As a part of its outreach to the States, The Hotel Association of India (HAI) the apex, national body of Indian hospitality met 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 Mr K. B Kachru accompanied by Mr. M.P. Bezbaruah Secretary General, Mr. Nikhil Sharma Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President (ASVP) for South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, Mr. Vinayak Albuquerque, Director Alcon Victor Group, and Mr. Jack Ajit Sukhija, President of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa and discussed wide-ranging issues related to the tourism growth and development in the region including, infrastructure development, policy support and skill development.
HAI has consistently advocated strong public-private partnerships and regular and systematic interactions between the government and the industry to unleash the full potential of tourism, especially hospitality, in creating jobs, driving inclusive growth, and advancing the general development of the region.
The Goa roadmap of tourism is a blueprint for sustainable development of the sector, which was developed by UNWTO and endorsed at the G20 summit. HAI Members are committed to sustainable development of tourism and welcome any opportunity to collaborate with the State on the same to further strengthen the sector and secure Goa’s prominence as a premier destination both for leisure and business.
HAI Members have been forthcoming in mentoring various institutes of hotel management of the National Council of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT). HAI Founding Members IHCL and ASPH have signed MoUs for mentoring the Institute located in Goa. HAI would be happy to collaborate on additional initiatives of the government in the field of skill development.
The HAI delegation met the Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan Khaunte as well. 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 in the state.
The highlights of the discussions included the re-positioning of Goa as a destination that offers more than just beaches and promoting the State’s rich tourism products like forest trails, treks, cuisine, adventure and how the State can increase the share of high-spending tourists. Another potential area of collaboration that emerged was the expansion of skilling programs and making the local youth more employable.
Speaking on HAI’s commitment to the tourism sector, Mr K.B. Kachru, President HAI and Chairman – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said:“ 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.”
Mr. MP Bezbaruah, Secretary General, HAI, said: “As the leading representative of the hotel sector, HAI would 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.”
Speaking on this occasion in Goa, Dr. Sanjay Sethi Honorary Treasurer and Chairperson of Maharashtra & Goa State Chapter HAI stated that “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.”
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. Industry-government partnerships will enable the setting of new benchmarks in the tourism sector.
