Tourism and hospitality have long been celebrated asthe heart of India’s cultural and economic identity. In recent years, with India’s rising global stature, the sector has witnessed remarkable growth and transformation. At the forefront of this evolution stands Mrs. Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson of the Tourism and Hospitality Sector Skill Council (THSC), whose vision and leadership are shaping the future of skill development in this vibrant industry.
A seasoned leader and a passionate advocate for the sector, Mrs. Mayal has dedicated her career to strengthening India’s tourism landscape, ensuring that its workforce is not only prepared to meet global service standards but also carries forward the essence of Indian hospitality. A Delhi University graduate with expertise in Interior Designing and Travel & Tourism, she has nurtured New Airways Travels since 1980, transforming it into a leading name in the industry & then establishing Red Hat Communications, a leading consulting, marketing & events company.
As President of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Mrs. Mayal has championed bold
initiatives, strengthened partnerships with key ministries and global stakeholders, and consistently raised the bar for the sector. Her dynamic platforms — ICONIC Forum &Awards, TIES (The Iconic Experiences Show), and WTTF (World Travel & Tourism Festival) bring together global leaders & the industry to shape the future of tourism, wellness, experiences and sustainability.
She has successfully launched “Wellness, Tourism & Education” among children starting from the young age of 3 years under the banner of “Jack & Jill” and runs a campaign for the Prime Minister’s Vision,“Save the Girl Child”. A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, she has trained and placed over 700 women in the industry, proving that skilling drives lasting change.
Honoured with prestigious awards like the Shakti Woman of Power (2023), the Industry Icon Award (2025) and the recent Face of South Asia by SATA (South Asian Travel Awards – 2025), among others, Mrs. Mayal continues to inspire as a powerful voice and driving force in the world of travel and tourism.
Under her guidance, THSC is playing a pivotal role in bridging skill gaps, empowering youth and aligning India’s tourism potential with international opportunities In this exclusive conversation with our Executive Editor, Mrs. Suhani Nagpal, Mrs. Mayal reflects on her personal journey, shares
her perspective on India’s tourism story over the past decade, and outlines a forward-looking vision for creating a skilled and globally competitive workforce for the future.
Here are the excerpts:
Suhani: Ma’am, thank you so much for giving us this opportunity to connect with you. As our upcoming issue is headed to ITB Asia, we’re honoured to feature someone who is such a prominent face of Indian tourism on the global stage. To begin, you’ve had a truly inspiring journey in the tourism and hospitality industry. Could you share how it all started for you?
Jyoti Mayal: Thank you, Suhani, for saying those lovely words. It’s always a pleasure talking about tourism, and more so, talking about India, a country with such a rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes.
My journey started when I met my husband at the very young age of 19, and I didn’t even know what tourism or a travel agent was. My husband was one of the largest & highest acknowledged travel consolidators in this country, and his business was at its peak. He became the president of the Travel Agent Association of India in 2004. For me, he became my idol, and that is what inspired me to get involved in tourism more and more.
I realised a lot was lacking in the industry, and I saw immense potential for growth and improvement. That’s why I got more and more involved, sharing my thoughts and ideas. My journey with TAAI began many years ago, progressing from regional involvement to the management committee and eventually becoming the President – the longest-serving one, for that matter.
I held the position of President for 5 years, which coincided with the challenging Covid period. Despite the obstacles, TAAI achieved a lot during my tenure. Some of the key accomplishments included securing refunds of very huge amounts from the airlines and stakeholders, facilitating the reopening of the country for tourism, and providing critical support to the tourism fraternity. I worked relentlessly to motivate, upskill, and educate industry professionals, helping them navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Additionally, I advocated on their behalf in dealings with government bodies, airlines, and other stakeholders to ensure their interests were represented and protected. Various other challenges of GST, policies, visa issues, and others were resolved. Giving back to the industry and making a positive impact is what motrivates me and gives me a sense of fulfilment.
Suhani: Right, ma’am. You began your journey at just 19 years old, and today you’ve also risen to become the Chairperson of the Tourism and Hospitality Sector Council. What key moments and experiences shaped this incredible journey?
Jyoti Mayal: When I looked at tourism, I realised the first impression is often shaped by the person receiving guests at the airport, railway station, or port, and the next by the driver or transportation partner. I felt that these individuals should possess more knowledge. A good driver should feel like a guide, not just a cab driver.
This observation highlighted the importance of soft skills in our industry. As I interacted with fresh graduates from hospitality academies who came to my office with job applications, I noticed they often lacked in-depth knowledge of the subject. This sparked
a desire in me to contribute to the industry’s growth.
Before becoming TAAI President, I joined the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) Governing Body. I was approached by the then Chairman of THSC, who recognised my contributions and felt I could represent the skilling industry. Since then, I’ve been deeply involved with THSC, which has Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with nearly 310 universities across the country. I regularly visit universities to understand students’ needs and explore ways to bring about change.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, we realised that our existing courses were no longer relevant, so we revamped them, introducing 70 new ones. I firmly believe that tourism is about the experience we offer travellers, and this depends on having skilled people. Whether it’s hotels, travel agents, airlines, or cruises, every part of the industry needs well-trained staff. While technical skills may vary, so skills are deeply rooted in our culture.
We’ve grown up with the philosophy of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava,’ which emphasises the importance of treating guests with respect and care. This tradition makes Indian hospitality unique, and we must pass it on to the next generation.
Reflecting on my journey, I attribute my growth to various key moments and experiences. Starting at 19, I was driven by a passion for the industry and a desire to make a difference. As I progressed, I took on new challenges and responsibilities, including my role as Chairperson of the Tourism and Hospitality Sector Council.
This journey has taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. My most important thought is that I need to give back to the industry & society as I have learned & earned all from here.