The webinar focused on the future of hospitality and tourism including strategies to revitalize the Industry amid COVID 19. The road map for Tourism driving rural development in the state of Uttar Pradesh
On the occasion of World Tourism Day, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Northern India jointly with UP Tourism organized a webinar on September 27, 2020 with Tourism and Rural Development as a theme
The webinar was graced by Dr. Neelkanth Tiwari, Honble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs & protocol, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh as Chief Guest. The event witnessed the gracious presence of Sh. Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism & Culture, Govt of Uttar Pradesh as Guest of Honour
Addressing the Webinar the Dr. Neelkanth Tiwari, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Tourism Culture and Religious Affairs & protocol, said "Uttar Pradesh is a land where cultures have evolved and religions emerge. The greatness of Uttar Pradesh lies not only in this confluence, but also in the emergence of cultural and religious traditions. He emphasized on the development of villages located on the banks of holy river Ganga and Yamuna. In response to the submissions from HRANI, he assured for positive consideration by the Tourism Department, Uttar Pradesh
Sh. Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism & Culture in his address stated that in line with the theme of 2020, villages are the integral part of our country. India's rich culture, cuisines and heritage comes from villages and are unparalleled. The country's unity in diversity is still looked by the entire world. He added the Government will work in tandem with the industry under PPP model to develop and promote spiritual, religious, yoga, wellness and rural tourism in the state
Mr. Surendra Kumar Jaisawal, President, HRANI & UPHRA & Vice President, FHRAI in his welcome address highlighted the importance of Rural Development through tourism. He also highlighted the key concerns of the hospitality sector which needs to be addressed for survival and revival of the worst hit hospitality and tourism industry
Waiver of Demand / Fixed Charges levied in Electricity bills; Refund / Adjustment of Excise Fee deposited for the lock down period as there was complete closure. Onetime / Automatic extension of validity of various licenses & approvals without levy of any fees up to March 31, 2021; Relief from property tax by reducing the current rates by 50% for hotels and hospitality establishment for a suitable period during the current financial year and No penalty or interest to be levied on payment of any dues to State Government were the key issues highlighted by Sh. Jaiswal, President, HRANI
The webinar witnessed the presence of Sh. Surendra Kumar Jaiswal, President, HRANI & UPHRA & Vice President, FHRAI; Mr. Garish Oberoi, Treasurer HRANI & FAITH, Gen. Secretary, UPHRA & Former President, HRANI & FHRAI; Sh. Subhash Goyal, Hony Secretary, Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) & Past President, IATO; Sh. Arun Dang, MC Member, HRANI, Past President, Tourism Guild, Agra; Sh. Pradeep Narayan Singh, MC Member, HRANI & President, Banaras Hotel Association; Mr. Rakesh Roy, Vice President, HRANI & Elchico Restaurant, Prayagraj; Sh. Upendra Gupta, Managing Director, Hotel Clarks, Varanasi and Mrs. Renu Thapliyal, Secretary General, HRANI
The diverse panel of experts shared their unique perspective and outlook in developing rural areas through better connectivity, infrastructure, new circuits and better facilities including promotion of tourism and hospitality holistically
The event was attended by 350 delegates which included the hospitality leaders, decision makers; industry shapers & members of Hotel and Restaurant Association of Northern India