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The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) inaugurated its 54th Annual Convention at the picturesque Taj Cidade de Goa, Horizon, on October 16. This significant three-day event, set to run until October 18, was officially opened by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Union Minister for Tourism, who emphasised the importance of collaboration in revitalising the tourism sector. He was joined by Pramod Sawant, the Chief Minister of Goa, who highlighted the state's pivotal role in promoting tourism and hospitality in India.
The convention in Goa has attracted approximately 800 delegates, including industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from the hospitality sector. Attendees are set to engage in insightful discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities to explore innovative strategies and solutions for the future of India's tourism and hospitality industry. Key topics include sustainability, digital transformation, and enhancing customer experiences, all essential for navigating the sector's evolving landscape in the post-pandemic era.
This year’s theme, “Tourism @2047: Incredible to Inevitable India – Driving Growth and Sustainability in a Mission Mode,” embodies India’s ambitious vision to evolve into a developed nation by 2047. The event opened with inspiring addresses from DS Advani, Chairman of the Convention Organising Committee, and Pradeep Shetty, President of FHRAI, setting a powerful tone for the discussions ahead.
During the inauguration, Shekhawat emphasised the significance of tourism in shaping India’s future. He noted the clear challenges faced by the tourism industry and the strong agreement on the need for the state government to grant it industry status to effectively tackle these issues. ”Over the years, we have collaborated with various states, sharing best practices and government policies. 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. Our in-depth conversation about infrastructure status to this industry and its implications was met with genuine attentiveness, and I am optimistic about positive outcomes from our discussions”.
“Today, as we gather for this prestigious 54th annual FHRAI convention in Goa, it is a moment of immense pride and reflection”, said Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa. “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 three trillion-dollar 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”.
One of the most impactful moments of the day was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to the late PRS Oberoi, honouring his unparalleled contributions to India's hospitality sector. Additionally, the prestigious Hall of Fame Award was bestowed upon industry trailblazers, including Lalit Suri, the late Captain CP Krishnan Nair, and Dr. Ajit B. Kerkar, all revered for their revolutionary impact on the industry. Their legacies continue to inspire future generations.
Rohan Khaunte, the Honourable Tourism Minister of the Government of Goa, emphasised that the gathering was an exceptional platform for impactful discussions and partnerships to transform the tourism industry. He stated that the goal is to create a $3 trillion tourism economy and attract 100 million international visitors by 2047. Achieving this ambitious vision requires focusing on sustainability, leveraging technological innovations, and developing a skilled workforce. He added that by committing to these principles, India can be positioned as a leading force in global tourism, making it an irresistible destination for travellers.
Pradeep Shetty, President of FHRAI, stated that tourism has immense potential to transform India’s economy. He emphasised that, according to various reports, this industry currently contributes around nine per cent to India’s GDP. “However, as per our estimates, we are almost contributing up to 12 to 13 per cent in the GDP, as we believe, much of this industry remains unorganised, with a staggering 80 per cent of it operating outside formal structures. As we look toward 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."
Shetty stated that the tourism industry is unique in generating jobs for all segments of society, ranging from highly educated professionals to those with minimal formal education, such as local artisans. This inclusivity is essential for promoting economic growth that benefits all citizens.
Furthermore, said Shetty, 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 our youth, women, and marginalised communities.
“Some of the issues that I would like to highlight is the high GST rate that that are prevalent here, and if we have to compete with any of our close, competitive Southeast Asian countries, most of them are single visit, GST While significant progress has been made in recent years, the implementation of these reforms is crucial. The final mile of execution often poses the greatest challenge. It is time for us to move from an era of mere promise to one of tangible outcomes, ensuring that the tourism sector becomes a true engine of growth for our nation. The time is now to act decisively, harnessing the capabilities of this sunrise sector to create a brighter future for all." he added.
The day wrapped up with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Vinay Albuquerque, Co-Chairman of the Convention Organising Committee. Following this, attendees were treated to the inauguration of an engaging exhibition hosted by the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL). This exhibition showcases the latest innovations in the hospitality industry, providing delegates with crucial insights into emerging trends and technologies. By encouraging collaboration, the convention strives to accelerate the industry's growth, underlining tourism's vital role in shaping India’s economic landscape.
