The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) recently held its ‘Empowering Hospitality’ conclave on June 21, celebrating the remarkable contributions of professionals within the hospitality industry in Gujarat. This prestigious event took place at The Grand Bhagwati in Ahmedabad, attracting key industry leaders who gathered to discuss and advance crucial aspects of hospitality excellence.
Honoring Excellence in Hospitality
The Chief Guest for the evening was Mr. Nalinkumar Chaudhary, Director of Gujarat State Fire Prevention Services, Gandhinagar. The event’s highlight was the recognition of Mr. Narendra Somani, EC member of HRAWI and Chairman & Managing Director of The Grand Bhagwati, Ahmedabad. Mr. Somani was honoured for his significant contributions to the hospitality sector in Gujarat.
Additionally, the event recognized other notable figures for their efforts in promoting sustainability in their properties. These included Mr. Manohar S. Gurung, President of Madhuban Resort & Spa, Anand; Mr. Puneet Baijal, General Manager of Hyatt Regency, Ahmedabad; and Mr. Keenan McKenzie, General Manager of ITC Narmada, Ahmedabad, who received the Sustainable Property Awards.
Sustainable Practices in Hospitality
The HRAWI is committed to promoting sustainability within the hospitality industry. Recognizing the efforts of hoteliers who prioritize eco-friendly practices is a step towards encouraging the entire industry to adopt more sustainable operations. The recipients of the Sustainable Property Awards have demonstrated innovative approaches to reducing environmental impact, making significant strides in energy conservation, waste management, and resource efficiency.
Acknowledging Exceptional Leaders
In addition to Mr. Somani, several other distinguished professionals were honoured for their exceptional contributions to the hospitality industry:
- Best General Manager Award: Mr. Atul Budhraja, General Manager, Sankalp Group; Mr. Koustuv Mukherjee, General Manager, Pride Plaza, Ahmedabad; Mr. Naveen Tomar, General Manager, Taj Vivanta, Ahmedabad.
- Best Chef Award: Chef Sujit Vora, The Grand Bhagwati; Chef Surya Narayan, Hyatt Regency, Ahmedabad; Chef Sudev Sharma, Taj Skyline, Ahmedabad; Chef Archit Arora, Yi Jing, ITC Narmada.
- Best Performing Hotel: ITC Narmada, Ahmedabad.
“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the hospitality professionals in Gujarat for their outstanding efforts and remarkable contributions. Your dedication and commitment have been pivotal in driving the growth and success of the tourism and hospitality industry in the State. As we witness unprecedented growth and transformation in the sector, we must prioritize sustainability and responsibility in our hospitality practices.
For this, the Association has carved a special recognition for the hospitality establishments and its managers who lead by example. The industry congratulates and draws inspiration from you. I also wish to thank all the distinguished personalities and professionals for being a part of the event. Your presence and participation enrich our discussions and inspire us to achieve even greater heights in our collective journey towards excellence in hospitality,” says Mr Pradeep Shetty, President, of HRAWI.
Advancing Hospitality Excellence
The event was a testament to the significant progress and development in Gujarat’s hospitality sector. The industry’s leaders shared insights on best practices, innovation, and strategies for continued growth. The discussions underscored the importance of collaboration and the collective effort required to achieve excellence in hospitality.
“Over the years, Gujarat has seen significant progress and development in this sector, becoming a beacon of excellence and innovation. This advancement would not have been possible without the hard work and passion of each individual in our industry. Our upcoming convention in Goa aims to drive this growth while promoting best practices across the nation, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of tourism and Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and our goal of welcoming 100 million tourists by 2047 and achieving a USD 3 trillion tourism economy,” concludes Mr Shetty.
Empowering the Future of Hospitality
The ‘Empowering Hospitality’ conclave served as a platform to celebrate achievements, share knowledge, and inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals. The event highlighted the importance of innovation, sustainability, and excellence, setting the stage for the industry’s continued success.
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