Category Archives: Associations

Pradeep Shetty, President, FHRAI, projected that the hospitality industry will contribute US $250 bn to India’s GDP by 2030, supporting 137 million jobs. He stressed on the role of long-term financing and regulatory reforms to achieve this vision, aiming for a US $3 tn contribution by 2047.

The Indian hospitality industry is primed to make a significant contribution to the country’s economy, according to Pradeep Shetty, President, Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI). Addressing the 54th FHRAI Annual Convention on Day 1, Shetty projected that the sector will contribute a substantial $250 billion to India’s GDP by 2030, supporting 137 million jobs. To achieve this ambitious target, Shetty emphasised the need for long-term financing and regulatory reforms. The industry aims to contribute $3 trillion to the GDP by 2047. FHRAI Calls for Regulatory Reforms Shetty highlighted the critical need for long-term financing in the sector, noting that current funding options are limited to 7-8 years. He urged the government to implement regulatory reforms, such as streamlined licensing procedures and single-window systems, to unlock the industry’s full potential. Hospitality Sector Outperforms Other Industries The Indian hospitality industry is already making a substantial impact on the economy, contributing 12-13 per cent to the GDP and employing over 12 per cent of the workforce. These figures surpass those of the automobile and IT sectors, highlighting the industry’s economic significance. Sector to Add 50,000-60,000 Rooms in Next Five Years The President announced that the hospitality sector is set to expand significantly, with plans to add between 50,000 and 60,000 new hotel rooms over the next five years. This expansion will further boost employment opportunities and contribute to the country’s economic growth. FHRAI Submits Ease of Doing Business Report To address the challenges faced by the industry, FHRAI has submitted a comprehensive report on the ease of doing business in hospitality to the government. The report focuses on critical areas for reform, including simplifying regulatory compliance, reducing licensing burdens, …

Aimed at providing support & resources to SMEs within the global travel & tourism sector, the WTTC launched ‘Together in Travel’ at its 2024 Global Summit in Perth, Western Australia. It is designed to provide SMEs with the tools & resources they need, ensuring their voices are heard on a global scale.

According to a report prepared by FHRAI, KPMG and PHDCCI, India’s sustainable tourism market is projected to grow at CAGR of 19.3 per cent by 2032. Eco-tourism alone is projected to expand by 15.7 per cent from 2019 to 2027, reaching a staggering market size of US$4.55 billion.

Newly elected TAAI President Sunil Kumar has said that the focus of the new team will be on members. “TAAI’s goodwill and its strength lies in its members. Members First is our mission. We aim to address their challenges, learning from their concerns, engaging them much more comprehensively in the overall design and administration of TAAI, through various means like member networking opportunities,” he said.

As technology is transforming the aviation sector, Ricardo Letosa, Head of Business Strategy, SITA, said, during CAPA India Digital Aviation Summit 2024, “85% pax want travel documents auto-linked to digital identity. In fact, we have provided digital ID enrolment, and biometrics to three AACO airlines.”

K Syama Raju has been elected as the President at the 68th AGM of FHRAI. Among other office-bearers are: Pradeep Shetty as VP (West); SK Jaiswal as VP (North); Nitin Kothari as VP (East); K Nagaraju as Hon. Secy; Garish Oberoi as Hon. Treasurer; Ashoke Singh and Nirav Gandhi as Jt. Hon. Secretary.

Jimmy Shaw, Managing Director, The Waterfront Shaw, Lavasa has been elected the new President of The Hotel and Restaurant Association Western India (HRAWI). The appointment took place during the 74th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Mumbai on 21st September, 2024, where new Office Bearers for the 2024-25 term were also appointed. In his new role, Shaw will continue to lead HRAWI’s efforts in spearheading various campaigns that cover critical facets of the hospitality industry, including food safety, regulatory advocacy, talent retention and development and sustainability. A third-generation hotelier, Shaw also serves as Director of Bona Sera Hotels and Shaw Hotels & Consultancy Services. In addition to his hospitality ventures, he is also the Managing Director of ShawMan Software and Director at IDS NEXT Business Solutions. Known for his advocacy within the industry, Shaw previously held the position of Honorary Secretary of HRAWI. “HRAWI has made significant progress, crossing many important milestones in recent years. The past committee’s leadership worked tirelessly to address member concerns and engage with the Government, facilitating swift resolutions where necessary. The Association has been proactive in addressing key challenges, from simplifying GST compliance to tackling issues like cyber-bullying and talent shortages. My goal is to continue this legacy and work in the best interest of our members and the hospitality sector as a whole. I am grateful to the Executive Committee for placing their trust in me and electing me as President,” said Jimmy Shaw, President, HRAWI. Under Jimmy Shaw’s leadership, HRAWI will continue engaging with the Government during the GST Council meetings and Union Budgets, collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism and making legal interventions to address industry-wide concerns. The Association will be particularly …

As part of the global celebrations for World Tourism Day, the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and Skal International, in collaboration with Goa Tourism, have organised a series of exciting and enriching activities on 27th September to highlight Goa’s cultural and historical heritage. With this year’s theme focusing on Tourism & Peace, three exclusive heritage walks have been curated to offer a deep dive into Goa’s rich history and local life. These walks are open to all, providing a unique opportunity to explore Goa like never before. In addition to the heritage walks, an exciting highlight of the celebrations includes the launch of a coffee table book at the cooking competition “Goencho Swad” by the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM). This event not only showcases Goa’s culinary traditions but also adds a literary touch, offering insights into the state’s diverse cultural and gastronomic heritage. Suneel Andhaka, IAS, Director, Tourism & Managing, GTDC stated “World Tourism Day is an opportunity to celebrate not just the beauty of Goa, but the stories, culture, and heritage that make it unique. Through initiatives like the Heritage Walks and the Stakeholders Meet, we aim to promote responsible tourism that respects our environment and communities while offering enriching experiences for travellers.” Jack Sukija, President, Travel & Tourism Association, Goa (TTAG) “These World Tourism Day events are designed to deepen the connection between visitors and Goa’s rich cultural heritage. By exploring our historic sites and engaging with local communities, we aim to foster a more immersive and sustainable approach to tourism that benefits both travellers and locals alike. We will also invite all our stakeholders from the travel trade to celebrate this year at the …