The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), which represents over 3,900 members including hotels, restaurants and associates, will be organising its 47th annual convention from September 6 to 8 at The Leela, Goa.

The Union Minister of Tourism, Mr Subodh Kant Sahai and the Chief Minister of Goa, Mr Manohar Parrikar will participate at the inaugural event.

This year’s theme is, “Employment Generation — Engine of Inclusive Growth”.

“Keeping in mind the ambitious plan to double the foreign tourist arrivals from the present level of 6.2 million to 11.70 million at the end of the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-2017) and increasing the level of domestic visitors, an estimated 1.8 lakh guestrooms are to be added to the present inventory,” said Mr Kamlesh Barot, President (FHRAI).

Mr Vivek Nair, Chairman of the Convention Organising Committee and Secretary of FHRAI, said, “The Convention will also touch upon issues pertaining to the increased demand for trained manpower required by the new accommodation units. The use of social media in marketing, sustainable development practices in hospitality, new trends in design of hotels and resorts and investment opportunities in various states will also be looked at.”

> nivedita.ganguly@thehindu.co.in