New Delhi, Delhi May 14, 2019 (Issuewire.com) - The International Hospitality Council (IHC) bestowed its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award 2018 on Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, chairman and managing director of HRH Group of Hotels, Udaipur acknowledging his dedicated service to the hospitality industry for over five decades. At a private function held in New Delhi on May 4, Mr Abdullah Ahmed, Director-International Institute of Hospitality Management (IIHM) Delhi, along a team of senior personnel and students, conferred the honour, with Prof D Ghosh of IIHM Jaipur presenting a shawl, certificate and the Award to Shriji.
"I am honoured to receive the prestigious IHC Lifetime Achievement Award today and I consider it a responsibility that has been bestowed upon me," said Shriji, adding, "I am delighted to hear about the continuing success of IIHM and I congratulate each member of its Council and faculty for having brought hospitality and education together in their 10 campuses in India and overseas."
Shriji was briefed by Mr Ahmed on IIHM activities and programmes, especially the Young Chef Olympiad which has become one of South Asia's trend-setting competitions in the domain of culinary practices. Through a video call, Dr Suborno Bose, founder-International Hospitality Council in Kolkata, and Dr David Foskett, Emeritus Professor London School of Hospitality and Tourism, University of West London expressed their gratitude to Shriji for accepting the IHC Award and continuing to inspire the hospitality industry in India and throughout the world.
Shriji said, "The real credit for the growth of the hospitality industry, especially heritage hospitality, goes to my father, Maharana Bhagwat Singh ji, who converted our Jag Niwas Palace into Lake Palace Hotel in the early 1960s. He faced considerable opposition from within the family and community. Many said he was putting good money after bad. But look at the success of the venture! My father also began the association with Taj Group in the early 1970s which has lasted till date. Lake Palace Hotel remains a jewel in the crown of Taj Group. It is one of India's longest business partnerships and I am proud to have carried it forward."
With Dr Foskett and Dr Suborno Bose, during the video call, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar shared his experiences of developing heritage hospitality in Udaipur and Rajasthan. “Heritage hospitality was once a by-word for bad hospitality! We could not offer basic facilities like hot and cold running water or air-conditioning in our palace properties. This state of affairs has changed over the years and today we are at the forefront of ‘experiential tourism’, giving our guests not only the best-in-class services but also unique heritage experiences. Our living heritage is our identity and drives us to deliver more than guest expectations,” he said.
In his message for IIHM students that was broadcast live through Facebook, Shriji said, "There are no short cuts in life or in learning. You have chosen the hospitality industry to work in and it is dynamic and fast-changing. I appreciate the fire in the youngsters who are daring and want to do different things: we have to give them a fair chance and have to encourage them. Of course, the youngsters too have to be practical with their ideas!"
The IHC Lifetime Achievement Award 2017 had been conferred on Mr. Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons.
Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar has been the recipient of several prestigious awards which include 2012 HIFI Hall of Fame Award; WTA Award 2012; 2011 Hello! Hall of Fame Award ‘Royal of the Year’; In 2009: Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) Hall of Fame Award; In 2007: Tata AIG Lifetime Achievement Award by Galileo Express TravelWorld; In 2001: ‘Agastya Award’ by Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI).
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