Panaji (Goa) [India], October 17 (ANI): The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), the third largest hospitality association in the world, began its 54th Annual Convention at the Taj Cidade de Goa, Horizon, on Thursday.
The three-day event, running from October 16 to 18, was inaugurated by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister for Tourism, Government of India, in the presence of Dr Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa.
The convention has brought together approximately 800 delegates to discuss the future of India’s tourism and hospitality industry.
The welcome address was delivered by D.S. Advani, Chairman of the Convention Organising Committee (COC), and Pradeep Shetty, President of FHRAI.
The theme for this year’s convention is “Tourism @2047: Incredible to Inevitable India – Driving Growth and Sustainability in a Mission Mode.” The focus is on identifying strategies to foster sustainable growth and innovation in India’s tourism sector, aligning with the national goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Discussions emphasised how tourism can drive economic growth and sustainability in a mission-oriented way.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Culture and Minister of Tourism, highlighted the importance of tourism in shaping India’s future.
He said, “The challenges faced by the tourism industry are clear, and there is a strong consensus on the necessity of granting industry status by the state government to effectively address these issues. Over the years, we have collaborated with various states, sharing best practices and government policies. On World Tourism Day, we compiled these insights and disseminated them widely, urging states to implement these strategies to bolster the sector. Our follow-ups have been consistent, emphasising the importance of these practices. Regarding our ongoing GST and infrastructure challenges, I took the initiative to request a meeting with the Finance Minister before this event, even amidst her commitments at the World Bank Summit.”
He further mentioned that discussions about granting infrastructure status to the industry were met with genuine attentiveness, and he was optimistic about positive outcomes from the talks.
“Under the leadership of our PM, India’s global standing is on the rise. Initiatives like ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ and ‘Chalo India’ aim to empower the Indian diaspora to promote our country. Notably, we recently offered one lakh free visas in celebration of World Tourism Day, and we are actively working with the Ministry of External Affairs to attract key international markets. As we strive to decongest popular tourist destinations and develop new offerings, I am committed to collaborating with states to propose large-scale projects. We must also focus on cultivating new tourism destinations, particularly in rural and lesser-known areas, to diversify our tourism landscape,” he added.
In closing, he extended his gratitude to the Government of Goa and the Chief Minister for hosting the conference, and he commended FHRAI for its relentless efforts.
Rohan Khaunte, Tourism Minister, Government of Goa, said, “It is with immense pride and joy that we gather here in Goa for the 54th annual convention of the FHRAI, returning to this vibrant state after 12 long years. I extend a warm welcome to all delegates from across the nation. Our beloved Goa, a land celebrated for its unparalleled hospitality, embodies the spirit of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’–a philosophy that guides our interactions with every visitor. As we embark on this convention themed ‘Tourism @ 2047: Incredible to Inevitable India,’ we stand at the precipice of transformative change in Indian tourism.”
Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, said, “Today, as we gather for this prestigious 54th annual FHRAI convention in Goa, it is a moment of immense pride and reflection. Tourism has always been one of India’s key strengths, but the time has come for us to transcend the status quo. With the ambitious goal of a $3 trillion tourism economy and 100 million annual foreign visitors by 2047, we are poised for transformation. From ‘Incredible India’ to ‘Inevitable India,’ our focus will be on sustainability, technological innovation, and building a skilled workforce.”
He further stated that Goa, with its unparalleled beauty and rich cultural heritage, stands as a beacon of Indian tourism.
“As we look forward to the future, it is crucial that industry leaders, policymakers, and all stakeholders come together to craft a roadmap that will position India as an indispensable force in global tourism. The future of Indian tourism is bright, and with collaborative efforts, we can ensure that India becomes a must-visit destination for travellers worldwide, a place where the phrase ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ continues to resonate in every experience,” he added.
Pradeep Shetty, President of FHRAI, said that the tourism sector has immense potential to transform India’s economy.
“As per various reports, this industry currently contributes around 9 per cent to India’s GDP. However, according to our estimates, we are contributing up to 12 to 13 per cent, as we believe much of the industry remains unorganised, with a staggering 80 per cent operating outside formal structures. As we look towards the goal of becoming a developed nation by the centenary of our independence, it is crucial to recognise and harness the capabilities of this sector. The tourism industry is unique in its ability to create jobs across all segments of society, from highly educated professionals to those with minimal formal education, such as gardeners and local artisans. This inclusivity is vital for fostering economic growth that benefits all citizens.”
He added that projections indicate that the addition of 50,000 to 60,000 new rooms in the next five years could significantly enhance employment opportunities, particularly for youth, women, and marginalised communities.
A highlight of the day was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to the late P.R.S. Oberoi, recognising his immense contributions to the Indian hospitality sector. Additionally, the Hall of Fame Award was presented to Lalit Suri, the late Capt. C.P. Krishnan Nair, and Dr Ajit B. Kerkar for their groundbreaking work in the industry. (ANI)
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