The 53rd FHRAI Annual Convention, which was held at the Ramada Hotel & Convention centre at Lucknow ended on 22nd September 2018 in Lucknow.
Mr. Harish Chandra, Director – IT, Sarovar Hotels Pvt Ltd spoke of alignment of IT for the Hospitality sector in his session “How Traditional Hotels Should Survive in Modern World”. Stand alone insightful sessions by Mr. Saibal Roy, VP & Head, NCR, Airtel Business on “Guest Experience in a Connected World” and another on “Use of Block Chain, AI and New Evolving Next Gen Technologies in Travel & Hospitality Industry by Mr. Ajith Nayar, Co-Founder and CMO, CamCom kept the audience glued to their seats.
While speaking at the FHRAI Hospitality Awards, Chief Guest Dr. Dinesh Sharma, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Uttar Pradesh, said “There are different types of Tourism in India- Eco, Spiritual, Heritage, Ayurveda & Yoga, and based on these some states like Kerala have performed exceptionally well in grooming their tourism Industry and generating revenues. UP Government too has been working on improving Connectivity- both Infrastructure & Digital, across the state to attract investments in Travel & Hospitality segments”
Speaking of Development of tourism hubs, which prominently comprise Ramayan Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Sufi Circuit, that have diversified the scope of Spiritual Tourism in the State, he further added, “We want to set up such an example in our state that our hotels & tourism business becomes the foremost sign of development of UP”.
A consensus among the industry was also that technology is enabling business. Perception of technology has to change depending on the demographics & geography of the Hotel. Use of Block Chain, AI and next gen technologies could be deployed in Travel & Hospitality Industry, but simultaneously also avoiding the breach of privacy. Indian Tourism Industry has a potential to create more jobs and would benefit from a lower tax slab of 5% and Northern Hotels doing Mice be passed down the IGST benefits
Mr Garish Oberoi, President, FHRAI asked the industry’s longstanding demand for infrastructure status for projects worth Rs 25 crore and above as well as for creating the right infrastructure to increase the footfall of high-spending Tourists.
The Minister then presided over the coveted Annual FHRAI Awards which was followed by a cultural evening performance by renowned Bollywood singer, Shibani Kashyap.
Themed on Spiritual & Wellness Tourism, the Annual Convention has already seen an excellent opportunity for the delegates from across the country networking with top policy makers, captains of industry, top notch entrepreneurs, global experts and distinguished representatives from civil society. Around 1400 delegates from India and abroad attended the Convention, which included prominent hoteliers and all major stakeholders from the Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
The convention serves as a platform to showcase the contemporary trends, cutting edge technologies and international best practices in the rapidly growing hospitality Industry. The convention will provide the significant forum in the country for its innovative ideas and suggestions that can turnaround the hospitality industry.
