The hospitality sector in Goa has its own set of rules and the dynamics of business within the industry is peculiar to its region. It would not be wrong to say that there was a time when Goa would sell on an auto mode. It was a market that was heavily dependent on international business, with the domestic inflow viewed as a bonus. However, with the thinning out of the charter business and in turn the international inflow, steady business from the domestic sector is now getting all the respect it deserves. Hospitality professionals are taking the power of the domestic traveller rather seriously. This fact was further emphasised at the GM’s round table at the recently held Food Hospitality World’s (FHW) 29th exhibition, in Goa. Ten GMs from leading hospitality brands in Goa spoke about their business strategies at the Hospitality Think Tank, which is one of the highlights of India’s leading hospitality trade show, FHW. The show also witnessed an interesting panel discussion on Goa as a wedding destination, the details of which are within this issue.
FHW has surely evolved over time and its recently concluded 29th edition once again lived up to its promise of offering its delegates and the industry three days of serious networking and some action packed events constantly being held on the floor.
The B2B exhibition has also provided a platform for hospitality aspirants and professionals to display their skills and leading the way is the Goa Culinary Challenge, which was established successfully at the show. This time the Culinary Forum of Goa actively participated to highlight the talent that rests in the tiny state of India. Following this trend, it was the turn of the housekeepers fraternity to make their mark. Indian Professional Housekeepers Association (IPHA), partnered with FHW to set up two first of its kind competitions – the flower display competition and the towel art competition, which were launched at FHW Goa 2016. These competitions received an encouraging response from housekeepers across all levels. The Mixology Championship, the Hospitality Purchasing Managers’ Forum also brought to the fore exciting aspects of the hospitality sector. The benchmark has been raised and there is definitely more in store at FHW January 2017 event.
Reema Lokesh
Editor