Union Minister for Tourism & Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, inaugurated the seventh edition of the India International Hospitality Expo (IHE 2024) at the India Expo Centre & Mart. Several dignitaries graced the event such as Moe Kyaw Aung, Ambassador of Myanmar; Bui Trung Thuong, Chief Trade Counsellor of the Embassy of Vietnam; Premal Mehta, Director of the Aakar Exhibition; Meera Mohanty, IAS Resident Commissioner, Government of Himachal Pradesh; Bharat Sawnami, Director of Tops India; Sonia Prashar, Managing Director of Nurnberg Messe; Rakesh Kumar, Chairman of India Expo Centre & Mart; and Hari Dadoo, Show President of IHE, along with prominent figures from the hospitality industry.
In his keynote address, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Tourism & Culture, said, “It is a matter of pride for us to be part of IHE 2024, which is being successfully organised for the seventh time and has played a significant role in advancing India’s hospitality industry over the past six years. IHE not only supports the Indian hospitality sector but also highlights its potential on the global stage. It is more than just an exhibition; it is the epicentre of the hospitality industry, bringing together professionals and associates from the sector to network, exchange ideas, share knowledge, and achieve international success.
Further, the minister said, “Our government is committed to excelling in tourism and hospitality. The World Heritage Committee meeting was organised just 40 days after the new government was formed and was attended by representatives from 170 countries. India is now coming up as a centre of attraction.” He also lauded the efforts of Rakesh Kumar for making all possible efforts to make the hospitality industry thrive exponentially.
The minister further said that tourism has all the potential to contribute to India’s achievement of becoming the third-largest economy. India has all the resources to present a world-class tourism sector. It is the second-largest employment generator after the agriculture sector. We are witnessing diversity and new business opportunities in this sector, and this is the perfect platform to learn about them. India can be established as a perennial station and MICE can play a vital role in this direction. The progress and development in this field are crucial, and everyone involved plays a significant role, especially in bridging the gaps.
Dr Rakesh Kumar, Chairman of India Expo Centre & Mart, while sharing his experiences as an organiser, said, “We take pride in successfully organising the past six events, which were big hits. Now, IHE is not just an exposition but a huge responsibility to make the event even more iconic and remarkable. The seventh edition is going to break all the earlier established and long-standing records. We have collaborated with Vietnam as a partner country, thanks to the support of Bui Trung Thuong, Trade Counsellor at the Embassy of Vietnam. Vietnamese exhibitors will showcase their products, and Vietnamese chefs will organise masterclasses on their native cuisines. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh has been inducted as the ‘Focus State’, allowing us to showcase its potential as an exhibitor during the event.
Hari Dadoo, President of IHE extended a vote of thanks to all the dignitaries, attendees, and participants, saying, “Unwavering support and encouragement by all the participants and supporters have been instrumental in making IHE 2024 a resounding success. From hoteliers and restaurant owners to chefs, decorators, interior designers, and industry professionals, your participation has enriched this event and created a vibrant networking, learning, and collaboration platform.”
IHE 2024 continues its legacy as India’s premier hospitality expo, scheduled from August 3 to 6, 2024. With over 1,000 exhibitors and more than 20,000 B2B buyers, including luxury hotels, resorts, homestays, restaurants, cloud kitchens, and the F&B sector, IHE 2024 is set to establish new benchmarks in the industry. This year, the expo is co-located with major events like Catering Asia, Tent Décor Asia, BIOFACH and AYURYOG EXPO, providing a comprehensive platform for the hospitality sector. There is a vast display of products and services in the different categories that include HoReCa, operating supplies & equipment, hospitality technology, food & beverage, housekeeping & janitorial, maintenance & engineering, furniture, fixtures, and facilities management.
The four-day hospitality sourcing gala also features some exciting culinary competitions, including the Pastry Queen India Competition, Master Bakers Challenge India 2024, and the India Pizza League Championship.
IHE 2024 is a must-visit event for those looking to achieve landmark success in the industry. Being an annual B2B expo that offers unparalleled opportunities for growth, recognition, and excellence in the hospitality industry, it offers a dynamic and conducive environment to explore, collaborate, connect, and network with fellow professionals, potential partners, clients, buyers, stakeholders, and the entire hospitality fraternity.
