India’s travel and tourism ecosystem continues to expand, but access to structured vocational training remains uneven for marginalised youth. Addressing this gap, VFS Global Foundation has launched its fifth skill training centre in Chandigarh, focused on creating employment pathways in travel, tourism, hospitality, and retail.
Announced on 13 February 2026 in Chandigarh, the new centre marks a significant step in the Foundation’s skilling initiatives. The first batch comprises 25 students, already enrolled, with a target to train over 80 students through the Foundation this year.
The Chandigarh centre will offer Certificate Programmes in Tourism Management, Hospitality Management, and Retail Management. These programmes have been structured by VFS Global Academy, the Foundation’s knowledge partner, to equip students with industry-relevant skills, career guidance, and practical exposure aimed at facilitating smoother transitions into employment.
Structured training with industry alignment
The initiative is designed to support students from marginalised communities by enhancing employability and enabling long-term economic progress for their families. The launch event was attended by senior leaders from VFS Global and members of the first student cohort.
Neetu Wadhawan, Deputy CHRO, VFS Global and Director, VFS Global Foundation, said, “True progress begins when talent is given opportunity. Through this centre, we are enabling young people from disadvantaged communities to gain skills that lead to meaningful employment and lasting confidence. By bringing the expertise of VFS Global Academy to this initiative, we hope to create opportunities that can uplift families and strengthen communities. Our ambition is to reach thousands of students across India through the Foundation’s work.”
The Chandigarh facility joins existing Skilling Centres in Ahmedabad, Deoghar, Ekta Nagar, and Lucknow, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to creating sustainable social impact.
Expanding national and international footprint
Registered in 2024, VFS Global Foundation focuses on empowering young people in India through education and vocational training, in partnership with non-governmental and community organisations.
VFS Global Academy currently operates in four countries. In India, it has academies in Jaipur, Mumbai, and Varanasi, with planned expansion to Guwahati, Hyderabad, and New Delhi. Internationally, it is present in China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, with further expansion planned in Sri Lanka and the UK.
Over the next five years, the Academy aims to expand into 10 additional countries and 20 more locations across India, targeting training for 8,000–10,000 students.
Through its integrated approach to skilling, VFS Global Foundation and VFS Global Academy are positioning themselves as key contributors to workforce development in the travel and hospitality sectors, supporting both industry needs and inclusive economic growth.
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.
