The V. M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE) recently played host to the members of SKAL Goa.
The visiting delegates included tourism and travel industry leaders Ernest Dias, President Skal Goa (COO – TCI), Shekhar Diwadkar, Secretary (Alcon Hotels -Division Head), Menino Proenca, Director (Marinha Dourada, Arpora), Charles Bonifacio, Hospitality Consultant; Mario Sequeira, Director Accasia Palms and – Tonia Distillery and Carl Costa, Director, Young Skal Goa.
The group was received by the team from VMSIIHE and taken on a detailed campus tour which was followed by a meeting and interaction with students of the institute. Upon their guided tour of the college, the SKAL Club of Goa was pleasantly surprised at the facilities in the college. “To certify a hotel with a starred rating, we have some criteria and the facilities here meet all those criteria. I think the set-up, equipment, planning, plumbing and flooring are par excellence and of international standards. This is one of the best hotel management institutes we have seen in recent times,” said Bonifacio.
The stalwarts also shared some of their views on the industry trends. Given the pandemic and its very direct effect on the hospitality industry, the club members point that they’ve had to rethink their strategies. “The bookings and cancellations, especially from Indian tourists, fluctuated with every news bulletin. The moment Goa opened up for tourism, there were bookings coming in. The industry is picking up now,” said Costa.0
“Germany, UK, Japan, Switzerland, Russia and Spain which brought in huge chunks of the charter business has slowed down due to the current situation. With the rollout of the vaccines, we are optimistic that things will certainly improve in the coming season,” said Dias.
The members interacting with the students also spoke about SKAL International’s new initiatives and extended their support to the institute with internships and placement opportunities.
“SKAL International has regional as well as international chapters like we do in Goa. At the Goa chapter, we organize a lot of initiatives that can create a better connection between students and the industry. We are keen to explore a collaboration with VMSIIHE and start a chapter here at this institute which is possibly one of the best hospitality institutes,” said Costa
He added, “From the time we entered the front gate to the time we exited, the experience was nothing less than 5 stars. We were taken around the entire campus and were satisfied and happy that such a world-class establishment exists here in Goa. The infrastructure including kitchens, classrooms, and demo rooms are well equipped and fully functional from an industry standpoint. The demo guest rooms are well laid out. The Ball Room on the campus will rival any 5-star hotel property in the neighborhood. At the end of our visit all of us were convinced and confident that in the near future, the next generation of hospitality captains will emerge from this prestigious institute.”
Speaking to the students, the members had a lot to share from their experience in the field. “You have to keep abreast with what is happening in the industry right from your first day at work. There are sacrifices you will have to make, be it family time, holidays, sometimes working two shifts in a row and then working the next day as well. Hospitality needs a lot of dedication and commitment and if you have that, you will excel at your job,” advised Proenca.
