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Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India‘s third Empowering Hospitality Conclave & Awards in Nagpur tackled industry challenges, policies, and guest experience enhancements.
The hospitality sector voiced concerns about potential liability for drunk driving incidents involving their patrons during the recently concluded Empowering Hospitality Conclave & Awards, organized by the Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI. Held at Hotel Center Point in Nagpur on July 26, 2024, the event addressed various industry challenges. Attendees also participated in presentations by experts on the new Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024, cybersecurity best practices, guest experience enhancement through technology, and skill-building sessions focused on fire safety and pest management.
Delving into the growing trend of restaurateurs being held responsible for accidents caused by intoxicated patrons, the industry sought guidelines from industry stalwarts, policymakers, and law enforcers participating in the conclave. “The hotel and restaurant industry remains committed to responsible alcohol service and adherence to guidelines. Wherever we are wrong, we are happy to be corrected. However, lately, the restaurant industry has been feeling the full might of enforcement despite operating within the framework of the law. A guest consumes alcohol in a restaurant, causes an accident outside, and the restaurant gets blamed. Shopkeepers who sell knives don’t get held accountable for crimes committed with those items, but licensed restaurateurs have recently been prosecuted for crimes committed by customers. The industry seeks guidance on what regulations it should follow to avoid prosecution for incidents that occur outside its premises,” stated Mr. Pradeep Shetty, President, HRAWI.
Special Guest Dr. Ravinder Singal (IPS), Commissioner of Police, Nagpur City, acknowledged the hospitality industry’s concerns but emphasized the broader perspective law enforcers must maintain while enforcing law and order. “No one needs to fear if they have not broken the law. I am open to discussion with HRAWI, and maybe together we can find a solution that can be replicated across the State,” he said. He also appreciated the high quality of service provided by the Indian hospitality industry.
The Chief Guest of the conclave, Dr. Sagnik Chowdhury, DDG & Regional Director (Western & Central), Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India, expressed his happiness at the conscious effort to create a platform for exchanging insights on various ongoing sectoral issues. He congratulated HRAWI for organizing such seminars and noted, “Guests from all parts of the world visit India, and the hospitality sector is essentially a melting pot of cultural exchanges. Enhancing guest experiences is our core offering; we are more than just venues to stay.”He also stressed the importance of the hospitality industry prioritizing sustainability and strengthening community connections. He urged the sector to integrate its operations with India’s rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage, which are key strengths of the nation. The highlight of the conclave was the expert-led sessions that focused on topics with practical relevance, directly influencing the daily operations of hotels and restaurants.
The event featured Mr. Rajesh Chopra, the Head of the Hospitality Business Vertical at Ingram Micro India, who discussed the role of technology in enhancing guest experiences and boosting profitability in the hospitality sector. He also addressed essential cybersecurity practices for the industry, highlighting their importance in a digital age. Ingram Micro’s hospitality vertical serves as a technology aggregator, offering comprehensive solutions that include financing options and e-waste recycling in compliance with environmental regulations. CA Julfesh Shah, the former Vice Chairman of WIRC of ICAI, spoke about the New Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024, emphasizing its significance for the industry.“The new policy offers a 20% cash subsidy (up to ₹20 crores) for tourism projects like hotels and resorts, significantly boosting investment,” Shah said. He noted the previous policy lacked cash incentives. The new policy also includes a 15% subsidy for other tourism facilities with a cap of ₹15 crores. Shah highlighted additional fiscal benefits in Vidarbha, such as 100% SGST refunds and interest subvention on loans. “This policy will be a game changer, generating substantial employment and attracting significant investment to Maharashtra,” he added. Mr. Hemant Khadse, CEO, East Corp Group, shared vital information on the fire life safety of guests and staff in hotel occupancy and covered the significance of passive fire measures, egress and regular maintenance of fire safety. Mr. Jitendra Gawade, Key Account Manager, Envu India, presented on pest prevention techniques, focusing on the selection criteria for pesticides and pest control operators for hotels.
“The Empowering Hospitality Conclave & Awards proved to be a significant event for addressing the current challenges and future opportunities within the hospitality industry, ensuring continued growth and excellence in service,” concluded Mr. Shetty.
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