Leaders Convene at the 55th FHRAI Annual Convention
Bengaluru, 24th September 2025: The 55th Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) Annual Convention brought together key policymakers and industry leaders, including:
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Karnataka Chief Minister, Mr. Siddaramaiah
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Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. D. K. Shivakumar
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Union Minister for Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
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Karnataka Ministers H. K. Patil, M. B. Patil, and Mr. Dinesh Gundu Rao
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Andhra Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister, Mr. Kandula Durgesh
Karnataka’s Commitment to Tourism Growth
Speaking at the convention, Mr. Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Karnataka, said:
“We will certainly do our best to address any issues facing the tourism industry and help resolve problems. We want this industry to grow and contribute even more to the development of our country.”
Andhra Pradesh’s Tourism Vision
In his special address, Mr. Kandula Durgesh, Minister for Tourism and Culture, Andhra Pradesh, highlighted the state’s proactive policies:
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Tourism given industry status soon after the new government took office.
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Focus on speed of doing business, infrastructure development, hub-and-spoke models, and the 2024 and 2029 tourism policies.
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Promotion of Andhra Pradesh at major global forums like ITB Berlin and WTM London to attract investments.
₹723 Crore Investments and 200,000 Jobs
Mr. Durgesh revealed that in the past six months, the State Investment Promotion Board has cleared hospitality projects worth nearly ₹723 crore. These projects are expected to generate employment for 200,000 people, marking a significant step in Andhra Pradesh’s tourism-driven growth.
The state is also promoting tent-house activities, homestays, and temple tourism, with cities like Vijayawada being developed as key hubs.
FHRAI’s Call for Stronger Partnerships
Mr. K. Syama Raju, President of FHRAI, emphasized the sector’s transformative potential:
“Tourism and hospitality can create millions of jobs, attract investments, and showcase India’s cultural richness. With progressive policies and strong public-private partnerships, this sector can become a cornerstone of India’s economic growth.”
FHRAI–ETS India Partnership to Elevate Hiring Standards
On the sidelines of the convention, FHRAI and ETS India announced a partnership to strengthen hiring benchmarks in the hospitality industry. Through the globally recognized TOEIC® assessments, the collaboration will:
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Define minimum communication standards for hospitality roles.
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Improve training and hiring processes across hotels and restaurants.
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Align Indian hospitality practices with global service standards.
