HRAWI Hosts 5th Edition Of 'Empowering Hospitality' Conclave & Awards In Lonavala

Event Brings Together Hospitality Leaders To Discuss Policy, Innovation & Sustainability While Honouring Sector Trailblazers

Mumbai, July 07: The Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI successfully hosted the 5^th edition of its flagship ‘Empowering Hospitality’ Conclave & Awards on 26^th June 2025 at Della Resorts & Adventures, Lonavala. The event served as a vibrant platform for industry leaders, hotel owners, restaurateurs and professionals from across the western region to collaborate, share insights and recognize excellence in hospitality leadership. The event commenced with an inaugural session graced by Chief Guest - Shri Mohamed Farouk, Regional Director (Western Region), India Tourism Mumbai, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The conclave also featured thought provoking sessions led by prominent voices in policy, sustainability, food safety and operations.

“The 5^th edition of the Empowering Hospitality Conclave and Awards is not just a celebration of achievement; it is a reaffirmation of our industry’s resilience and commitment to progress. The hospitality sector has demonstrated remarkable grit during the pandemic and is now embracing a new era of growth powered by innovation, collaboration and forward-looking policies. This platform is a testament to the incredible talent, dedication and dynamism that define our fraternity. Today, we not only honour excellence but also strengthen the dialogue that will shape the future of Indian hospitality,” says Mr Chetan Mehta, Vice President, HRAWI.

Opening the conclave on a congratulatory note, Shri Mohamed Farouk underscored the sector’s role in nation building.

“It is a privilege to be part of the 5^th edition of HRAWI’s ‘Empowering Hospitality’ Conclave, a platform that brings together some of the most visionary minds in the western region’s hospitality sector. The hospitality industry is not just a key driver of tourism; it is the first impression of India for many visitors. This industry’s services reflect the warmth, culture and professionalism of our nation. As India charts its course on the global tourism map, I urge the industry to focus on inclusive growth, accessible tourism, technological innovation and sustainability. These are not just aspirations but imperatives for future-ready hospitality. The Ministry of Tourism is committed to partnering with the industry through initiatives like NIDHI Plus, Hunar Se Rozgar Tak and Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India. Together, let us build a tourism ecosystem that is competitive, compassionate and truly Incredible India,” says Shri Mohamed Farouk.

On the policy front, CA Julfesh Shah, Chairman, COSIA, Vidarbha Former Vice-Chairman, WIRC of ICAI, Former Chairman, ICAI-NAGPUR, unpacked the investment benefits under the new State Tourism Policy

.

“Maharashtra’s Tourism Policy 2024 marks a pivotal step in unlocking the sector’s growth potential through structured, capital investment incentives. With benefits ranging from 20 to 25 per cent of eligible investments, especially encouraging for women entrepreneurs, the policy provides a robust foundation for developing tourism infrastructure. The emphasis on timely Provisional Registration and classification of projects into Mega, Large and MSME categories ensures clarity and access to benefits. While the policy is already operational, several guideline revisions, particularly for standalone restaurants, are in progress. Stakeholders must stay engaged, as amendments are expected that could further widen the scope of incentives. This is a timely opportunity to align new and existing projects with the State’s vision for a more vibrant, inclusive tourism economy,” says CA Julfesh Shah.

Focusing on environmental responsibility, Dr S. Anand, Consultant, Penetron Biotech emphasized the urgent need for sustainable practices.

“Sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity for the hospitality industry, and bio-degraders offer a practical, high-impact solution for waste management. Our products are engineered to enhance efficiency in kitchens, toilets and sewage systems by accelerating organic waste decomposition, reducing foul odours and cutting operational costs. More importantly, they significantly improve the performance of STPs while reducing environmental load. Hospitality establishments adopting such eco-friendly solutions are not only protecting the environment but also reinforcing their brand’s commitment to responsible operations. The future of hospitality lies in embracing innovations that are both efficient and environmentally sound,” says Dr S. Anand.

Highlighting food safety and regulatory compliance, Dr V. Pasupathy, Food Safety Expert & Founder Parikshan FSS Pvt Ltd, stressed the need for organization-wide training.

“Food safety isn’t just a compliance mandate; it’s a culture that needs to permeate across all departments within a hospitality establishment. FSSAI’s structured systems, audits and training programs have already shown promising results, with improved compliance scores across the board. But to achieve true 360 degree safety, participation must extend beyond kitchens to housekeeping, service, engineering and management. The key to consistent FSSAI compliance lies in awareness, accountability and actionable implementation. Our training collaborations with HRAWI aim to bridge knowledge gaps and create a multi-skilled workforce that can proactively safeguard public health while boosting operational credibility,” says Dr V. Pasupathy.

In an insightful session on pest control, Mr Jitendra Gawade, Key Account Manager at Envu, highlighted common oversights and compliance gaps in pest management.

“Pest management is one of the most underestimated components of hospitality operations, yet it plays a critical role in guest safety and brand integrity. Owners must treat it as a professional, regulatory-driven necessity and not a mere housekeeping task. Licensed Pest Control Operators, CIB approved household and public health products with label claims, trained technicians and documented processes are non-negotiable in today’s compliance-driven environment. Owners must scrutinize contractor credentials, chemical toxicity indicators and regulatory labels, especially the CIB registration and colour coded toxicity triangles to ensure guest well-being and FSSAI audit success,” concludes Mr Jitendra Gawade.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony honouring hospitality professionals and organizations who have demonstrated exemplary contributions to customer service, sustainability and operational excellence. The Empowering Hospitality Conclave continues to be a cornerstone initiative of HRAWI in promoting innovation, collaboration and best practices in India’s thriving hospitality industry. HRAWI extends deep gratitude to its sponsors including India Tourism Mumbai, Penetron Products Pvt Ltd., Envu India, Cakeology, Media Partner - World of Hospitality and Venue Partner - Della Resorts & Adventure.

About the Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI: -

The Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI is a 74 years old Association of Hotels and Restaurants in Western India. Its members include Restaurants and Hotels up to 5-Star Deluxe categories. With membership base spread across Western India, HRAWI covers Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa and Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and is considered to be the voice of the Hospitality Industry. The association is part of the national body of the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), located in New Delhi, which was originally founded in Mumbai in 1950 by the late Mr J.R.D. Tata.