IHHA’s annual convention at Jaisalmer

The Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) held its 6th Annual Convention in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The Convention was held from September 2-3, 2017, at Hotel Suryagarh in Jaisalmer. With an aim of trying to revive the rich, cultural, historical and architectural heritage of India IHHA 2017 saw the participation of several heritage hoteliers. The association which was formed with only 14 members has now reached a whopping 198 members in 2017, with members spread over different parts of the country. This year’s theme – ‘Harnessing Heritage to Tourism Advantage’ also focused on reviving the traditional art, culture music and to provide local artisans opportunities to practice their craft.

The convention was inaugurated on September 2 by the Minister of State for Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Krishnendra Kaur along with other dignitaries by lighting the traditional lamp. The session was headed by IHHA President, Maharaja Gajsingh of Jodhpur. The panel saw the participation of Deputy Speaker, Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, Rao Rajendra Singh; Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, NC Goel; Vice President of IHHA, Jose Dominic; Principal Secretary Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Government of Punjab, Jaspal Singh; Member of Parliament, Yuvraj Sambhiraje Chattrapti and Joint Managing Director of Maharashtra Tourism, Ashutosh Rathore.

The session witnessed discussions on several topics such as – India’s large young workforce, as its strength; promoting the art and culture of special regions and generating employment; framing a National policy on heritage tourism and promoting wellness tourism. The session was moderated by Mr. Rakesh Mathur. The vote of thanks was given by the Honorary General Secretary of IHHA, Randhir Vikram Singh.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Smt. Vasundhara Raje attended the heritage hotels convention on September 3.

During the occasion, the 3rd Coffee Table book of IHHA was also released. The Annual General Meeting of IHHA was also held on the same day.

Several B2B Meetings were held between RATO Members and hoteliers for the first time. In fact, the RATO organised a visit of the tour operators to different heritage properties within the State. The 4 day visit also included attending the IHHA session at Jaisalmer where they had effective networking with the hotel owners.

Mr. Adityaveer Singh Ranawat, General Manager - Group Operations and Mr. Madan Singh Shekhawat, Executive General Manager - Northern Region, represented the HRH Group of Hotels.

Mr. Adityaveer Singh Ranawat and Mr. Madan Singh Shekhawat at 6th Annual Convention of the Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA)


Thu, 14 – Sat, 16 Sep

GLOBAL MICE TRAVEL MART

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) organised the 2nd edition of the Global MICE Travel Mart (GMTM) at The Lalit, New Delhi from 14-16 September 2017. The event saw gathering of who's who of the MICE industry. The DG, Ministry of Tourism Mr. Satyajeet Rajan gave the inaugural address. Other eminent people in the panel were Mr. Sabbas Joseph, Director Wizcraft and Dr. Sanjaya Baru, Secretary General FICCI. Mr Amitava Ghosh, Dy GM, West Bengal Tourism development corp.; Mr Rahul Chakravarty, FICCI; Mr Chander Mansharamani , Alpcord and Mr Aashutosh Rathod , Director Tourism gave their view points. The Release of FICCI – MRSS Knowledge paper – “MICE Tourism Powerhouse of a New Era Tourism” was done in presence of all delegates. Second Panel discussion, 'MICE in India – THE NEXT Step” was moderated by Rajan Sehgal, Member FICCI Tourism and President. The second day was scheduled for BUYER SELLER meets. Ms. Jasmeet Chowdhary, Vice President - Sales & Marketing; Mr. Vikram Singh Bhati, General Manager, Central Reservations and Ms. Ruchi Singh, Manager - Sales, New Delhi from HRH Group of Hotels represented the group.