New Delhi  – The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), the world’s 3rd largest association announces the successful culmination of a one-day event “Travel for Life – Tourism Sustainability Summit 2024” held at Hotel Le-Meridien, New Delhi, on March 8, 2024. This initiative was organized with the support of Ministry of Tourism which aims to bring large-scale behavioural change amongst tourists and tourism businesses, significantly impacting environmental protection and climate action.

FHRAI forged strategic partnerships and signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with key stakeholders, during the Summit to drive sustainable initiatives within the industry. Noteworthy collaborations include an MoU between FHRAI and the Indian Plumbing Association (IPA), aimed at facilitating knowledge exchange and joint initiatives for water conservation and sustainable plumbing practices in hotels and restaurants. FHRAI announced another partnership with the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) to further its commitment towards sustainable development in the built environment. The collaboration seeks to enable India to become a global leader in sustainable building practices by 2025.

The event was also graced by esteemed dignitaries, including “Special Guest” Mr Yugal Joshi, Mission Director of Life & Adviser, Water, Land Resources, and Communication at NITI Aayog, Government of India, and “Chief Guest” Mr Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa and Former CEO of NITI Aayog, Government of India. The summit aligns with the Ministry of Tourism’s vision to promote environmental protection and climate action through responsible tourism. With the theme ‘Travel for Life’, the event was aimed to bring a shift in the mindset of tourists and tourism businesses towards sustainable practices.

“I’m truly delighted that sustainability and Travel For Life is the theme of the FHRAI conference this year. As India charts its path towards sustainable growth, it’s evident that tourism will play a pivotal role in shaping our future. With the potential to create 25 million new jobs in the coming years, tourism not only drives economic prosperity but also presents a unique opportunity for India to lead the way in decarbonization. Despite our low per capita consumption, we must proactively address the looming challenge of greenhouse gas emissions. India’s commitment to decarbonization is not just a necessity but a responsibility as we strive to build a greener and more resilient future for generations to come” said Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa and Former CEO, of NITI Aayog, Government of India

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Pradeep Shetty, President of FHRAI, expressed his enthusiasm for the summit’s success and emphasized the importance of collective action towards sustainability. He stated,” As stewards of the hospitality industry, we recognize that sustainability isn’t just a concept—it’s a powerful force for transformation. By embracing sustainable practices throughout our operations, businesses can not only ensure their long-term success but also play a vital role in fostering a healthier planet and delivering truly enriching experiences for our guests. These partnerships are aimed to drive collaborative action to enable the hospitality industry to have a lasting positive impact on our planet and its people. The time for action is now, and it’s within the hospitality sector that we find the potential to lead the charge towards a more sustainable future”.

FHRAI extends its gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism, its hospitality partner, The Fern Resorts, and technology partner, Urzza, for their invaluable support in making the summit a resounding success.