HRAWI’s 4th Edition of Empowering Hospitality Conclave & Awards Recognizes Industry Leaders For Their Contribution To Hospitality & Tourism

Mumbai, March 10: The Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI held its 4^th edition of the 'Empowering Hospitality Conclave & Awards’ on February 28 at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa in Nashik. The event celebrated excellence in hospitality by recognizing hospitality professionals and organizations for their transformative contributions to Nashik’s tourism and culinary landscape. The awards celebrated industry pioneers, entrepreneurs, and businesses that have made remarkable contributions to eco-tourism, wine tourism, hospitality leadership, and culinary excellence.

The conclave commenced with an inaugural session graced by Chief Guest Dr. Sagnik Chowdhury, Regional Director, India Tourism, Mumbai, Ministry of Tourism.

The event also featured three knowledge-driven sessions that brought together industry experts to share key insights. The first session, "Empowering Hospitality through NextGen Technologies," was led by Mr. Rajesh Chopra, Head - Hospitality Business Vertical, Ingram Micro India, who provided insights into the role of emerging technologies in shaping the hospitality sector. The second session, "Smarter Revenue Strategies for Your Hotel’s Growth," featured Mr. Sainath Vernekar, Founder Director, Revnomix Solutions, and Mr. Prakash Singh, Director and Co-Founder, Revnomix, who shared strategies for maximizing hotel revenue through data-driven decision-making. The final session, "An Insight on Latest Updates on Maharashtra Tourism Policy - 2024," was conducted by CA Julfesh Shah, Former Vice Chairman, WIRC of ICAI, offering a comprehensive overview of policy changes and their impact on the industry.

Among the distinguished recipients was Mr. Kiran Chavan, CMD of Grape County Eco Resort & Biodiversity Park, recognized for his efforts in promoting sustainable and nature-centric luxury hospitality in Nashik. Mr. Shailendra Pai, Founder of Vallonné Vineyards, was honored as a pioneer in Nashik’s boutique wine industry, while Sula Vineyards, represented by Mr. Sanjeev Paithankar, was acknowledged for its transformative impact on India’s wine tourism sector.

Preserving Nashik’s culinary heritage, Mr. Shadab Fallah, owner of Inayat Café, and Mr.Pankaj Dilip Rahane, owner of Mazda Restaurant & Café, were both recognized under the Legacy Restaurants category. Adwait and Uttara Kher, founders of Utopia Farmstay, were celebrated as pioneers in luxury farm stays, blending high-end hospitality with nature. The late Mr. Radha Kishan Chandak, along with Mr. Hemant Takle, Mr. Satish Shanbagh, and Mr. Jitubhai Parekh, were honored for their role in establishing the Nashik Hotel Association and shaping the city’s hospitality ecosystem.

Smt. Uma Ramesh Iyer, founder of Amma’s Tiffin Kaapi, was awarded for her contribution to preserving authentic Kerala-Tamil cuisine in Nashik. Chef Yogita Sonawane of Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Nashik was recognized for her inspiring journey from homemaker to luxury hotel chef. Mr. Vilas Shinde, Chairman & Founder of Sahyadri Farms, was acknowledged for pioneering the farmer-producer company model in the hospitality supply chain. Chef Prasen Gavali, also from Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Nashik, was recognized as a local talent gaining national recognition for his culinary expertise.

Mr. Manohar Ahire, Public Relations Officer of A.B.H.A.R. Nashik, was celebrated for his long-standing service and advocacy for the hospitality industry. The founders of Manbhavan Premium Thali Restaurant, Aabha and Rahul Chandak, were awarded for creating one of India’s largest thali chains, redefining traditional Indian dining. Lastly, industry leaders Mr. Rishi Mehra, Owner of Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Nashik, and Mr. Tej Takle, Director of Hotel Emerald Park, Nashik, were both honored for their outstanding contributions to the hospitality industry, demonstrating excellence in leadership and innovation.

The awards celebrated Nashik’s rising prominence in the hospitality and tourism space. HRAWI reaffirmed its commitment to promoting growth and innovation, recognizing the efforts of individuals and organizations that continue to elevate the sector.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the hospitality professionals for their exceptional dedication and remarkable contributions. Your relentless efforts have been instrumental in advancing the tourism and hospitality sector not only in Nashik but across the entire State. The industry celebrates your achievements and draws inspiration from your pioneering spirit. I also extend my sincere thanks to all esteemed guests and professionals who graced the event. Your participation has enriched our dialogue and reinforced our shared commitment to elevating hospitality excellence. A special thanks to Dr. Sagnik Chowdhury, Regional Director, India Tourism, Mumbai, Ministry of Tourism, for his invaluable support and presence, which has greatly contributed to the success of this event,” 

Jimmy Shaw, President, HRAWI.

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.