Mumbai Hotels Optimistic On 24/7
Operations On The Back Of Union Cabinet’s ‘Model Shops and Establishments’ Bill
Approval
Mumbai: The Hotel and Restaurant Association of
Western India (HRAWI) has welcomed the Union Cabinet’s decision to introduce
the ‘model shops and establishments’ bill and has expressed hope that Maharashtra,
Goa, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat Governments will amend the law in their
respective States at the earliest. The bill proposes to allow malls,
restaurants, multiplexes and other retail establishments to remain open 24/7.
When implemented, it could change the dynamics of business and nightlife,
especially in the cities. The Hon’ Chief Minister of Maharashtra although has
not yet declared his take on the bill, the hotel industry has expressed
optimism and is expecting an expedited implementation.
“Our association has been
advocating the proposal to make Mumbai a 24/7 city for quite a few years. With
the Union Government’s approval, this bill may just become a reality and if
implemented, it will be a landmark decision that will lead to increased
revenues, employment opportunities and safety for its citizens, especially
women,” says Mr. Bharat Malkani, President, HRAWI. “We welcome the centre’s
proposal and strongly urge our Hon’ CM, Shri. Devendra Fadanavis to make the
city 24/7 operational considering the positive outcomes of this decision,” he adds.
Last year, both the BMC and the
then Police Commissioner had in principle agreed to the association’s proposal
for a 24/7 Mumbai.
“An active night life offers many direct benefits
to the tourism and hospitality industry. Business travellers often spend an
extra night or two at destinations that have an active night life. Visitors,
especially from Europe and United States, have a culture of unwinding after a
day’s work. An extra night spent by tourists in Maharashtra can generate Rs.
603 crores as extra revenue for the government coffers,” concludes Mr. Kamlesh
Barot, past President, HRAWI.
About Hotel & Restaurant Association Western
India (HRAWI)
The Hotel and Restaurant
Association (Western India) is a 66 years old Association of Hotels and
Restaurants in Western India. Its members include smaller Hotels up to 5-Star
Deluxe categories. The bulk of its members like any growth economy are made up
of budget hotels. With around 1300 members across Western India, HRAWI covers
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa and the Union
Territories of Daman, Diu & Silvassa, and is considered to be the voice of
the Hotel Industry. The association is part of the national body of Federation
of the Hotels & Restaurants Associations of India (FHRAI), located in New
Delhi, which was originally founded in Mumbai in 1950 by the late Mr. J.R.D.
Tata.
For more
information about the association please visit: www.hrawi.com
No comments:
Post a Comment