MUMBAI — The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) (HRAWI) has elected Nirav Gandhi as its president for the 2026-27 term. Gandhi, who serves as Director of the Express Group of Hotels & Resorts in Gujarat, was chosen during the association’s 76th Annual General Meeting held in Mumbai on September 10.
Gandhi steps up from the role of Senior Vice President, bringing more than three decades of hospitality experience. His leadership will focus on strengthening the association’s engagement with government bodies and industry stakeholders, with an emphasis on policy advocacy, regulatory issues, and the overall growth of the hospitality sector across Western India.
Policy Priorities and Government Engagement
Under Gandhi’s leadership, HRAWI will prioritize ease of doing business (EoDB), industry regulations, food safety, and compliance. The association plans to intensify its dialogue with government authorities to ensure that hotels, restaurants, and allied businesses remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
“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. He added that he would build on the association’s legacy of advocacy, collaboration, and service to the sector.
Gandhi emphasized the need for a unified industry voice to shape policies that support growth. “A collective approach is essential to address the challenges and opportunities facing our members,” he noted.
Expanding Industry Platforms
HRAWI intends to broaden the reach and frequency of its Conclave & Awards and Knowledge Series, which serve as key platforms for professional learning, knowledge exchange, and industry recognition. The association is also proposing a Hotel Chain Representation Board (HCRB) to give leading hotel chains a formal channel to engage with HRAWI and contribute to policy discussions at state and national levels.
Gandhi also outlined plans to scale up the HRAWI Expo, aiming to create more opportunities for business engagement and collaboration across the hospitality industry. These initiatives are designed to foster innovation and connectivity among industry players.
New Office Bearers and Leadership Team
The AGM also saw the appointment of HRAWI’s new office bearers for 2026-27. The leadership team will continue the association’s work on policy advocacy, capacity building, food safety, regulatory compliance, and industry knowledge-sharing. Specific names of the new office bearers were not disclosed in the announcement.
Gandhi’s Extensive Industry Background
Gandhi holds a BSc in Hotel and Resort Management from the Rochester Institute of Technology in the United States, graduating in 1993. He has been associated with Express Hotel in Vadodara, an HRAWI member since 1986, and has served as its director for over two decades.
His previous industry roles include Honorary Secretary of HRAWI, Executive Committee Member of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), and Founder and Past President of EO Gujarat. Gandhi has represented the hospitality industry before government authorities on matters including FSSAI requirements, hotel classification, taxation, licensing, online travel agency-related issues, and QCI and BIS standards.
He has also contributed to the development of IHQS, FHRAI’s hotel classification system, and facilitated the establishment of an FSSAI food testing laboratory in Vadodara. His efforts have been instrumental in advancing industry standards and compliance.
HRAWI’s focus under Gandhi’s leadership aligns with broader industry trends, such as the recent regulatory updates for hospitality discussed at its Knowledge Series in Goa. The association’s initiatives also complement developments like ITC Hotels’ new management deal in Gandhinagar, reflecting the dynamic growth of Western India’s hospitality sector.
