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-Priyadarshi Shastri | IMAWS (cbedit@imaws.org)
The state of Rajasthan is famous for its exquisite hotels and resorts. A perfect spot to unwind in luxury. We got the opportunity to talk to Mr Rannvijay Umaid, Senior Vice President of the Hotel Federation of Rajasthan (HFR). Since 1996, he has actively contributed to various hotel and tourism associations, holding key positions as former joint secretary Jaipur Hotel Association, and Former Secretary General of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Rajasthan (HRAR). He is also the member Executive Committee Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan. Keep scrolling-
What types of hotels are part of the Hotel Federation of Rajasthan, and how are they categorized (e.g., luxury, mid-range, boutique)?
Hotel Federation of Rajasthan represents all of Rajasthan i.e all local and city associations are members of our association. We are the biggest body with the largest number of hotels. We have a division in Pushkar, Ajmer, Rathambore, Bikaner and Kota to name a few.
Honestly, we don’t have any category. Any stakeholder who has a hotel or any kind of property that has a relation with tourism can be a part of us be it hotels, resorts or cottages. Additionally, the guide association, Amer Fort’s Hathi Union is also our member.
What initiatives has the association taken to improve the overall quality of services in Jaipur’s hotels?
As an association, our main aim was to get industrial status. In the entire India, only Rajasthan has achieved it. It means, our association is not just commercial but an industry recognised by the Government of Rajasthan. Since our formation, we regularly keep tap on the trends and make sure the guidelines are passed to every member. We regularly do seminars or say events to make sure each property keeps up with the laid guidelines of quality and safety.
How does the association work with local government bodies and tourism organizations to enhance the hospitality industry in Jaipur?
As a hotel association, we work closely with the Government of Rajasthan, the Pollution Department, Nagar Nigam as well as Health Department. Moreover, the tourism department needs ideas, and suggestions to enhance the tourism industry. This is where we come, we give them updates on current trends going on internationally and policies. We compiled recommendations or suggestions after talking to our members of the association and gave them to the Government for the “Unit 2 policy Tourism”.
How does the association help hotels improve their kitchen operations or provide training in culinary best practices?
We conduct seminars on food safety and offer training programs to enhance the culinary skills of chefs. Also, we regularly conduct events and seminars with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and the Health Department of Rajasthan, where we talk about their new parameters or rules with our members of associations. Apart from that, we proactively work with the Health Department to make sure we follow the updated rules on food and safety.
Has there been a shift towards healthier, organic, or vegetarian/vegan options in hotel kitchens to cater to changing guest preferences?
Working in the hospitality and tourism industry since 1993 obviously guest’s choices and preferences have changed. Even in our association, many members run solely vegetarian hotels. Rajasthan has all types of tourists from all around the world so we have options that cater to all. Many of them don’t want to say other than pre-veg places. LMB Hotel, Ratnawali Four Seasons Hotel etc are pure vegetarian restaurants.
What role does the association play in ensuring that hotels adhere to labour laws and fair working conditions for their employees?
All of our associations follow labour laws. Plus, the government of Rajasthan is quite strict over this. Till now, we haven’t seen any kind of violation, most hotels make sure their employees are well taken care of.
What are some key social initiatives in which the Hotel Federation of Rajasthan is currently involved?
For social well-being, regularly, we partner with local Nagar Nigam to clean the cultural monuments of the city.
Second, we conduct workshops with the Food Safety Department of Rajasthan for new updates and educate our members on food safety and also offer healthy hygienic food to international and domestic tourists.
Third, we have hospitality members and their pollution compliance so we annually conduct a camps for our stakeholders so such compliance is completed.
We also participate in functions and events of Rajasthan Tourism so our association is involved hand to hand with the government.
How do you plan to further enhance your support for local artisans and traditional crafts through the hotel industry?
Most of hotels in Rajasthan are heritage hotels or say are inspired by local art and culture. Plus, our tourism policy towards our artisans is very beneficial. Nakashi and Tikri artists hardly get time because they are overbooked. Rajasthan tourism is booming because of these artists.
Recently we organised Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart, we made sure all local artists be it musical and dance had a proper display booth. This helped them to get recognition from guests and Rajasthan is all about.
What are your current expectations from govt when it comes to policy support, infrastructure development and tourism promotion?
The only thing we want from the Government of Rajasthan is the branding and marketing of Rajasthan. On today’s date, our state stands in the 7th spot in the country’s tourism. We need efforts from the government. States that are on the top because they are promoting spiritual tourism. We asked the Rajasthan government to highlight the temples and spiritual places of the state like conducting special events, showcasing beautiful lakes of Pushkar etc
Most of the states that are doing good in tourism i.e. Uttar Pradesh because of their sacred temples and improved infrastructure.
Your association did a partnership with the Food Safety Department to advocate for millets. Can you highlight its key points?
We organised a seminar to promote millet in the state. Around 200 hotel owners and members of the Food Safety Department attended the event. Later on, we conducted many programs related to this. We have a “Mission Millet” program, where hotel owners and members of our association are encouraged to organise a Millet-themed food festival. Multiple hotels including Hilton, Radisson and Fairfield have successfully organised such food festivals.
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