HRAWI Conclave Surat Celebrates Hospitality Leaders
HRAWI hosts its 7th conclave in Surat, recognising leading hotels, restaurants, and industry figures driving growth in South Gujarat’s hospitality sector.
nishathapa 
May 7, 2026 | Surat: The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) (HRAWI) hosted the 7th edition of its Conclave and Awards in Surat, pulling in hospitality players from across South Gujarat and putting a spotlight on those shaping the region’s fast-moving hotel and restaurant business.
The event, held at Regenta – The World, wasn’t just about trophies. It zeroed in on performance, operations, sustainability, innovation, and leadership, while doubling as a room where the industry compared notes on where things are headed.
Industry gathering highlights regional growth
The turnout said a lot.
Hotel operators, restaurateurs, and industry insiders showed up in strength, underlining how Surat is climbing the hospitality ladder. South Gujarat is seeing movement on both sides, branded hotels expanding and independent F&B setups multiplying.
HRAWI is clearly leaning into these non-metro markets. And this conclave is part of that push, build stronger local networks and tighten industry standards beyond the usual big-city focus.
Awards recognise leadership and operational excellence
The awards list mixed legacy names with active market players.
Chander Baljee of Royal Orchid Hotels was recognised, alongside regional figures Arun Shetty and Sanat Relia. These are the people shaping how the market is growing on the ground.
Bharat Shah picked up the Lifetime Achievement Award, long-term contribution, no surprises there.
On the property side:
- Surat Marriott Hotel — Most Iconic Hotel
- Courtyard by Marriott Surat — Sustainable Green Hospitality
- Hilton Garden Inn Surat City Centre — Best New Hotel
And that list tells its own story, big brands are not just entering Surat, they’re setting the pace.
F&B concepts highlight evolving dining landscape
It wasn’t just about hotels.
The awards also pulled in standalone restaurants and new-age dining concepts. That signals a shift, Surat’s food scene is no longer basic or functional. It’s getting sharper, more experience-driven.
And that matters.
Because hotels and independent outlets are now feeding off each other to build the city’s overall appeal.
Conclave addresses operational and sustainability challenges
Behind the awards, the real conversations were more practical.
Panels drilled into issues operators deal with daily:
- Food safety compliance
- Fire prevention systems
- Switching to alternative energy
No fluff. Just the friction points that can make or break operations.
And the message was clear, keeping up with regulations and safety standards is no longer optional. It’s survival.
South Gujarat emerges as a hospitality growth hub
The bigger picture is hard to miss.
South Gujarat, with Surat at the centre, is shifting gears. Infrastructure is improving. Business activity is rising. And travel demand is following.
That’s pulling in hotel investments and pushing F&B growth at the same time.
And expectations are rising just as fast.
HRAWI’s regional push is designed to keep that momentum steady, connect the players, recognise performance, and keep the market learning from itself.
Because Surat is no longer catching up.
It’s starting to compete.
