journey as well and that is where hospitality plays a key role. Third is communication. There is a need to connect with people to make sure no one is alone. Fourth is compassion which so many people in this industry are showing through this pandemic, braving the virus to take care of people. The final one is connection. Connecting hospitality to other industries will help build the new future of this industry.” 

The Global celebration was marked by the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to several deserving persons from the Hospitality industry. The Lifetime Achievement Awards went to:

• Nakul Anand, Executive Director, ITC Limited

• Patu Keswani, MD, Lemon Tree Hotels 

• Dr Rupinder Singh Sodhi, MD, Amul India

• HH Gaj Singh Ji of Marwar - President Heritage Association of India & MD Marudhar Hotel Board

• Paul P John, Chairman and MD, John Distilleries Pvt Ltd

• Rajeev Samant, Founder and CEO of Sula Vineyards

• AD Singh, Founder and MD, Olive Group of Restaurants

• Deepak Ohri, CEO, Lebua Hotels and Resorts

• Ranju Alex, Market  Vice President, West India, Marriott International 

• Visheshwar Raj Singh, VP and GM, The Oberoi

• Veer Vijay Singh, CEO and MD, Trance Hotels 

Beside the Global celebrations, IHD was celebrated at every IIHM campus across India where deserving hoteliers in the region were presented with special awards for their achievements. IHC Entrepreneur of the Year were Kapil Chopra, Founder and CEO, The Post Card Hotel, Zorawar Kalra, Founder, Massive Restaurants and a few other stalwarts who graced the occasion to accept the awards.

The IHC Woman Achiever of the Year were given to Chef Manisha Bhasin, Corporate Chef, ITC Ltd, Hotel Division, Kanika Hasrat, Area Director, UP, Uttarakhand & MP Indian Hotel Company Ltd, Ms Sherry Padda, Executive Asst Manager, The Leela Palace, New Delhi, Ms Shraddha Sharma, CEO, Your Story Digital were the few awardees from the list for the IHC Women Achiever of The Year.

IHC Rising Star of The Year was given to Sachin Talwar, Executive Chef, Hyatt Regency, Lucknow, Shaiban Hasan, Executive Assistant Manager, West Goa, Ankit Nagori, Co-Founder, Cult and Eat Fit, Tarun Seth, Hyatt Regency, Chennai, Chef Vikas Singh, Executive Chef,  Hyatt Regency Kolkata were few of the awardees for the Rising Star 

IHC Hospitality with A Cause was Roseate Hotels and Resorts, Sachin Maheswary, GM, Grand Mercure, Bangalore, Sonam Kapse, Owner of Terrasinne (First restaurant run by Mute/deaf) were a few from the list awarded amongst a glitterati present on the virtual platform on the International Hospitality Day.

IIHM Connects 50 Countries, 24 Time Zones in Opening Ceremony of World’s Biggest International Young Chef Olympiad

Date: February 04, 2021

The 7th International IIHM Young Chef Olympiad commenced with a grand online Opening Ceremony recently. A truly new and altogether different experience, this Opening Ceremony managed to maintain the excitement, glamour and spirit of the Young Chef Olympiad even on the virtual platform. The World’s Biggest Virtual Culinary Battle for Hope, organised by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) in association with the International Hospitality Council (IHC) London, attempts to convey the message of hope, positivity and unity across borders and nations. YCO 2021 is out to prove that no pandemic or lockdown is bigger than brotherhood and friendship among people of the world. Like previous years, this year too, 50 countries will be competing with each other to win the coveted title along with the glittering trophy and prize money of $10,000.

The YCO 2021 virtual webcast is completely being controlled from the IIHM Kolkata Global Campus in Salt Lake. This technically advanced and equipped campus has been made into the headquarter of the culinary heats this year with the entire technical team geared up and ready to support this massive event through a complex system of web connectivity through seven days. The Opening Ceremony kicked off from the YCO Global Studio at the Global Campus from where the YCO participants, mentors, judges, students and all well-wishers in 50 countries, across 24 time zones and six continents connected on the same platform at the same time.

The Opening Ceremony commenced with the introduction of the countries participating with their young chef and mentor representatives. In view of the pandemic situation across the world, the participation is much less as most countries that are still under the influence of the Covid-19 virus and are facing stringent lockdown measures, could not sent their representatives to the competition this year. 

However, the spirit is high and everyone is hopeful that YCO 2021 will be the guiding light for the entire hospitality industry across the world that has been severely affected by the lockdown. “We at IIHM and IHC are proud and delighted to bring back The Young Chef Olympiad even in these tough times. YCO is all about the spirit of positivity and bringing the young people of the world together and that is what YCO 2021 is going to focus on. This is how we can Bounce Back. YCO 2021 is the source of positivity and the guiding light for the hospitality industry to bounce back,” said Dr Suborno Bose, the CEO of the International Hospitality Council and Chairman of IIHM.  

“We are separated by space and time, but we are connected together by YCO 2021. This is a global first in any category to organise something as huge as YCO on the online platform. YCO will always go on and nothing can stop it. I am awestruck by the scale of the competition and IIHM takes the lead to break barriers every year. The support of judges from all across the world. This is not just a competition, it is friendship that is created at YCO every year,” said Padma Shri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Principal Judge of YCO. 

“YCO 2021 is the inspiration of hope for young people. It is the Bounce Back, an important landmark in the history of this planet particularly for hospitality. There is no lockdown in friendship, there is no lockdown in creativity, there is no lockdown in imagination or the YCO. We have overcome the evils of the pandemic and YCO 2021 is a marvellous effort by the entire team,” said Prof David Foskett, the Chairman of IHC and the Chairman of the Jury of YCO 2021.

