The Kolkata chapter of International Hospitality Day (IHD) 2026 was celebrated with grandeur and pride by the International Institute of Hotel Management in association with the International Hospitality Council at the IIHM Global Campus, Kolkata. The prestigious celebration brought together leading hospitality brands, renowned hoteliers, restaurateurs, travel professionals, entrepreneurs, educators and students to honour excellence across the hospitality industry while reaffirming the sector’s growing role in sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship and global collaboration.
The evening to celebrate Hospitality – a career of champions, commenced with the Indian National Anthem, setting a solemn and patriotic tone. The event reflected the true spirit of International Hospitality Day — a global movement dedicated to promoting, educating and celebrating hospitality as one of the world’s most impactful industries.
Welcoming the gathering, Ms. Sanjukta Bose, Founding Member and Director, IIHM Kolkata, described International Hospitality Day as “an emotion and a movement” conceptualised by Dr. Suborno Bose. She highlighted that the year marked the 11th edition of IHD and spoke passionately about IIHM’s commitment towards shaping future hospitality leaders through globally relevant, technology-driven education.
“Hospitality is humanity in action,” said Ms. Bose. “At IIHM, we prepare students for global careers by combining hospitality values with modern education, entrepreneurship and AI-led learning. Our mission is to create leaders who can make a meaningful difference in the world.”
She also highlighted IIHM’s pioneering initiatives including SAHAS, the entrepreneurship wing launched in 2021, which encourages students to become job creators instead of job seekers. Speaking about NAMAISTE, launched in 2025, she explained how students recreate iconic dishes by celebrated master chefs to understand culinary artistry, innovation and authentic hospitality culture.
Addressing the audience, Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman – IIHM Worldwide; IHC, UK; IIHM Young Chef Olympiad, reflected on the origins and vision behind International Hospitality Day and IIHM’s journey in recognising iconic leaders and changemakers from the global hospitality fraternity. He fondly recalled that the first inductee into the IIHM Hall of Fame was the legendary Ratan Tata, whom he described as “the lifeline of the hospitality industry.”
Dr. Bose stressed the importance of AI and technological transformation in the future of hospitality. “Those who adopt AI will lead in the AI age,” he said. “Today’s students are naturally adept with technology, and hospitality education must evolve alongside innovation, sustainability and changing global expectations.”
He reiterated the three foundational pillars of International Hospitality Day — Promote Hospitality, Educate Hospitality and Celebrate Hospitality — while inspiring students to emerge as future global leaders. Speaking about SAHAS, Dr. Bose added, “SAHAS is about creating jobs for others, not just asking for jobs.”
One of the major highlights of the evening was the announcement of SAHASON 6.0 results, IIHM’s flagship entrepreneurship and innovation competition involving students from all 16 IIHM campuses. Celebrating courage, innovation and business leadership among students, the Dr. Bose Special Award was presented to IIHM Kalimpong for “Little Love Meals.” Travel Nest from IIHM Hyderabad was declared the second runner-up, while GIKA from IIHM Bengaluru secured the first runner-up position. The winning title was awarded to “Roots and Refresh” from IIHM Kolkata.
The prestigious IHC IIHM Hospitality Honours Awards were presented to some of the most respected hospitality leaders and General Managers from leading luxury hotels and hospitality brands across Kolkata. Honourees included Mr. Gaurav Soneja of ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar, Mr. Gorav Arora of JW Marriott Hotel Kolkata, Mr. Rajneesh Kumar of Novotel Kolkata Hotel and Residences, Mr. Animesh Barat of Hyatt Regency Kolkata, Mr. Manu Nair of Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata, Mr. Somrup Chanda of Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata, Mr. Anuraag Raha of Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport and Mr. Amit Kobat of The Astor Kolkata.
The IHC IIHM Hospitality Honours List further recognised distinguished hospitality leaders including Mr. Kumar Shobhan of The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat, Mr. Kamal Raza of The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata, Mr. Pramode Bhandari of The Park Kolkata, Mr. Parvinder Singh Baul of Taj Bengal, Mr. Nitin Hodda of Taj City Centre New Town Kolkata, Mr. Siddharth Jain of Taj Taal Kutir, Ms. Sumanji Tiwari of Vivanta Kolkata EM Bypass and Mr. Devashish Majumdar of Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport.
The awards were presented by Dr. Suborno Bose, Ms Sanjukta Bose and leading hospitality personalities including Mr. Sandip Mukherjee, Shaun Kenworthy, Chef Sanjay Kak, Ms. Sanchari Chowdhury and Ms. Pamela Nandi.
The event also celebrated Kolkata’s vibrant restaurant, café and travel ecosystem. Hospitality honours were presented to celebrated brands including Saptapadi, Siciliana by Mezzuna, Bizarre Asia, Royal China, 6 Ballygunge Place, Veneto Bar & Kitchen and several other notable hospitality establishments.
Special recognitions under the ‘IHC IIHM Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality’ awards celebrated industry leaders driving innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship and culinary excellence. Honourees included Mr. Parvinder Singh Baul, Mr. Gorav Arora, Mr. Pramode Bhandari, Mr. Probal Dey, Mr. Rajiv Kothari and Mr. Mohammed Azhar of Aminia.
Dr. Indranil Mitra of PwC received recognition for Outstanding Contribution to AI Adoption in Industry, while Amit Sen and Amrita Bhattacharya were honoured with the Sustainability Award. Mr. Avishek Paul Chowdhury, Chairman of Hotel Sonar Bangla Group, received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Shaun Kenworthy along with Chef Vijay Malhotra were honoured with the Culinary Trailblazer of the Year Award.
The iconic heritage destination Rajbari Bawali received the IHC IIHM Heritage Preservation Award, while Syona Experience was recognised with the Hospitality with a Cause Award.
The evening concluded with the presentation of the IHD Best Personality Awards to distinguished guests and hospitality professionals. Bringing together the finest minds from the hospitality and travel fraternity, the Kolkata chapter of International Hospitality Day 2026 stood as a powerful reflection of IIHM’s continuing contribution to hospitality education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, AI integration and global industry leadership.
Established by the International Hospitality Council and IIHM, International Hospitality Day continues to unite hospitality professionals, educators and students worldwide in celebrating an industry built on empathy, service, innovation and human connection.
