World’s first GAIHEC unites 60+ countries to shape AI-powered, human-centric hospitality education
Artificial Intelligence is transforming every industry, but hospitality remains, at its heart, a people-first profession. Recognising the need to prepare future hospitality leaders for this new reality, the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) has once again taken the lead by launching the Global AI Hospitality Education Council (GAIHEC)—the world’s first international council dedicated exclusively to integrating AI into hospitality education.
Launched on World AI Day (16 July 2026) at the IIHM Global Campus, Kolkata, GAIHEC brings together hospitality educators, industry leaders, AI experts and academic institutions from more than 60 countries. The initiative positions IIHM at the forefront of hospitality education globally, reinforcing its commitment to preparing students not just for today’s hospitality industry, but for the future of hospitality.
Why GAIHEC is a Landmark Initiative
Hospitality education is evolving rapidly. Hotels and hospitality businesses across the world are already using Artificial Intelligence to personalise guest experiences, improve operational efficiency, enhance sustainability and make smarter business decisions.
GAIHEC has been established to ensure that hospitality education evolves alongside these industry changes. The council will create a global platform where educators, industry professionals and technology experts collaborate to develop ethical AI frameworks, encourage AI literacy, promote international research and design future-ready hospitality curricula.
More importantly, GAIHEC is built on a simple yet powerful philosophy: AI should enhance hospitality—not replace the human touch that defines it.
IIHM Leading the Future of Hospitality Education
For years, IIHM has been recognised as one of India’s most innovative hospitality education institutions. From introducing AI-driven learning platforms such as NamAIste – IIHM HospitalityGPT to embedding emerging technologies into hospitality education, IIHM has consistently stayed ahead of industry trends.
The launch of GAIHEC further strengthens this leadership.
Unlike traditional hospitality institutions that primarily focus on classroom education, IIHM is actively shaping the future of the global hospitality industry by creating international platforms where education, technology and industry work together.
Students at IIHM will benefit from exposure to global AI developments, international research collaborations, expert-led conferences, workshops and evolving industry practices. They will graduate with both technical knowledge and the human-centric leadership skills needed in modern hospitality.
This gives IIHM students a significant advantage in an increasingly competitive global job market.
A Global Vision Supported by Industry Leaders
The launch of GAIHEC witnessed participation from some of the world’s most respected names in hospitality education and tourism.
IIHM Founder & Chief Mentor Dr. Suborno Bose, who also chairs the GAIHEC initiative, emphasised that Artificial Intelligence should strengthen—not replace—the values of hospitality.
Joining him were internationally renowned hospitality educators and professionals Prof. David Foskett, Ms. Anita Mendiratta, Mr. NSN Mohan, Kush Kapoor, and Dr. James Edmunds, all of whom reinforced the importance of preparing hospitality professionals to use AI responsibly while preserving the industry’s human essence.
Their collective vision aligns with IIHM’s belief that future hospitality professionals must be as comfortable working with intelligent technologies as they are delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Building the Hospitality Industry of Tomorrow
GAIHEC is more than a council—it is a global movement.
Over the coming years, it will facilitate curriculum innovation, faculty development, international research partnerships, policy recommendations and knowledge-sharing among hospitality institutions worldwide. It will also create opportunities for students to engage with cutting-edge AI technologies through conferences, collaborative projects and global forums.
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in hotels, tourism and guest services, graduates who understand both technology and hospitality will be the industry’s most valuable professionals.
By establishing GAIHEC, IIHM is not simply responding to change—it is helping define the future direction of hospitality education worldwide.
As India’s leading hospitality education institution with a growing global presence, IIHM continues to demonstrate that innovation, international collaboration and human values can coexist. Through GAIHEC, the institute is ensuring that tomorrow’s hospitality leaders are equipped to embrace AI confidently while preserving the empathy, service excellence and personal connections that will always remain at the heart of hospitality.
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