The Opening Ceremony further showcased the unveiling of the winner’s trophy by Dr Suborno Bose and also unfurling of the Young Chef Olympiad flag. Against the backdrop of the YCO anthem, mentors and judges took the YCO oath on the online platform. This officially announced the opening of the 7th International IIHM Young Chef Olympiad that will be followed by six days of nail-biting competition.  

IIHM Organizes 6th International Young Chef Olympiad

Date: Mar 30, 2020

The curtains came down on the 6th International Young Chef Olympiad, at a dazzling Closing Ceremony held at the Nicco Park’s, Wet-o-Wild, Kolkata. After a nail-biting contest through six days across five Indian cities – Delhi, Pune, Bangalore, Goa and Kolkata, Malaysia’s Chen Khai Loong was crowned the winner of YCO 2020.  The Silver medal winner was Austin Cale Labago of Philippines while the Bronze winner was England’s Bethany Collings. The trophies were given away at the glittering prize distribution by Dr Suborno Bose, Chairman, YCO and International Hospitality Council, Professor David Foskett, Chairman of the International Hospitality Council and Padma Shri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, the Principal Judge and Chief Mentor of YCO, Chef Brian Turner, the President of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, in the presence of the 18 esteemed judges of YCO 2020. The winners lifted their trophies amidst cheering, fanfare and some beautiful fireworks display, as the world watched the entire event broadcasted live through social media network. A special attraction for the gold winner this year was the Gold Toque. At the historic moment, Malaysia’s Chen Khai lifted the trophy and donned the gold crown as he bagged the prize cheque of USD 10,000.

Organised by the International Hospitality Council (IHC), London in association with the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), YCO 2020 was yet another grand successful edition of the world’s biggest culinary competition with participants from 50 countries fighting tooth and nail to win the coveted title. This united platform of young chefs was the perfect example of bonding, friendship and learning together. “More than a competition, YCO is now a global youth platform and launchpad for the culinary superstars of tomorrow,” said Dr Suborno Bose. Apart from the three winners, YCO 2020 had a long list of special category winners. The Plate Trophy round held between the participants ranked 11 to 20 in the competition, went to Dominic Muollo of New Zealand this year. The Best Dessert Dish in Round 1 went to Ieuan Jones from Wales while the Late Shakuntala Devi Gupta Award for Best Vegetarian Dish Creation in Round 2 went to Eunjeong Jeong of South Korea. 

Four Mentor Nominee Awards were given away at the YCO 2020. The winners were judged based on each of the mentor’s recommendations written about their respective participants. The awardees were Erik Shahbazyan of Armenia, Kethusegile of Botswana, Egon Euan Le Roux of South Africa and Obidiegwu Anuli of Nigeria. The IHC Best Young Chef Ambassador Awards was another category where participants had to write about themselves, their ambitions about becoming a chef and how they wish to further develop themselves. The four awards in this section went to Giorgia Ceccato of Italy, Samuel Farley of USA, Md Miraj  Mia of Bangladesh and Fatima Gomez of Mexico. Based on the hygiene and cleanliness maintained during competition, the participants were marked in the first two rounds. A winner was selected from each city round. Eunjeoung Jeoung from South Korea won the Best Hygienic Practice for the Delhi round, Micaela Da Costa from Portugal won for the Pune round, Savi Rajbahak from Nepal won the Goa round and Mihail Velkov from Switzerland won in the Bangalore round. The Rising Star awards for each city were Claudia Cebria Ros from Spain for Delhi round, Jonathan Larmie from Ghana for the Pune round, Savi Rajbahak from Nepal for the Goa round and Tarran O-Reilly from Ireland for the Bangalore round. The Kitchen Cut Award for best recipe nutritional analysis and costing presentation went to New Zealand and the entries were judged by Chef John Wood, the founder of Kitchen Cut.

YCO 2020 had the theme of Sustainability, embracing the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. In keeping with this theme a special presentation had to be given by the participating countries about Sustainability measures in their own country. Out of the 10 countries who made presentations at the David Foskett auditorium on IIHM Global Campus, Bhutan’s Sonam Subba was winner. He was awarded the Green Toque of Sustainability. 

YCO 2020 had a brilliant panel of esteemed judges from around the world. Led by Prof David Foskett (MBE), Chairman of the Jury, renowned chefs like Chef Brian Turner (CBE), celebrity TV chef and President of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, was chief judge of the competition. Chef Andreas Muller, Programme Director (International Cuisine) at VTC, Hong Kong, was Deputy Chief Judge, Michelin-starred chefs Chris Galvin and John Wood, the Founder and Director of Kitchen Cut were senior judges of the competition among several other iconic culinary professionals from around the world. The Outstanding Contribution to International Culinary Arts Award went to Chef Brian Turner. Outstanding Contribution to Industry went to Chef Andrew Bennett, Chef Apprenticeship Award went to Chef Stuart Littlejohn, Outstanding Contribution to Culinary Arts was for Chef Henri Brosi, the Award for Dedication to Training and Competition Work went to Chef Stefan Hogan while Outstanding Contribution to Culinary Education went to Chef Andreas Muller. 

Beside the competition, the participants from 50 countries along with their mentors and the judges took part in various Food Aid activities, supporting IIHM’s initiative to support the UN’s Sustainable Goal Number 2 of Zero Hunger. They visited shelters and homes in the Indian cities where they met the boarders and distributed food among them. In Delhi, they visited SPYM Juvenile De-addiction Centre, in Bangalore the mentors and participants visited Shumangali Seva Ashram while the judges went to Cheshire Homes. In Kolkata, the judges visited the renowned and respected Missionaries of Charity to pay homage to Mother Teresa and see the huge social work that happens through this organisation.