“We have to keep pushing & making noises for policy implementation” – Pradeep Shetty, HRAWI

HRAWI marks its 20th Regional Convention at Taj Lands End, Mumbai, celebrating 75 years of hospitality excellence.

The Indian hotel industry is brimming with potential, driven by rising disposable income, evolving behaviours in consumers, growth in demand-supply balance, rising investments, and more. While demand peaks between October and April, yet challenges like policy gaps, licensing hurdles, shortage of skilled workforce, have often stifled growth, particularly for regional and smaller hotel players.

In a bid to address these challenges and unlock the sector’s true potential, the Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI, strategically hosts its 20th Regional Convention in Mumbai in October. The event, celebrating 75 years of hospitality excellence, aimed to bring together industry leaders, government dignitaries, and stalwarts of the hospitality sector.

Pradeep Shetty, Hon. Secretary at HRAWI, reflected on the industry’s challenges, growth, and future prospects. “The response has been phenomenal, especially because it is the 75th year of the association. We have had all our past presidents from 20 years ago.”

Sharing the intent behind the event with T3 and its impact, Shetty explained that regional associations largely represent four or five states, compared to national conventions which focus on broader, central issues. “When we hold regional conventions, we take one state and discuss issues at the state level. There are also many local players and small hoteliers who cannot be part of the larger federation or national events. This gives them an opportunity to come and interact with other hoteliers, with the fraternity, and with the government. This time, there was a lot of focus on Maharashtra state because it was held here,” he shared.

He added that events like this helps the local government to showcase their assets and offerings. He expressed, “Also, we have participation from all regions: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and others. It gives them an opportunity to see what Maharashtra has to offer, and that’s how entrepreneurs and owners start diversifying into new locations.”

When asked about the government’s contribution to the sector’s wellbeing, Shetty shared that there has been no resolution to many of the pressing issues, except for the 24x7 opening. “One GST issue has been resolved, but we still have a bigger GST problem at hand”, explained Shetty.

He continued, “When it comes to policy matters and their real implementation, especially those involving fiscal benefits or incentives, I must admit it takes time here. It’s not due to lack of intention, but rather the way our system is structured. The heartening fact is that industry status for the hotel sector is gaining momentum.”
 

“Across the country, more than 10 state governments have now accorded industry status to hotels. Rajasthan has been at the forefront, followed by Maharashtra. However, implementation continues to be a problem. Having said that, we are following up on this. I know it’s a revolutionary move, so implementation won’t be easy and will take its own time,” he added.

“From our side, we have to keep pushing, making the right noises in the corridors of political leadership, so that implementation happens sooner or later. Fortunately, state governments are now looking at each other and competing,” Shetty concluded.