Legacy, dedication and transformations

“When I joined the management committee of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Northern India (HRANI), the hospitality industry was very different. Except for the metros which had a few five star hotels, the mid and budget segments were unorganised. Tourism was not on the radar of policymakers. Except for its foreign exchange earning potential, not much attention was paid to it. The hotel industry was looked at as an industry for the rich and by the rich,” recalls SM Shervani, Managing Director, Shervani Hotels when questioned about his tenure in the management committee of HRANI.

Industry veteran Shervani recently announced his decision to step down from the managing committee of HRANI and Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) after a 35-year tenure. Over these three decades plus, he acted as the torchbearer of the industry, guiding owners and hoteliers through the ins and outs of its complexities.

Role of HRANI

Emphasising on the role of associations in empowering the industry and laying foundation to a hospitable working environment, he states, “Today, the hospitality landscape has totally changed. Its role in employment generation and skill development is well recognised. Our cuisine has travelled all over the world as an ambassador of the country. The hospitality associations should get the credit for the industry being recognised for its role in India’s growth story.”

Key milestones of the Association 

According to Shervani, “Delhi neither had an Association back then nor does it has one now. In fact, HRANI was started more as an association for Delhi,” he states. Pondering upon the key milestones of the association, he remarks, “We changed the Constitution and made sure the management committee was represented from all states in proportion to their membership. We fixed the tenure of the President which, at times, became born of contention as people would not leave the post. Additionally, bars were only permitted in five star hotels. It took a humongous effort and time to get a policy made for licences to be given to restaurants outside the hotels. We also hosted the first HRANI convention in Amritsar, the first regional one of northern India and was a huge success.”

Significant changes in the industry

Shervani has witnessed significant changes in the industry during his tenure. Expressing his enthusiasm regarding the transformations, he states, “There has been a massive change – the growth of middleclass domestic travellers has been phenomenal. We have great restaurants and great chefs. There has been a shift towards boutique and experiential travel. The customer is hugely knowledgeable and aware today. Also, there has been a massive growth of budget and mid-segment chains and an increased emphasis on health, hygiene and environment. Technology now plays a major role. The Internet has changed the world as well as the industry. Not to forget, Covid19 redefining the way we do housekeeping in hotels. I must say the industry was quick to adapt to all this.”

Principles and strategies

Not just as a managing committee member, Shervani, as an entrepreneur, has a certain set of principles and strategies that paved the way for him to become an industry veteran. According to him, the free exchange of ideas, bold initiatives, transparency and fair play go a long way in motivating the team and earning their confidence. “You must have your ear on the ground as the customer evolves and his needs and expectations change. You must keep in touch with the changing times. Earn your respect through your decisions and work and not just through your position,” he notes.

Leadership and industry growth 

Having worked alongside quite a few stalwarts, Shervani has witnessed successful business and impeccable leadership during his years in the industry. Shedding light on the importance of leadership and industry growth driven through association, he reflects, “The most important thing in an Association is to work for the industry, not for your own self. You must have the desire to do things for the industry. They did not profit from the Association but gave their time and counsel. In the bargain, they taught a lot to others who were busy people with successful businesses. They did not need the Association to be recognised nor did they stick to their posts, a major problem that causes associations to be stagnant. The leaders of the Association must be respected for their contributions and called by the policymakers for their inputs.”

Advantages of youth participation in Associations

“An Association is as good as its members. Therefore, it is important to involve all segments of the hotel and restaurant industry in the Association,” states Shervani, addressing the advantages of youth participation. He further adds, “We all know the industry has changed tremendously. It is not only meant to lobby with the Government, but to encourage fraternity and brotherhood among members, exchange ideas and promote networking. One gets to learn a lot from the young minds as well as their way of doing business and they get to share your experience. The Association must make place for the young by having an exit policy for its office-bearers, perhaps fixing tenures. Additionally, seminars and conferences must encourage the youth to tell their success stories, recognise and reward them. HRANI represents nine states, each with its own heroes and own stories to narrate.”

Staying connected to the hospitality industry 

Parting from the position he held and the role he performed across decades, it’s never too easy to leave. However, Shervani has an unwavering spirit to enhance the hospitality industry even further. “I’m still a member and available whenever needed. I had always advocated a WhatsApp group for the management committee to exchange ideas. I’m a member of IHM PUSA, New Delhi alumni group and other hospitality groups too. Being an alumni of an institution which has produced many of the giants in the industry today, helps keep in touch,” he voices regarding his duty to the association.

 Future of the Indian hospitality industry 

“The Indian hospitality industry has grown very quickly and continues to do so. Every conceivable brand is here and mid-segment and budget hotels too have seen phenomenal growth. We have some amazing restaurants and our chefs have done wonders with our cuisine and made it the 11th most popular cuisine in the world, so the story looks promising, Associations like FHRAI and HRANI need to be more representative of the industry so as not to lose their relevance,” he expresses with reference to the future of associations and the Indian hospitality industry.