Tag Archives: HRAWI

HRAWI is gearing up to host its flagship ‘Empowering Hospitality’ conclave and awards ceremony in Nashik on 28 February. The event aims to promote industry collaboration and recognise hospitality leaders for their contributions to the sector. “The conclave is aimed at promoting knowledge-sharing and equipping professionals with tools to navigate today’s dynamic market,” said Jimmy Shaw, President, HRAWI.

Celebrating its 75 years of leadership in hospitality, Jimmy Shaw, President, HRAWI, said, “We are set to roll out special initiatives and commemorative events throughout the year to elevate the hospitality sector. As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our dedication to promoting growth, advocating for progressive policies, driving sustainability and strengthening India’s position as a global tourism hub.”

HRAWI advises members on responsible festive season practices The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI has issued a comprehensive advisory for its members to ensure smooth and lawful operations during the upcoming festive season. The guidelines, aimed at maintaining safety, compliance and guest satisfaction, encompass specifics including operational timings, promoting responsible bar tending and drinking, staff contribution transparency and adherence to noise and music regulations. Members are reminded to comply with locally permitted hours and secure necessary licenses for special events; strict age restrictions for alcohol consumption through display of appropriate signage and initiatives like valet and ride-hailing services to deter drink-and-drive incidents. The advisory also instructs F&B establishments to adhere to permissible decibel levels and enforce music cut-off times and to obtain permissions for live events in advance. HRAWI thanks the Maharashtra Government for allowing hotel and restaurant establishments in the State to operate till 5 am on the 31st of December 2024. “Our goal is to ensure a festive season that is enjoyable for patrons while being compliant with local laws. Adhering to these guidelines will promote goodwill and maintain the integrity of the hospitality industry. Collaboration with local authorities is essential to preventing incidents and promoting safety during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. We urge our members to proactively support initiatives like responsible bar tending and drinking including the right to refusal; provision of valet services and, following music and noise regulations,” says Pradeep Shetty, Spokesperson, HRAWI. HRAWI has further advised members to ensure service charges to be capped at 10 per cent, transparently communicated and fairly distributed among staff. The measure aims to safeguard customer trust and prevent any disputes. The advisory also highlights …

Pradeep Shetty, President, HRAWI & FHRAI won the DDP Trailblazer award at the India Travel Awards. Upon receiving the award, he said, “Awards like these play a vital role in boosting the morale of the younger generation and inspiring them to consider careers in hospitality. This recognises the efforts made by the hospitality industry at large, by the owners and associations, all of whom are behind me and supporting me. It also inspires us to do much more.”

HRAWI presented inputs for curating the Maharashtra Convention Promotion Bureau to Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), a council to promote the state as an attractive and suitable location for hosting conferences, conventions, and business events, considering that events boost economic development and accelerate tourism in the state.

Pradeep Shetty, President, HRAWI has said that their upcoming convention is poised to achieve big goals in tourism, “Our convention in Goa aims to drive growth in a sustainable manner, aligning with India’s vision of achieving 100 mn tourists by 2047 and a $3 tn hospitality tourism economy.” he added.

HRAWI recommends reform in GST framework for restaurants within hotel premises. “The sudden jump in GST from 5 per cent to 18 per cent when room rates exceed ₹7500/-, creates uncertainty for guests and places hotels at a disadvantage. We have submitted a representation to the Government,” said Pradeep Shetty, President, HRAWI.

Pradeep Shetty, President, HRAWI, said that the implementation of industry status will offer waivers and reliefs which are critical for the growth of hospitality. “We anticipate the forthcoming policy will promote the growth of tourism in Vidarbha and Maharashtra at large,” he added.

Concerned over rising incidences of online hotel rooms booking frauds and instances of targeted smear campaigns on social media against hospitality brands, HRAWI will take up the issue with the concerned Government authorities and law enforcement agencies.

The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) has submitted a representation to the Maharashtra Government requesting for an immediate rollback of the 15 per cent hike in the Excise Licence Fee for FY 2022-23. Citing the unpredictable nature of restrictions and other measures that may come into effect, if and when another pandemic wave breaks out, the Association has also requested that the Government offers a 50 per cent waiver on the fee for FY 2022-23. “Through the last two years, restaurants continued paying for salaries, property taxes, statutory fees, electricity, water and other overheads. However, license holders were unable to carry out the business due to the restrictions imposed by the State. The restaurant industry was severely affected with none to low footfalls. In the pre-pandemic days, the industry did not flinch while paying the excise licence fees but today, it is a different story,” concludes Mr Pradeep Shetty, Sr. Vice President, HRAWI.