HRAR Felicitates Tourism Leaders at Melange 3.0 on World Tourism Day

The Hotel & Restaurant Association of Rajasthan (HRAR) marked World Tourism Day by honouring two prominent members of the tourism sector at its pavilion during Melange 3.0 in Mumbai.

The association felicitated Subhash Goyal, Founder Chairman of STIC Travel Group, for his contribution to India’s travel and tourism industry. A traditional Rajasthani stole was presented to Goyal during the ceremony. A veteran of the tourism sector, he has been associated with various government and industry bodies and served as President of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) for six consecutive years, from 1995 to 2000.

HRAR also recognised Pawan Jain, Additional Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, for his role in the state’s tourism sector. He was presented with a Rajasthani blue pottery artefact, representing the state’s long-standing artistic and cultural traditions.

The felicitation ceremony was led by Adhiraj Singh Shahpura, Secretary, HRAR; Aseem Parakh, Treasurer, HRAR; and Rajendra Singh Jodha, Treasurer, Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR). Members of HRAR and exhibitors participating at the pavilion were also present during the occasion.

The event was organised as part of HRAR’s World Tourism Day activities at Melange 3.0, bringing together representatives from the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors. The recognition highlighted the contribution of individuals working across different areas of the tourism ecosystem, including industry leadership and government tourism administration.

World Tourism Day is observed annually to highlight the social, cultural and economic importance of tourism and its role in connecting communities and creating opportunities. Against this backdrop, HRAR used the occasion to recognise the work of professionals associated with the development of Rajasthan and India’s wider tourism sector.

The association also reiterated the importance of cooperation between government departments, travel trade organisations and the hospitality industry in supporting tourism growth in Rajasthan. Such collaboration involves tourism promotion, destination development, industry engagement and the creation of opportunities for businesses and visitors.

The recognition of Goyal and Jain also reflected the association’s focus on acknowledging contributions from both the private tourism industry and government tourism administration. While Goyal has had a long association with the travel trade, Jain represents the state tourism administration, bringing together two different areas of the sector.

The World Tourism Day programme at Melange 3.0 thus provided HRAR with an opportunity to acknowledge their contributions while bringing industry stakeholders together at one of Mumbai’s key travel and tourism gatherings.