Hotel Association of India (HAI) met with the Chief Minister of Goa, Hon’ble Dr Pramod Sawant, to discuss issues related to Goa tourism, particularly those that directly concern hotels.
HAI President K.B. Kachru, accompanied by M.P. Bezbaruah (Secretary General), Nikhil Sharma (Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President for South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group), Vinayak Albuquerque (Director, Alcon Victor Group), and Jack Ajit Sukhija (President of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa), discussed a wide range of issues related to tourism growth and development in the region. These discussions focused on infrastructure development, policy support, and skill development.
Tourism Roadmap for Sustainable Growth
The Goa roadmap for tourism, a blueprint for the sustainable development of the sector, was developed by UNWTO and endorsed at the G20 summit. HAI members are committed to the sustainable development of tourism and welcome opportunities to collaborate with the state on initiatives that will strengthen the sector, further securing Goa’s prominence as a premier destination.
Collaboration with Institutes of Hotel Management
HAI members have been actively mentoring various institutes of hotel management under the National Council of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT). HAI’s founding members, IHCL and ASPH, have signed MoUs for mentoring the Institute located in that region. HAI is open to collaborating on additional government initiatives in the field of skill development.
Meeting with Goa’s Tourism Minister
The HAI delegation also met the Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Rohan Khaunte. The Chief Minister thanked HAI for its assurances of continued support to the state and appreciated its role in the growth of a vibrant tourism and hospitality sector.
Key Discussion Highlights
The discussions highlighted the re-positioning of Goa as a destination offering more than just beaches. There was a focus on promoting the state’s rich tourism products such as forest trails, treks, cuisine, and adventure tourism, along with strategies to attract high-spending tourists. Another potential area of collaboration was the expansion of skilling programs to make local youth more employable.
HAI’s Commitment to Goa’s Growth
K.B. Kachru, President of HAI and Chairman – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, spoke on HAI’s commitment to the tourism sector:
“Goa has been a premium destination for domestic and international tourism, and HAI is proud to contribute to its growth. By working closely with the government, advocating for policy reforms, fostering job creation, and developing skilled talent, we are confident that Goa will continue to thrive as a leading tourist destination.”
Future Growth and Innovation in Goa’s Hospitality Sector
M.P. Bezbaruah, Secretary General of HAI, emphasized:
“As the leading representative of the hotel sector, HAI will work closely with the Goa government to identify and address key industry challenges. Through this collaboration, we aim to create an environment conducive to business growth, investment, and professional development. HAI’s dedication to fostering long-term growth and innovation in Goa’s hospitality sector is strengthened through these strategic partnerships.”
HAI’s Role in Goa’s Socioeconomic Development
Dr Sanjay Sethi, Honorary Treasurer and Chairperson of the Maharashtra & Goa State Chapter of HAI, stated,
“The HAI state chapter will stay closely connected with the government and the local community to ensure that the hospitality sector continues to be an integral and significant part of the region’s socioeconomic ecosystem.”
A Driving Force in India’s Hospitality Evolution
With its proactive approach, HAI continues to be a driving force behind the evolution of India’s hospitality sector, ensuring that destinations like Goa maintain their position on the global tourism map.
