By BW Hotelier

IN ITS on-going efforts to inch-up the status of tourism and hospitality both in terms of service quality and social responsibility, the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) has resolved a ’No Food Wastage’ Policy for New Year’s celebrations. The association has requested all its members to maintain a protocol aimed at discouraging patrons from wasting food.

Additionally, the association has appealed to its members to pledge whatever amounts they can from the day’s earning for the benefit of the drought hit areas in Marathwada. A letter to this effect has been circulated amongst hotels and restaurants across all its member states in the western region that includes Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Diu-Daman and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

The resolution comes in the wake of the increasing number of farmer suicides and the association’s desire of expressing solidarity with the agricultural community of which the hotel industry is a direct beneficiary.

Bharat Malkani, President, HRAWI & Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), (see photo) said, ’The New Year season has traditionally been a season of festivities and revelry. But it is also a season of charity, good will and compassion. As hoteliers, while we will ensure that the patrons make merry to their fullest, we will also imbibe the spirit of compassion and charity to their merriment.’

Among the precautionary steps that the association has identified to curb food wastage, hoteliers have been requested to highlight the No Food Wastage message in all their New Year Eve offers, place placards at all buffet counters and other appropriate places in their respective premises.

Kamlesh Barot, Past President, HRAWI, said, ’Farmers are succumbing to nature’s will and starvation in our country. We are keen to help them in whatever way we can. We have proposed to our members to pledge a part of their day’s collection to the drought hit in the Marathwada region.’

Meanwhile, the hotel industry will also continue its drive to ensure safety of women patrons and like last year, plans to keep taxis queued for those who may leave in high spirits.