FHRAI

FHRAI convention promotes Thailand

Slap on the face of Indian hospitality, tourism industry

Unimaginable that the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Association of India (FHRAI) holds its 46th annual convention in Bangkok instead of promoting an Indian destination. Between 11 and 13 October when the Federation, which claims itself to be the apex body of the hospitality industry, flew hundreds of its members and their families to Bangkok they were giving a direct signal that India does not have any destination worth promoting.

One fails to understand whose unwise idea it was in the Federation to have taken the decision. If the Federation would have organized the convention within India, it would have given a boost to the region and tourism, it would have promoted hotels and given them business, at least, for good three days. However, it seems, the Federation has deviated from its mission put up on its website which clearly states --- The principle mission of FHRAI is to Represent, Promote and Develop the Hospitality Industry in India. One fails to understand how the FHRAI has promoted the hospitality industry in India by this act. One finds it strange that while the Federation claims to be representing 3691 members comprising 2358 hotels, 1178 restaurants and 155 associate members, it could not find a worthwhile location within the country to hold its convention. To the 17 million direct workers its member organizations employ, it has given a wrong signal. Is the hospitality industry in India so poor or incompetent that the Federation had to fly to a smaller, neighbouring country for its convention?

This event has sent out wrong signals to Indian tour operators and travel agents too, who in turn, would get the impression that if the Federation considers Bangkok a prime destination, then they should sell that instead of their own domestic destinations. It is a dangerous trend.

Not long ago, one of the travel agents’ association had made a similar blunder; they had also gone to Thailand to hold their convention. In fact, they were extended hospitality by Thailand’s Tourism. A good amount of money was spent by the association on their ‘jaunt’ and the bill was paid by their hosts. It appears, the Federation has also taken the benefit of their hosts’ hospitality.

This convention was not a promotion of Indian tourism or hospitality industry, but a slap on its face.