PANAJI
The Hotel Association of India, the apex national body of Indian hospitality met the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to discuss issues related to Goa tourism particularly those that directly concern hotels.
HAI President KB Kachru accompanied by MP Bezbaruah Secretary General, Nikhil Sharma Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President (ASVP) for South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, Vinayak Albuquerque, Director Alcon Victor Group, and Jack Sukhija, President of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa and discussed wide-ranging issues related to the tourism growth and development in the region including, infrastructure development, policy support and skill development.
HAI has advocated strong public-private partnerships and regular and systematic interactions between the government and the industry to unleash the full potential of tourism, especially hospitality, in creating jobs, driving inclusive growth, and advancing the general development of the region.
The Goa roadmap of tourism is a blueprint for sustainable development of the sector, which was developed by UNWTO and endorsed at the G20 summit. HAI members are committed to sustainable development of tourism and welcome any opportunity to collaborate with the State on the same to further strengthen the sector and secure Goa’s prominence as a premier destination both for leisure and business.
The HAI delegation also met Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte. The Chief Minister thanked HAI for its assurances of continued support to the state and appreciated its role in the growth of a vibrant tourism and hospitality sector in the state.
The highlights of the discussions included the re-positioning of Goa as a destination that offers more than just beaches and promoting the State’s rich tourism products like forest trails, treks, cuisine, adventure and how the State can increase the share of high-spending tourists. Another potential area of collaboration that emerged was the expansion of skilling programmes and making the local youth more employable.
Speaking on HAI’s commitment to the tourism sector, KB Kachru, President HAI and Chairman “ South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said: “Goa has been a premium destination for domestic and international tourism and HAI is proud to contribute to its growth. By working closely with the government, advocating for policy reforms, fostering job creation, and developing skilled talent, we are confident that Goa will continue to thrive as a leading tourist destination.”
MP Bezbaruah, Secretary General, HAI, said: “As the leading representative of the hotel sector, HAI would work closely with the Goa government to identify and address key industry challenges. HAI's dedication to fostering long-term growth and innovation in Goa's hospitality sector is strengthened through these strategic partnerships.”
