Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the Indian hotel industry is poised to make a significant contribution to the country’s economic growth as India’s tourism sector enters a phase of expanding opportunities.
Addressing the 56th FHRAI Annual Convention in Kashi, Varanasi, Shekhawat said the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has played a sustained role in addressing industry challenges and supporting the growth of the hospitality sector for nearly six decades.
He said India’s economic progress in recent years, coupled with a changing global perception of the country, has created significant opportunities for tourism.
“FHRAI has been continuously working for nearly six decades on issues, problems and possibilities related to the hospitality and hotel industry in the country,” Shekhawat said.
According to the minister, the transformation of the Indian economy has created a favourable environment for the tourism and hospitality industry, placing the hotel sector at an important juncture.
“In such a situation, when our industry is standing at the doorstep of immense possibilities, our hotel industry is certainly ready to make another major contribution to India’s economy,” he said.
Shekhawat also highlighted the role of industry platforms such as the FHRAI convention in bringing together stakeholders to discuss emerging challenges, opportunities and technological developments shaping hospitality.
He said such forums are important for the industry to deliberate on evolving technologies and remain abreast of changes that could influence the sector’s future growth.
The minister also underlined the significance of hosting the convention in Kashi, saying the event could have an impact beyond the industry and contribute to the growth of tourism in the city.
“Hosting the convention in Kashi is certainly even more important, also for Kashi’s tourism,” Shekhawat said. “FHRAI’s meeting being held here will have an impact across the country and the world and will reach the entire industry. Certainly, Kashi’s tourism will also grow because of this.”
The minister’s remarks come as India’s hospitality industry seeks to expand capacity and capture rising domestic and international tourism demand. The convention brought together hotel and restaurant industry stakeholders to discuss the sector’s growth prospects, operational challenges and the technological shifts shaping the future of hospitality.
