Inaugural Ceremony: The event was inaugurated by Shri. Kapil Mishra, Minister for Tourism, Art, Culture & Languages, Gurudwara Election & Water.

While addressing the ongoing HRANI Conclave, Mr. Mishra said that the Delhi Government is going to rationalise taxes in the Tourism sector and major announcement regarding the rationalisation can be expected in the upcoming Delhi Budget 2016-17.

Elaborating the vision, Delhi Tourism Minister revealed that the Government is working on a major Delhi Festival, a 15 day long cultural event in Delhi to be held in the month of November on the lines of Dubai Festival. The Delhi Government will start major destination branding activity this year as well.

The Minister further added that the Government is keen to work closely with the Tourism and Hospitality industry to resolve industry concerns. He said that Delhi's brand image has started improving because of Government initiatives.

Addressing the gathering with his keynote speech, Mr. K. B. Kachru, Chairman, South Asia, Carlson & Rezidor Hotel Group, highlighted the issues and aspirations of tourism and hospitality sector in Delhi.

Mr. Kachru is responsible for driving the growth of the company’s’ hotels in South Asia and has been instrumental in building the business in India over the past 15 years.

With his vast experience and expertise, Mr. Kachru pointed out the Potential of Delhi and the ways to make Delhi a ‘Preferred Tourism destination’ in comparison to International capital cities like Paris, Amsterdam, Rome etc. He also urged the government to join hands with the industry to tap this potential. Mr. Kachru also apprised, that the government must carve out policies to make the Capital of India a safe, secure, hygienic & pollution free destination.

Lauding the recent initiatives taken by the new government for the tourism sector, Mr. Luv Malhotra, President HRANI, addressed the august gathering about Tourism potential of the North India to serve as a major growth engine for the country. He briefed the issues likehigh luxury tax levied on declared tariff instead of actual, high consent fee by DPCC, multiple licenses etc; plaguing the sector in a timebound manner.

"Highlighting the need for unravelling the huge potential of leisure segment of North India's tourism industry. We need to convert this latent natural and economic advantage to competitive advantage. States and union territories have to play a pro-active role in realizing this potential by initiating breakthrough ideas and bringing them to a logical conclusion. It is high time, we portray Delhi as a tourist destination and work to enhance brand Delhi", said Mr Malhotra.

Welcoming the participants, Mr. S.M. Shervani, Hony. Secretary FAITH, Former President, HRANI & FHRAI said that , "Delhi has seen influx of hotel rooms and guest houses and because of it today the Hotels are struggling with their ARR and occupancy percentage."

He also pointed out Delhi's non-competitiveness not only with the world class cities but also with other National Capital Regions of Gurgaon and Noida.