HRAWI’s 20th Regional Convention Ignites Momentum for Hospitality Excellence in India

The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI marked a major milestone with the inauguration of its 20th Regional Convention at Taj Lands End, Mumbai, celebrating 75 years of hospitality excellence. The event brought together industry leaders, government dignitaries, and hospitality stalwarts.

Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Chief Guest, MP and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, delivered an inspiring keynote, calling tourism and hospitality the “mirrors of a nation’s soul.” He urged the industry to focus on three pillars — Image, Infrastructure, and Immigration — to realise India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. “Let us not just build a developed India but a Welcoming India,” he said, highlighting the sector’s vital role in employment and soft power.

With Maharashtra Tourism as the State Partner, the event saw the presence of dignitaries including Dr. Atul Patne, Principal Secretary, Tourism Department, Government of Maharashtra; Mr. Neelesh Gatne (IAS), MD, MTDC; Mr. Mohamed Farouk, Regional Director (Western & Central Region), India Tourism Mumbai; and Mr. Surendra Kumar Jaiswal, President, FHRAI.

Dr. Patne emphasized the new Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024, designed to offer incentives such as Capital Investment Subsidies and SGST reimbursements to promote sustainable development. Dr. B.N. Patil reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ease of doing business and single-window clearances for hospitality projects, particularly in MICE and wellness tourism.

HRAWI President Mr. Jimmy Shaw highlighted the association’s 75-year legacy and urged inclusion of bars and restaurants under the 24/7 operational policy. He also called for ITC reinstatement in GST, aligning with the Government’s Viksit Bharat 2047 goals.

MTDC’s Mr. Gatne announced new projects including the development of Maratha Military Landscapes (now a UNESCO Heritage site) and the introduction of India’s first underwater tourism experience by scuttling INS Guldar off the Sindhudurg coast.

The convention also honoured Dr. Ajit B. Kerkar and Mr. Vivek Nair with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their exceptional contributions to the industry.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Nirav Gandhi, Senior Vice President, HRAWI.