Sudesh Kumar Poddar, a key FHRAI Convention Committee Member and one of the leading lights behind the recently concluded FHRAI 50th Annual Convention, spells out the significance of the event. INTERVIEWED BY BIBHOR SRIVASTAVA
As one of the key committee members of the recently concluded Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) 50th Annual Convention in Bhubaneswar, what was the thinking and objectives behind this year’s hugely successful event?
Being the Golden Jubilee Convention, our desire was to celebrate the event in a grand manner befitting the occasion. The objective was to ensure that the delegates who attended the Convention had effective and meaningful interaction on burning topics and challenges facing the industry; plus they enjoy the evenings.
What were the challenges of organising and hosting a grand event of this scale?
The challenges were numerous. Firstly, we were holding it in a tier-II city where the resources could not have been as strong as metro cities. However, the Odisha government stood behind us like a rock and supported us at every level. Without their solid backing, this event could not have been so successful. There were other challenges, too, but the committee members worked together to ensure that we could easily get over them
Did the response from the industry match your expectations?
Yes, the delegates were happy with the technical quality of sessions as well as the arrangements.
What was the feedback from industry stalwarts?
As mentioned earlier, they were all happy. In fact, initially, some of them did have apprehensions about the success of the event particularly because it was being held in Bhubaneswar but, in the end, they were pleasantly surprised at the seamless manner in which all arrangements were done.
What, according to you, were the highlights of the event?
Every event carried its stamp – from the quality of technical sessions to the regional cultural performances to the entertaining evening programme Puri Poornima on the last day at Puri and, lastly, the grand Carnival on the World Tourism Day. A carnival of this scale was being organised for the first time ever.
What is the likely impact of FHRAI Annual Convention on the industry in general?
We have been able to draw the attention of the government to the importance of the industry and its potential in terms of generating large employment opportunities; and various issues which are acting as impediments to the growth of the industry. We believe, through this convention, we have made our voice heard and, hopefully, FHRAI will now work more closely with the government to catalyse the growth of the hospitality and tourism industry.
As the convention hosted high-profile speakers from the hospitality industry as well as political leaders, what was the key learning? What pain points were highlighted and what solutions were offered?
Multiple taxation, innumerable licensing, etc.. are issues which the industry is confronted with, and, going forward, we expect the government to carry forward its goal of ‘ease of doing business’ to the hospitality industry also.
What is the prediction for the travel and tourism industry and what are the major trends that are playing out?
We can expect an exponential growth in domestic travellers. With road, rail and air infrastructure strengthening, and the aspirational attitude of India’s youth, the travel industry will grow very fast. The players in the hospitality industry should gear themselves to be ready to handle this growth. In terms of foreign tourists, the introduction of e-visa is a huge step forward. Also, the weakening rupee means foreign tourists will have to pay less. The future appears to be very bright.
The Odisha government came out strongly in support of the event, what is the response from other state governments? And where do you plan to take the event from here?
We hope that other state governments will replicate the example of the support we received from the Odisha government. This will help FHRAI to take the annual conventions to different states in the country.
Moving forward, what steps do you think are necessary to give impetus to the tourism in industry?
Better connectivity, setting up of tourist police for security of the tourists, particularly foreigners and women travellers, abolition of multiple taxation and fixing GST rate in line with competing South Asian countries are key. The present government for the first time has realised the importance of tourism and given a focus and right road map. Hence, the growth of the industry can be manifold. India has rich and diverse tourism assets. Let us all work together to leverage the same and reap benefits.
