The 56th FHRAI Annual Convention brings India’s hospitality leaders to Varanasi for three days of ideas, culture and industry-shaping conversations
The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), the apex body representing India’s hospitality industry, is set to host the 56th FHRAI Annual Convention from 21st to 23rd August 2026 at Taj Ganges, Varanasi, under the inspiring theme “Ananta Kashi: Leading the Future of Tourism through Spirit, Culture, Cuisine and Craft.”
Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, with Uttar Pradesh Tourism as the Partner State, the three-day convention will be one of India’s largest and most influential hospitality and tourism gatherings. The event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, hospitality professionals, tourism stakeholders, and thought leaders to deliberate on the future of India’s tourism and hospitality sector.
The prestigious convention is expected to witness the participation of Shri Yogi Adityanath, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, as the Chief Guest, along with Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Minister of Tourism & Culture, Government of India, Shri. Satish Mahana as Guest of Honour Speaker, Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha
Shri Jaiveer Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism & Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Ravindra Jaiswal, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Government of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Rohan Khunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Bhuvnesh Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Suman Billa, IAS, Additional Secretary & Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Amrit Abhijat, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, Government of Uttar Pradesh, along with several other senior policymakers and distinguished industry leaders.
The convention will also feature an impressive line-up of global hospitality leaders and industry stalwarts, including Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO, IHCL (Taj Group), Anil Chadha, Managing Director, ITC Hotels, Dimitris Manikis, President & Managing Director – EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, K.B. Kachru, Chairman – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director & COO – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, Zubin Saxena, Senior Vice President & Regional Head – South Asia, Hilton, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director – South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director – Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Jatin Khanna, CEO, Sarovar Hotels, Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts, Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, President, Lemon Tree Hotels along with several other leading voices from India’s hospitality ecosystem.
The inaugural ceremony on 21st August will feature welcome addresses by the leadership of FHRAI and eminent industry personalities. The evening will also host the FHRAI Bharat Gaurav Awards, honouring distinguished personalities for their outstanding contribution to the cultural and artistic heritage of Varanasi. Delegates will also witness vibrant cultural performances celebrating the city’s timeless traditions, followed by the inauguration of the exhibition and a networking gala dinner.
Throughout the three-day convention, delegates will participate in high-impact business sessions covering key issues and emerging opportunities shaping the future of the hospitality industry, including:
- Building resilient hospitality brands and future-ready business strategies
- Spiritual, wellness and experiential tourism
- Weddings and destination celebrations
- Sustainable hospitality design and infrastructure
- MICE tourism and India’s emergence as a global events destination
- Gastronomy and culinary tourism
- Ease of Doing Business and tourism policy reforms
- Technology, AI and digital transformation in hospitality
- The evolving future of restaurants and food service businesses
- Emerging opportunities for travel agents and tour operators
Beyond business deliberations, the convention has been thoughtfully designed to showcase the spiritual and cultural grandeur of Varanasi. Delegates will experience curated visits to Swarved Mahamandir Dham, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the iconic Ganga Aarti at Namo Ghat, and the unforgettable Subah-e-Banaras Cruise Ride, offering an authentic immersion into one of the world’s oldest living cities.
The convention will conclude with the Valedictory Session, featuring the FHRAI Excellence Awards for Hospitality Students and the Hospitality Industry, recognising outstanding contributions towards strengthening India’s tourism and hospitality ecosystem.
Shri Surendra Kumar Jaiswal, President, FHRAI, said, “The 56th FHRAI Annual Convention will serve as a landmark platform for meaningful dialogue on the future of Indian tourism and hospitality. Hosted in the spiritual capital of India, the convention reflects our vision of combining heritage with innovation while creating opportunities for industry collaboration, policy discussions and sustainable growth. We look forward to welcoming delegates from across India and abroad to Varanasi for this prestigious gathering.”
Garish Oberoi, Vice President, FHRAI, said, “It is our privilege to welcome delegates from across India and around the world to the 56th FHRAI Annual Convention in the sacred city of Varanasi. This convention has been thoughtfully designed to encourage meaningful dialogue, foster partnerships, and inspire new ideas that will shape the future of India’s hospitality and tourism sector. We look forward to providing every participant with an enriching blend of business, culture and unforgettable experiences.” The 56th FHRAI Annual Convention is expected to reinforce India’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic tourism destinations while fostering collaboration, innovation, investment, sustainability, and policy reforms that will shape the next phase of growth for the hospitality industry.
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