One Of The World’s
Biggest Hospitality Extravaganzas To Kickoff Tomorrow At FHRAI’s 51st
Annual Convention ‘BRAND INDIA’
Several Imminent Govt.
Dignitaries To Be Present On The Inaugural Day; 3 Day Convention To Host Series
Of Business Sessions, Exhibition & Awards Gala
Indore: The most extravagant hospitality annual conventions and
the much awaited 51st edition of The Federation of Hotel
and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) will kickoff tomorrow 22nd
Sept at the Amber Convention Center, 5pm onwards. Themed Brand India with
Madhya Pradesh (MP) as the host state, the Convention will have inaugural
session addressed by imminent Government dignitaries including Shri Shivraj
Singh Chauhan, Hon’ble Chief Minister of MP, Shri Surendra Patwa, State
Minister, Tourism and Culture, Govt. of MP, Shri Amitabh Kant, Chairman, Niti
Ayog, Smt. Malini Laxman Singh Gaur, Mayor of Indore among others.
The three
day convention will host an exhibition featuring the latest products and
technologies in hospitality along with a series of business sessions on varied
subjects and will conclude on 24th with a grand awards ceremony. The
FHRAI Awards will be conferred by Shri Surendra Patwa, State Minister, Tourism
and Culture, Govt. of MP, Shri Digvijay Singh, National General Secretary,
Indian National Congress and Shri Vinod Zutshi, Secretary, Minister of Tourism,
GoI.
“We are pleased to host the biggest celebration
ever of hospitality, in the heart of Incredible India – Indore. We, the
hospitality industry are the first glimpse, the first impression to guests who
visit India. It’s upon us to represent the best of India with its myriad colors
and colorful heritage. This year, under the emblem of Brand India we as a
sector are resolved to set new benchmarks in hospitality and tourism. Inspired
by the Hon’ Prime Minister’s vision based on the 5 Ts, ‘Talent, Tradition,
Tourism, Trade and Technology’ the 51st Convention will embody these
as intrinsic part of the theme,” says Mr. Bharat Malkani, President, FHRAI.
The Convention will encompass several sessions
and panel discussions on subjects ranging from New Age Payment Options, MP
Tourism - Investment Opportunities, Energy Sustainability in Hotels, Status of
FSSAI Implementation, Charting New Classification Standards, and Accessible
India Campaign, among others.
The present projection expects 10 million
tourists to visit India by the year 2020. This can only be achieved if 180,000
guestrooms are added at an estimated cost of Rs. 200,000 crores to the existing
supply of 120,000 guestrooms in all the classified categories from 1-star to
5-star. “This will require for the hotel industry to work inclusively with the
Govt. and the convention will serve as a great platform for presenting to the
various stakeholders including tourism authorities, policy makers, investors
and industry players the ways and means to make their valuable contributions,”
says Mr. Kamlesh Barot, Past President, Hotel and Restaurant Association of
Western India (HRAWI).
One facet of the convention will draw emphasis on
accommodating the increasing tourist arrivals in the country. The hospitality
industry plans to take up the challenge to set up the required tourism
infrastructure for this and complement the Government’s efforts to make Brand
India the beacon of growth in both products and services.
“It’s a
delightful moment for the Federation, its members and Indian hospitality
industry. The annual convention has evolved as the most important event for
hoteliers over the last 51 years. With each edition of this event, it has been
FHRAI’s sincere endeavor to not only surpass the high expectations of the
members, but also set new benchmarks in terms of innovation, excellence and
grandeur. We welcome you all to this event,” concludes Mr. Malkani.
About Federation
of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI):
The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant
Associations of India (FHRAI) is the apex body of the Indian Hospitality
industry. Founded in 1955, the
association has diligently built on its rich legacy and is today privileged to
serve as the leading voice of our industry and plays a seminal role in
supporting the growth trajectory of India's hospitality and tourism sector.
FHRAI provides a vibrant interface between the industry, government, regulatory
bodies, academia, international organizations, civil society and the media.
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. 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.