FHW Staff – Mumbai
The Hotel Investment Forum India (HIFI) convention being organised in New Delhi from January 14-15, 2015, will highlight many new investment-related aspects in Indian hospitality industry, apart from revisiting the old issues. “HIFI 2015 is the first major hotel investment conference in India after the Modi government assumed office. REITs, e-visa, visa on arrival and harnessing tourism for national growth are key factors for driving wider travel and investment opportunities. HIFI will focus on opportunities and outlook for North-East, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi and Mumbai, leisure sector and religious destinations. A special (by invitation only) roundtable is being hosted, together with World Bank group, on PPP in tourism – senior government officials from central and state tourism will attend HIFI, following this Roundtable. Plenary panels will involve the travel trade and airline advisors besides senior “on-the-ground” hotel leaders,” said Vijay Thacker, director, Horwath HTL-India.
Some of the key topics programmed for HIFI in 2015 include: an update on REITs; development track showcasing the key geographical and sector development opportunities; a product track emphasising opportunities and challenges in ‘hot’ hotel sectors; strategies for success with regional hotel leaders interpreting industry data; important financing and valuation insights; lessons learned in management contracts and franchising; how to expand into alternative and mixed-use products; exclusive interviews and panels with hotel investment industry leaders; the HIFI Awards: Deal of the Year, Rising Star, Hall of Fame, and Aatithya Ratna.