The 20th Regional Convention of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) opened on a grand note at Taj Lands End, Bandra, marking the association’s 75th anniversary—a significant milestone in its journey as a torchbearer of the Indian hospitality industry.
The convention was inaugurated by Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, who delivered a powerful keynote address.
Congratulating HRAWI on its Platinum Jubilee, Dr. Tharoor praised the association’s “75 years of resilience, excellence, and service,” calling the hospitality industry a “quiet but profound shaper of India’s modern story.” He lauded the sector’s embodiment of the Indian ethos ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, saying it goes beyond hospitality and represents “a philosophy rooted in India’s timeless values of service and inclusivity.”
However, Tharoor also used the platform to urge for critical reforms in tourism infrastructure, safety, and public image, stressing that tourism begins with trust.
“If a visitor does not feel safe, no Taj Mahal or Ajanta fresco can compensate,” Tharoor said, calling for more women police officers at tourist sites and visible safeguards to prevent harassment.
He spoke candidly about the dual image of India — a country of wonder and heritage often overshadowed by “unfair caricatures” and unfortunate headlines. He emphasized the need to improve street cleanliness, waste disposal, public lighting, and transport connectivity, especially to lesser-known destinations.
Dr. Tharoor also acknowledged progress in airport infrastructure and aviation, citing India’s gleaming international hubs and the rollout of new airports — including the inauguration of the new Mumbai airport — as signs of a nation “confidently taking flight into the future.” However, he noted the gap between airport quality and ground realities, such as poor road conditions to tourist spots and the lack of clean public facilities at heritage sites.
The two-day convention, themed on sustainability, innovation, and future-ready hospitality, brought together stakeholders from across the country — hoteliers, restaurateurs, policymakers, and hospitality professionals — for panel discussions, knowledge-sharing, and celebration of excellence.
The convention will continue tomorrow with panel sessions, experience-sharing by industry veterans, and an award ceremony honouring excellence across hospitality categories.
