In a significant move for the advancement of India's tourism and hospitality sector, the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) inaugurated its Centre of Excellence (CoE) at its headquarters. The event was graced by Shri Suman Billa, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, along with prominent industry leaders.

The FHRAI Centre of Excellence has been envisioned as a dedicated research hub, established to enhance the federation’s advocacy initiatives and contribute to data-driven decision-making in the tourism and hospitality space. Positioned as an industry think tank, the Centre will focus on generating valuable insights through research, aiming to influence policy development and foster a culture of innovation and excellence.

Shri Suman Billa emphasized the crucial role of data in the sector: “Research and data are indispensable for understanding the true scope and potential of tourism. While government data provides foundational insights, we need a multidimensional view to fully grasp the sector's dynamics. By integrating insights from industry bodies and international organizations like the World Tourism Organization, we can create a robust data ecosystem that guides both government and industry stakeholders.”

He added that the Centre of Excellence represents a collaborative approach to better understand the industry's impact on employment and GDP. “With accurate data, we can build a resilient framework that supports sustainable growth, enabling the sector to thrive in a competitive global market,” he remarked.

An Industry Milestone for Advocacy and Innovation

Pradeep Shetty, President of FHRAI, described the CoE as a landmark achievement for the tourism and hospitality industry in India. "This has been a long-standing aspiration for our federation. In our engagements with the government, we’ve often encountered challenges stemming from regulatory issues and the need for reliable data. The Centre of Excellence fills this gap by providing a structured framework for research and advocacy,” Shetty noted.

With the Centre’s resources, FHRAI aims to present well-supported, data-driven insights to policy-makers, addressing industry challenges and proposing informed recommendations for reform. "Our objective is to uplift the industry by equipping it to meet evolving consumer and stakeholder expectations,” he added.

Supporting Policy and Growth Across India

Garish Oberoi of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Northern India highlighted the role of the CoE in addressing the data shortage within the sector, especially in tackling policy bottlenecks. “Each region in India has unique challenges, which is why the Centre will focus on creating state-specific reports and assessments. Our team will work to produce white papers and analytical insights, fostering a foundation for data-driven decision-making,” Oberoi stated.

The CoE aims to provide accurate information to government and industry stakeholders, empowering FHRAI to advocate effectively for its members and advance the industry’s standards.

A Transformational Step for India’s Tourism and Hospitality Sector

The launch of FHRAI's Centre of Excellence marks a forward step for India's tourism and hospitality industry. Focused on research, training, and advocacy, this initiative is set to elevate industry standards and tackle critical challenges. FHRAI remains committed to collaborative efforts with both industry members and government bodies, ensuring that the hospitality sector continues to meet the dynamic needs of consumers and professionals alike.