The 20th edition of the Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) [HRAWI] Regional Convention at The Taj Lands End, Mumbai, brought together some of the most influential voices from India’s hospitality landscape for a day of powerful dialogues and actionable insights. Themed around the sector’s evolution and future readiness, the convention spotlighted innovation, collaboration, and the resilience driving India’s hospitality growth story.
The event opened with a compelling session titled “75 Years of Indian Hospitality – The Evolution”, led by Vijay Thacker, Managing Director, Horwath HTL – India. His strategic overview of the industry’s transformative journey set the tone for the day’s forward-looking discussions.
Maharashtra Tourism, the State Partner for the convention, followed with an engaging presentation on new policy initiatives and investment opportunities aimed at positioning the state as a global tourism hub. Representing the Government of Maharashtra, Chandrashekhar Jaiswal, GM, MTDC, shared key milestones including the addition of five Blue Flag certified beaches and the unprecedented demand for the BMC-MTDC Heritage Walk, which is already fully booked till December 2026. He also announced preparations for the upcoming Nashik Kumbh Mela 2027-28, expected to attract record-breaking domestic and international visitors.
Speaking about the convention’s vision, Jimmy Shaw, President, HRAWI, said, “Each session today reflects how our industry is embracing transformation while staying rooted in its legacy. From mixed-use developments to culinary innovation, these conversations are shaping the roadmap for Indian hospitality to scale globally.”
Among the day’s most impactful sessions was “Mixed-Use Development: Hospitality’s New Frontier,” moderated by Vijay Thacker, featuring Suma Venkatesh (IHCL), Raghu Sapra (Embassy), and Sanjay Sethi (Chalet Hotels Ltd.). The panel explored how integrated spaces combining hotels with residential, retail, and commercial developments are redefining hospitality infrastructure in India.
A parallel AI-focused luncheon session delved into how technology is reshaping the sector — enhancing guest experiences, boosting operational efficiency, and strengthening cybersecurity. Led by Rajesh Chopra (Ingram Micro), with insights from Zeba Merchant (Microsoft) and Tapan Chaturvedi (Adobe), the session decoded the rapidly growing intersection of hospitality and artificial intelligence.
The afternoon highlighted the industry’s scaling potential with “Master Franchising: Scaling Hospitality the Smarter Way,” moderated by Megha Agarwal (Khaitan & Co), featuring Abinash Ashok (Choice Hospitality), Akhil Gupta (Treebo Hotels), Chetan Arora (IHOP), and Dheeraj Gupta (Jumboking). The panel emphasized strategic franchising models that drive growth and efficiency in India’s dynamic market.
The discussion “Home-grown & Growing: India’s Emerging Hospitality Brands” celebrated indigenous success stories, moderated by Bibhor Srivastava (ITP Media), and featuring Amruda Nair (Araiya Hotels), Vikramjit Singh (Alivaa Hotels), Suhail Kannampilly (Concept Hospitality), and Rohit Khattar (Old World Hospitality). The speakers discussed the rise of boutique brands rooted in India’s cultural and culinary heritage, signaling a new wave of global-ready hospitality ventures.
The convention concluded with a rich culinary dialogue titled “From Old World Charm to New Age Cuisine”, moderated by Gurbaxish Singh Kohli (Pritam Group of Hotels), featuring chefs Manisha Bhasin (ITC Hotels), Kunal Vijayakar (KMKH LLP), Beena Noronha (Saltae Hospitality), and Jaydeep Mukherjee (Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality). The session celebrated India’s evolving gastronomy that bridges tradition with innovation.
The HRAWI extended its gratitude to all sponsors and partners who made the convention possible — including State Partner: Maharashtra Tourism; Gold Sponsors: Tata Consumer Products, Chalet Hotels, Ingram Micro Pvt Ltd, and Crown Chef & Cool-Max; Lunch Sponsor: Munzer; Silver Sponsors: GOA Tourism, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, Suba Hotels, and Central Bank of India — along with associate and supporting partners across the ecosystem.
The landmark 20th HRAWI Regional Convention reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and global excellence — setting the stage for the next chapter of India’s hospitality growth story.
