The first annual convention of SIHRA looked at redefining hospitality

The first annual convention – 2015 of The South India Hotels and Restaurants Association was held in Hyderabad. The event was held at the iconic Taj Krishna, Hyderabad, over three days, from July 2 to 4, 2015, with business sessions conducted by eminent hoteliers covering various facets of the industry.
The main objective of the convention was to support and improve the level of participation of all southern state governments and the government of Puducherry to promote tourism in South India. The theme of the convention was “Redefining Hospitality – Monetising Tourism”. The response was overwhelming with over 300 participants attending the convention. It was noteworthy that the governments of all the southern states came forward with support through aids and sponsorship. During the convention SIHRA also organised cultural events at the famous Ramoji Film City and hosted gala dinners at the serene settings of the historical Taramati Baradari.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Taraka Rama Rao, minister of Panchayat Raj, government of Telangana, P Rajavelu, minister for Tourism, government of Puducherry, Shoeb Samad of India Tourism representing Ministry of Tourism , government of India, BP Acharya, IAS, principal secretary-government of Telangana, Sunita M Bhagwat, IFS, additional chief (PMU), YAT & C (T&PMU) department, government of Telangana, Har Sahay Meena, IAS-MD, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation and SK Sangar from the Tourism Finance Corporation of India. TS Walia president FHRAI, was also present during the entire proceedings apart from other dignitaries from the hospitality industry.
The convention witnessed extremely engrossing, educative and motivating business sessions. Distinguished speakers from the industry shared their knowledge and diverse experiences from across the world and spoke on wide ranging topics, from online business – impact of technology on the hospitality industry and role of travel trade, F&B – new concept-based restaurants, restaurant chains, HR practices in hospitality, cost cutting, sustainability of labour, branding budget hotels, franchise, projects (new methodology & sourcing) to the role of young entrepreneurs and the role of government in formulating policies for hospitality. The delegates, enriched by the awareness and knowledge of topics also interacted with fellow members from the fraternity.
A special session was conducted with members of the Department of Tourism, both at the regional and national levels to ensure a direct interface for the participants with the government officials.
A trade show was also held on the sidelines of the convention where leading suppliers and organisations, from the private sector was well as the government, related to the hospitality industry showcased their products and services.