The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India’s (FHRAI) annual convention brought together hoteliers, restaurateurs, and experts to explore topics ranging from sustainability to new-age restaurant trends, aimed at improving business operations and growth in the Indian hospitality industry.
Mugdha Sinha, Director General of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, said, “We must rethink our approach to attracting international wedding tourism by offering a seamless experience for foreign guests. Direct flight connectivity, simplified visa processes, and curated, unique itineraries will make India the ultimate wedding destination. With 54% of people in India spending over 10 lakhs on weddings and an average guest size of 525, the Big Fat Indian Wedding has evolved into a creative economic force. This market, second only to China, presents immense opportunities for growth. Weddings in India are not just events but cultural showcases, and the industry can greatly benefit from promoting honeymoon packages and milestone celebrations here. By making the process easier for international couples, we can further strengthen our position as a top wedding destination globally”.
The convention also explored emerging trends in the restaurant and wedding sectors. A session on restaurant trends, moderated by Rahul Akerkar, highlighted innovations in dining experiences and the growing role of technology in customer engagement. The booming wedding industry was another focus, with Siddhartha Chaturvedi leading a discussion on how hotels can capitalise on the growing demand for luxury wedding venues, offering significant revenue opportunities for the sector.
