The Hotel Association of India (HAI) has welcomed Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the new Tourism Minister, and Suresh Gopi, the new Minister of State for Tourism, with a commitment to elevate India’s tourism and hospitality sector.
Vision for the Future
India has recently concluded the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been elected for a third consecutive term. Under Modi’s leadership, the country aims to become one of the top three economies and a preferred tourist destination. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will lead the Tourism Ministry, supported by Suresh Gopi.
Industry Response
K.B. Kachru, President of HAI and Chairman – South Asia of Radisson Hotel Group, expressed optimism about the new appointments:
“The Hotel Association of India (HAI) felicitates and welcomes the newly appointed Tourism Minister, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and conveys its wholehearted commitment and support to the India tourism vision 2047.”
Kachru emphasized Shekhawat’s background from Rajasthan, a state known for its robust tourism sector, as a positive sign for the industry. He highlighted the socio-economic importance of tourism, noting that the hotel industry is a key pillar of both domestic and international tourism. In 2019-2020, the sector created 39 million jobs, with many in hotels. He expressed hope that the new leadership would address the industry’s goals, such as gaining “infrastructure status” and extending “industry” benefits to hotels.
“We look forward to working closely with the Ministry to showcase India’s rich heritage and promote it as a preferred destination for tourists and for MICE,” Kachru added.
Strengthening Hospitality
Rohit Khosla, Vice President of HAI and Executive Vice President (Operations) of the Indian Hotels Company Limited, also welcomed the new minister:
“HAI welcomes the newly appointed Tourism Minister, Shri Gajendra Shekhawat, and looks forward to strengthening India’s hospitality sector. Indian hotels have been recognized among the best globally, embodying the tradition of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava.'”
Khosla noted the significant economic impact of hotels and their contribution to sustainable development goals. He expressed hope for policy interventions to help the industry contribute $1 trillion to the $3 trillion tourism economy by 2047.
Collaborative Efforts
MP Bezbaruah, Secretary General of HAI, welcomed Shekhawat, highlighting his roots in Rajasthan and his previous service in the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Bezbaruah emphasized the potential for collaboration between the ministry and the industry:
“HAI looks forward to advancing efforts on the National Tourism Policy 2022, establishing a National Tourism Board, and developing tourism through public-private partnerships.”
He stressed the untapped potential of India’s tourism sector and the role of hotels in job creation across the country.
With renewed leadership and strategic collaboration, HAI is hopeful for significant advancements in India’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
