'Unity within the industry must prevail'

Kamal Sharma, former managing director of Hotel Corporation of India (HCI, a Government of India undertaking) recently took over the mantle of the FHRAI secretary general. He has held several senior positions with the government, private and multinational companies in London, Muscat and India. He shares his vision for establishing co-ordination between the hospitality industry and the travel fraternity, in conversation with Sanjeev Bhar

Kamal Sharma newly-appointed Secretary General, FHRAI

What priorities have you listed as the association's newly elected secretary general?

It is pre-mature to comment on the priorities to be set at this given moment. My predecessor Shyam Suri, has left a rich legacy and I am looking forward to continuing the task. Right now, my core concern will be towards filling any gaps existing within the association that may hinder our aim and mission to take the industry ahead. I will try to ensure that the co-ordination between small and big establishments, whether hotels or restaurants, grows stronger.

What is the federation's take on the future of the industry?

The industry has grown large and diverse; we have various tourism products and similarly varied types of hotels/restaurants with individualistic set of problems. Yet I strongly feel that unity within the industry must prevail, thereby giving priority to the industry. We can only succeed with strategies that are well synchronised. Differentiation of services provided by hospitality companies cannot be addressed through differentiation because at the end of the day we are still talking of one industry. I will try to bridge the communication gap firstly, between the association and industry and secondly, within the industry itself. We can only succeed by being collective and constructive without being prejudiced to bigger or smaller entities in the association.

How do you want the federation to evolve?

The association is already recognised by international bodies for its contribution to the hospitality industry in India. We are seeking to further recognise and establish the authenticity and trade contribution made by FHRAI to the international hospitality sector. At this juncture, when India has become the focus of all attention, we feel that there is a desperate need for regularisation of tourism policies in order to provide sustainable growth to various strategies. Our need at this point is forming synergies with the associates who form the backbone of the travel industry. We presently have 3,500 members from hotels, restaurants and associates and are in talks with travel associations like TAAI and IATO to formalise a relationship with us to promote better co-ordination between travel and hospitality.