The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), an apex body of four regional associations representing the Indian hospitality industry is holding its Golden Jubilee Convention on 25th, 26th and 27th September 2015 at Mayfair Lagoon and Convention, Bhubaneswar. Slated to be one of the biggest events in Hospitality and Tourism sector in India, the Convention theme is the much-adored Sanskrit verse Atithi Devo Bhava meaning ‘Guest is God. Odisha Tourism has also joined FHRAI as Partners of the event.
This high profile event is all set to witness participation of more than 800 delegates representing top echelons of the hospitality and tourism industry in India, leading hoteliers and other stakeholders in the industry.
The Golden Jubilee Convention will start with unveiling of Odisha 3D Map at Biju Patnaik Airport by Tourism Minister of Odisha Shri Ashok Chandra Panda earlier on the inaugural day.
The first technical session ‘Atithi Devo Bhava: The legacy continues’ of the golden jubilee convention will commence in the afternoon and will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Secretary of Odisha. The second session of the day will deliberate upon the crucial aspect of ‘Taxation in Indian Hospitality Industry-Challenges and Solutions’.
The formal inauguration ceremony of the three day convention will be graced by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha Shri Naveen Patnaik as the Chief Guest along with Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Mr. Jual Oram, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Culture and Tourism Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister Industries, School & Mass Education Odisha Mr. Debi Prasad Mishra, Minister Tourism Karnataka Mr. R V Deshpande and the Chief Patron of the event Shri Ashok Chandra Panda, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism and Culture, Government of Odisha.
A special handicraft exhibition ‘Pipili Bazaar’ showcasing rich handicraft products of Odisha will also be inaugurated during the occasion.
The second day of the Convention will have technical sessions on ‘Odisha Tourism – Opportunities Unlimited’, ‘Skill Development in Hospitality Industry’, Voice from the top, ‘Hotel Design – Futuristic Hotels’. Union Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Mr. Rajiv Pratap Rudy will be the guest speaker in the Skill Development technical session. Folk dances and cultural programs by well-known artistes from the state will be part of Odisha Day. Since a large number of entrepreneurs from hospitality industry will be present, Odisha Tourism will make a presentation showcasing the potential of Odisha and invite them to set up hospitality and tourism ventures in the state. CMD, IPICOL will address a special session on Investment Opportunities in Odisha.
The concluding day of the convention will see one of its kind colourful extravaganza of ‘World Tourism Day Walk & Carnival’ in the morning, which will be followed by technical sessions on ‘Social media & Technology- Influence on Hospitality Business’ and another on ‘Restaurants of the future’ along with a dedicated session on the topic ‘Online portals – boon or bane’.
Speaking on the FHRAI Golden Jubilee Convention Shri Tejinder Singh Walia, President FHRAI said, “It is a proud privilege for FHRAI that for the first time FHRAI convention is being held in a tier-II city in eastern India. Besides the regional growth perspective, the three day convention will be significant nationally as it will discus, debate and deliberate upon the growth opportunities along with major issues concerning the industry in terms of policies, multiple taxation and possible impact of GST on the industry, inordinate delay in approvals and licensing conditions etc. The long standing demand on the industry to be accorded infrastructure status is also expected to gain prominence at this event. The thirteen states and a union territory comprising the eastern India have immense tourism potential and we are confident that this event will be a catalyst for the growth of tourism in the region.”
Mr. Dilip Ray, Chairman Convention Committee said this convention is a great opportunity for the state of Odisha to showcase its rich cultural heritage and beautiful tourist destinations to attract investors into the state. The federation’s golden jubilee convention will provide golden era of investment in the hotel industry and new players who are visiting the state to invest in a big way.
World Tourism Day Walk & Carnival:
The World Tourism Day Walk & Carnival will essentially be a cultural extravaganza with around 7 – 8 floats specially designed for this Carnival on different themes related to Tourism sector like World Tourism, Odisha Tourism, FHRAI and few others on different tourism related themes like Culture, Wildlife, Tribal Life etc. Musical bands of Odisha police, Indian Navy along with around 15 Dance Troupes from across the country, hundreds of students in colourful attires along with bikers and Vintage Cars will be part of the entourage in this Carnival. Consul Generals from four Countries France, Italy, USA and Thailand will be part of the carnival, which will be flagged off by His Excellency Governor of Odisha Dr. S C Jamir.
About FHRAI
Spread across the country, FHRAI has 3,876 members comprising 2,557 hotels, 1,216 restaurants, 99 associate members and four regional associations. The wide membership base makes it the world’s third largest association of its kind. It is the voice of the hospitality industry in India, which directly provides employment to more than 17 million people.
FHRAI is committed to the industry’s progress and through its various activities like education and training, research and publications and annual convention to promote interaction with the Government, regulators and other stakeholders.