In a significant development for the hospitality sector, India’s Union Minister for Tourism inaugurated the 54th annual convention of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) alongside Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte. During the event, the minister hinted at the possibility of granting infrastructure status to the hospitality industry, a move aimed at bolstering the sector’s growth.
The minister emphasized that recognizing the hospitality sector as critical infrastructure could unlock various benefits, including easier access to financing and incentives for development. He acknowledged the industry’s vital role in boosting employment and supporting local economies, especially as India aims to revive its tourism sector post-pandemic.
“Regarding our ongoing GST and infrastructure challenges, I took the initiative to request a meeting with the Finance Minister before this event. Even amidst her commitments at the World Bank Summit, our in-depth conversation about infrastructure status to this industry and its implications was met with genuine attentiveness, and I am optimistic about positive outcomes from our discussions,” he stated.
Industry stakeholders welcomed the minister’s comments, expressing optimism about the potential for improved policy support. As the country seeks to attract more international tourists, this initiative could play a crucial role in revitalizing the sector and meeting the growing demand for quality hospitality services.
The FHRAI convention served as a platform for dialogue between government officials and industry representatives, focusing on innovative strategies to enhance tourism infrastructure and services across India.
