FHRAI's kick starts 54th Annual Convention in Goa, focussed on tourism growth

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) launched its 54th Annual Convention at the Taj Cidade de Goa, Horizon, on October 16. The three-day event, running until October 18, was inaugurated by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Tourism, alongside Dr Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa. The convention has gathered around 800 delegates to explore the future of India's tourism and hospitality industry.

This year’s theme, “Tourism @2047: Incredible to Inevitable India – Driving Growth and Sustainability in a Mission Mode,” aims to align with India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. The discussions emphasise the role of tourism in driving economic growth and ensuring sustainable development in a mission-oriented manner. The event kicked off with a welcome address from DS Advani, Chairman of the Convention Organising Committee, and Pradeep Shetty, President of FHRAI.

During the inauguration, Shri 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 were clear, and there was 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. 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”

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 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”.He further added

A key moment of the day was the presentation of the Life Time Achievement Award to the late PRS Oberoi, honouring his significant contributions to India's hospitality sector. The Hall of Fame Award was also bestowed upon industry pioneers, including Lalit Suri, the late Capt CP Krishnan Nair, and Dr Ajit B Kerkar, recognising their groundbreaking work in the industry.

Rohan Khaunte, Honourable 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 FHRI, returning to this vibrant state after 12 long years. As we embark on this convention-themed “Tourism at Rate 2047: Incredible to Inevitable India,” we stand at the precipice of transformative change in Indian tourism. “This gathering provides a unique platform for meaningful discussions and collaborations aimed at reshaping our tourism landscape. Our shared vision is to build a $3 trillion tourism economy and welcome 100 million international visitors annually by 2047. To achieve this ambitious goal, we must prioritise sustainability, embrace technological advancements, and foster a skilled workforce”. “Our Commitment to these principles will position India as a pivotal player in global tourism, ensuring that it becomes a destination no traveller can resist. Together, let us forge a path toward realising the vision of “Vikast Bharat,” under the guidance of our Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The future of Indian tourism is bright, and with your collaboration, we can make it inevitable.” he further added.

The day concluded with a Vote of Thanks from Mr Vinay Albuquerque, Co-Chairman of the Convention Organizing Committee, followed by the inauguration of an exhibition by the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL). The exhibition showcases the latest advancements in the hospitality sector, offering delegates insights into emerging trends and technologies. The convention aims to inspire collaborative efforts for the industry's growth, positioning tourism as an important driver of India's economic future.

Pradeep Shetty, President of FHRAI, said, “The tourism sector has immense potential to transform India’s economy. As per various reports this industry as of now 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. 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. Furthermore, 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 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.