MUMBAI — The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) (HRAWI) has a new leader. Nirav Gandhi, Director of Express Group of Hotels & Resorts, was elected President during the association’s 76th Annual General Meeting held in Mumbai on 10 September 2026. He steps into the role after serving as Senior Vice President, bringing more than three decades of hospitality experience to the position.
Gandhi’s election comes at a pivotal moment for India’s hospitality sector, which is navigating post-pandemic recovery, shifting traveller preferences, and evolving regulatory frameworks. In his acceptance remarks, Gandhi underscored the need for a unified industry voice to shape policies that support hospitality businesses across the region.
“It is an honour and a responsibility to take on the leadership of HRAWI at a time when the hospitality industry is undergoing significant transformation,” Gandhi said. “Our focus must be on collaboration — between operators, policymakers, and allied sectors — to ensure sustainable growth.”
Leadership team and strategic priorities
The AGM also confirmed Paramjit Singh Ghai as Senior Vice President and Gurbir Singh Bedi as Vice President. Together, the new leadership team will steer HRAWI’s agenda for the coming term, with an emphasis on policy advocacy, industry collaboration, and regional tourism development.
Gandhi outlined a roadmap that includes expanding flagship initiatives such as the HRAWI Conclave & Awards and the Knowledge Series, both designed to foster knowledge-sharing and recognise excellence in the sector. He also proposed the creation of a Hotel Chain Representation Board to enhance engagement with policymakers at central and state levels, ensuring that the interests of both independent and chain operators are represented.
Representing Western India’s hospitality ecosystem
HRAWI represents hotels and restaurants across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, and the Union Territories. The 76-year-old association is affiliated with the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), giving it a strong voice in national hospitality policy discussions.
With Gandhi at the helm, HRAWI is expected to intensify its lobbying efforts on issues ranging from licensing and taxation to labour regulations and infrastructure support. The association has historically played a key role in shaping state-level tourism policies, and Gandhi’s experience in both operational and association leadership positions positions him well to continue that work.
Industry observers note that Gandhi’s appointment signals continuity, given his previous role as Senior Vice President, but also a fresh push for modernisation. His proposal for a dedicated chain representation board reflects the growing influence of branded hotels in Western India, a segment that has expanded rapidly in cities like Pune, Nagpur, and Ahmedabad.
As the hospitality industry in India continues to attract both domestic and international investment, HRAWI’s role in facilitating dialogue between the private sector and government becomes increasingly critical. Gandhi’s agenda, focused on collaboration and policy engagement, aligns with broader industry efforts to streamline operations and improve competitiveness.
For travel professionals, the leadership change at HRAWI is a development worth monitoring, as the association’s advocacy can directly impact operating conditions for hotels and restaurants across one of India’s most dynamic regions. With a seasoned operator now at the helm, the industry will be watching to see how effectively HRAWI translates its priorities into tangible policy outcomes.
