The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI), on account of the severe hardships faced by the Hospitality industry, has offered a waiver of the annual membership fees for 2021-22. The offer is a one-time relief measure for members who can choose to opt for a part i.e. 50 per cent or full 100 per cent waiver of the annual fees. Members who have already paid their fees for the current year 2021-22 but would like to receive the waiver can request their fees to be carried forward for the next year. The Association has also offered members the choice to pay the annual membership fee, voluntarily. The HRAWI has offered the waiver to its members due to the disruption caused by COVID19 to business.
“As the pioneer representative body of the Hospitality industry in the country, the HRAWI has consistently advanced the cause of the fraternity. The Association has been representing the industry’s concerns especially, during this pandemic across forums and platforms at both the State and Central levels. We have simultaneously also been representing legal matters, many of which the Association has won and given its members relief from time to time,” says Sherry Bhatia, President, HRAWI.
The COVID19 pandemic has broken the Hospitality industry’s back. So far, it has received little support from the Government and local bodies. The HRAWI has made several pleas to various State and Central Ministries seeking relief from property taxes, license fees, and other statutory fees.
“The HRAWI itself is not insulated from the financial impact of the pandemic. However, some Hospitality establishments have been hit much harder than others. It is to offer them a little support from our side that we have decided to offer our members a waiver of the membership fee. The Association continues to engage with the Governments and is hopeful that its pleas will be heard sooner than later in bringing relief to the battered Hospitality industry,” concludes Bhatia.
