ETW Staff – Mumbai
The 27th edition of Food Hospitality World (FHW) exhibition, being held from January 21 to 23, 2016 at MMRDA Grounds, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, witnessed an interesting and engaging discourse on the second day, wherein general managers (GMs) representing leading hotels in Maharashtra spoke on the topic ‘India Hotel Development: Vision 2020′ as part of the Hospitality Knowledge Exchange panel discussion. The panelists for this discussion included Sameer Sud, GM, The Leela Mumbai; Kapil Kapoor, GM, Waterstones Hotel, Mumbai; Varun Sahani, GM, The Orchid, Mumbai; Srinivas Srirangam, GM, Novotel Imagica Khopoli; and Satyajit Kotwal, GM, The Resort Hotel, Madh-Marve.
During the discussion, the panelists highlighted several factors that are to drive hotel development in the future. For instance, Sahani stated, “The three factors to drive hospitality growth are information, technology and globalisation.” While Srirangam pointed out that FDI is positively impacting the industry. He added, “Budget, mid-scale and upper mid-scale hotels will drive growth in the next five years.”
Kapoor stated that understading the need and customisation is the way forward. While Sud highlighted the need to focus on spiritual tourism. Putting forth a pertinent point, Kotwal opined, “The hospitality industry is capital intensive and hence we require infrastructure status.”
Apart from this, other highlights of FHW include the Hospitality Purchasing Managers’ Forum (HPMF) also being held on the second day. Here purchase managers will be seen discussing on the topic – Are we ready for the latest FSSAI ruling?
On the concluding day, a special conference will be held by the Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR) involving key restauranteurs and hoteliers in the city.
Moreover, the Great Indian Culinary Challenge (GICC) 2016, being held across all the three days, has completed 10 years at FHW 2016 Mumbai. This year, the competition is receiving participation from around 150 chefs working with various leading hotels, restaurants and hotel management institutes. GICC, supported by the Western India Culinary Association (WICA), is a food preparation competition wherein senior and apprentice chefs across India are able to showcase their individual and collective skills, learn and share experiences, partner and network in a competitive environment.
The FHW trade show is organised by Global Fairs & Media – a joint venture between Hannover Milano Fairs India and The Indian Express.