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GOA, 17 OCTOBER 2024:
The Federation of Hotel & 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, today. The three-day event, running from October 16th to 18th, was inaugurated by Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Tourism, 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 Mr. D.S. Advani, Chairman of the Convention Organizing Committee (COC), and Mr. 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 that will foster sustainable growth and innovation in India’s tourism sector, aligning with the national goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Discussions emphasised on how tourism can drive economic growth and sustainability in a mission-oriented way.
During the inauguration, Mr. 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. 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. 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”.
“Under the leadership of our Prime Minister, 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 visas for free 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. In closing, I extend my gratitude to the Government of Goa and the Chief Minister for hosting this conference, and I commend FHRAI for its relentless efforts. It is an honour to be part of this vital conversation.” he added.
Mr. 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 FHRI, 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 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. Goa, with its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, remains at the forefront of this journey. We are expanding our tourism horizons beyond the coast to encompass the inland treasures of our state. Through initiatives focused on sustainable tourism, cultural experiences, and digital innovation, we aspire to become a holistic tourism hub. In closing, I express my gratitude to the organisers and all stakeholders involved in this endeavour. Together, let us forge a path toward realising the vision of “Vikast Bharat,” under the guidance of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The future of Indian tourism is bright, and with your collaboration, we can make it inevitable.” he further added.
Dr. 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-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, “Goa, with its unparalleled beauty and rich cultural heritage, stands as a beacon of Indian tourism, and we are proud to lead the way. 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.”
Mr. 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 9% to India’s GDP. However, as per our estimates, we are almost contributing up to 12 to 13% in the GDP, as we believe, much of this industry remains unorganised, with a staggering 80% 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 recognize 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 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.
A highlight of the day was the presentation of the LifeTime Achievement Award to Late Mr. P.R.S. Oberoi, recognizing his immense contributions to the Indian hospitality sector. Additionally, the Hall of Fame Award was presented to Mr. Lalit Suri, Late Capt. C.P. Krishnan Nair, and Dr. Ajit B. Kerkar, for their groundbreaking work in the industry.
The day concluded with a Vote of Thanks from Mr. Vinay Albuquerque, Co-Chairman of the COC, followed by the Inauguration of the Exhibition by the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL). The exhibition will feature the latest innovations and advancements in the hospitality sector, providing delegates with opportunities to explore new trends and technologies.
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