Indian School of Hospitality Announces Major Campus Expansion to Address India’s Booming Experience Economy
GURUGRAM, India – The Indian School of Hospitality (ISH) has announced a significant expansion of its flagship campus at INXT City Centre in Gurugram. The project, which will double the institution’s physical footprint, marks a strategic milestone in ISH’s “2030 vision” to meet the surging demand for skilled professionals across India’s rapidly evolving service and hospitality sectors.
Scaling to Meet National Growth
The expansion comes at a pivotal time for the Indian economy. According to recent data from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), travel and tourism generated $263.6 billion for India in 2025, accounting for 6.6% of the national GDP. Projections are even more ambitious, with the sector expected to reach $527 billion by 2036, effectively positioning India as the world’s fourth-largest travel and tourism economy.
This macro-growth is mirrored by a massive requirement for human capital. The WTTC ranks India second globally for projected workforce demand, with an estimated 11 million additional workers needed by 2035 across hospitality, aviation, luxury retail, and real estate.
“The hospitality sector is adding capacity faster than it is developing the leaders and talent required to support that growth,” said Kunal Vasudeva, Co-Founder and Managing Director of ISH. “This expansion gives us the capacity to take our ambition forward. We are building academic capacity and, most importantly, human capacity.”
A Blueprint for the Future
The expansion project will add 75,000 square feet to the existing site, bringing the total campus size to approximately 150,000 square feet. Developed in two phases over the next three years, the facility is designed to support a student population growth from the current 550 to nearly 1,200.
The new space will feature:
- Advanced professional kitchens and incubation labs.
- Specialist research centers and innovation hubs.
- Dedicated spaces for executive, professional, and continuing education.
- Collaborative communal areas designed to foster interdisciplinary learning.
Strengthening Global Alliances
As a constituent of the global network of Sommet Education—which operates over 20 campuses across 10 countries—the Indian School of Hospitality remains uniquely positioned to blend international academic standards with local industry insights.
Spencer Coles, CEO of Sommet Education, emphasized the strategic importance of the Gurugram campus. “India is one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality and culinary markets. As part of Sommet Education, ISH benefits from close collaboration with our Swiss hospitality and French culinary brands, bringing international academic excellence and industry connectivity to match the ambition of India’s rapidly growing sector.”
Broadening the Academic Horizon
While firmly rooted in hospitality and culinary arts, ISH is increasingly pivoting toward a broader ecosystem that encompasses business, entrepreneurship, and the luxury experience economy. Through its affiliations—including École Ducasse India and academic partnerships with Les Roches—the school provides students with a pathway to global careers while training them to lead the domestic market.
The expansion, which is subject to standard statutory approvals, is set to solidify ISH’s role as a cornerstone of professional development for the next decade of India’s service-oriented economy.
