Nashik’s Hospitality Titans Honored for Innovation and Leadership as HRAWI Awards 2025 Celebrates Pioneers in Sustainable Luxury and Culinary Heritage

Published on March 10, 2025

HRAWI Awards 2025 honored hospitality pioneers in Nashik, celebrating excellence in eco-tourism, wine tourism, culinary innovation, and industry leadership.

The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI successfully hosted the 4th edition of the Empowering Hospitality Conclave & Awards on February 28, 2025, at Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Nashik. The prestigious event celebrated excellence in the hospitality sector, recognizing professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizations for their transformative contributions to Nashik’s tourism, eco-tourism, wine tourism, and culinary landscape.

A Spectacular Tribute to Hospitality Excellence

The event kicked off with a **prestigious inaugural session led by *Dr. Sagnik Chowdhury, Regional Director of India Tourism, Mumbai, under the Ministry of Tourism.* It served as a dynamic platform where industry leaders, hoteliers, restaurateurs, and hospitality experts gathered to share insights and celebrate the visionaries driving Nashik’s hospitality sector forward.

Engaging Knowledge Sessions on Industry Advancements

The event featured three high-impact knowledge sessions, offering deep dives into emerging technologies, revenue strategies, and policy updates shaping the hospitality industry:

1. “Empowering Hospitality through NextGen Technologies” – Presented by Mr. Rajesh Chopra, Head – Hospitality Business Vertical, Ingram Micro India, this session explored how innovations like AI, automation, and cloud solutions are reshaping hotel operations.
2. “Smarter Revenue Strategies for Your Hotel’s Growth” – Mr. Sainath Vernekar, Founder Director of Revnomix Solutions, and Mr. Prakash Singh, Co-Founder, shared expert strategies on revenue optimization, leveraging data analytics, and dynamic pricing techniques to enhance hotel profitability and operational efficiency.
3. “An Insight on Latest Updates on Maharashtra Tourism Policy – 2024” – CA Julfesh Shah, Former Vice Chairman, WIRC of ICAI, shared critical updates on the latest policy reforms affecting tourism development and hospitality investments in Maharashtra.

Recognizing Visionaries & Innovators in Hospitality

The awards ceremony honored trailblazers in eco-tourism, wine tourism, culinary heritage, and hospitality leadership. Among the distinguished recipients were:

• Sustainable Hospitality Leader: Mr. Kiran Chavan, CMD, Grape County Eco Resort & Biodiversity Park, was recognized for pioneering eco-friendly luxury hospitality in Nashik.
• Wine Tourism Pioneers: Mr. Shailendra Pai, Founder, Vallonné Vineyards, and Sula Vineyards, represented by Mr. Sanjeev Paithankar, were honored for elevating India’s boutique wine and vineyard tourism.
• Legacy Restaurant Awards: Mr. Shadab Fallah (Inayat Café) and Mr. Pankaj Dilip Rahane (Mazda Restaurant & Café) were celebrated for their commitment to preserving Nashik’s rich culinary heritage.
• Luxury Farmstay Innovators: Adwait & Uttara Kher, Founders of Utopia Farmstay, received accolades for their innovative blend of premium hospitality and nature-centric stays.
• Hospitality Industry Builders: The late Mr. Radha Kishan Chandak, Mr. Hemant Takle, Mr. Satish Shanbagh, and Mr. Jitubhai Parekh were recognized for establishing the Nashik Hotel Association and shaping the city’s hospitality ecosystem.

Culinary Icons & Industry Advocates Honored

The event also recognized culinary talent and industry advocates, including:

• Authentic Cuisine Preserver: Smt. Uma Ramesh Iyer, Founder of Amma’s Tiffin Kaapi, for preserving traditional Kerala-Tamil cuisine in Nashik.
• Rising Culinary Star: Chef Yogita Sonawane, Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Nashik, for her inspiring journey from homemaker to luxury hotel chef.
• Farm-to-Table Visionary: Mr. Vilas Shinde, Chairman & Founder of Sahyadri Farms, for pioneering the farmer-producer company model in hospitality supply chains.
• Culinary Talent Gaining National Recognition: Chef Prasen Gavali, Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Nashik, for his exceptional contributions to the culinary industry.

Leadership & Business Excellence Recognized

• Public Relations & Advocacy: Mr. Manohar Ahire, PRO of A.B.H.A.R. Nashik, for his tireless efforts in promoting and supporting the hospitality sector.
• Thali Dining Innovators: Aabha & Rahul Chandak, Founders of Manbhavan Premium Thali Restaurant, for creating one of India’s largest thali chains and redefining traditional Indian dining experiences.
• Hospitality Leadership & Innovation: Mr. Rishi Mehra, proprietor of Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Nashik, and Mr. Tej Takle, managing director of Hotel Emerald Park, Nashik, were honored for their outstanding contributions to the hospitality sector through visionary leadership.

A Testament to Nashik’s Growing Hospitality Landscape

The HRAWI Empowering Hospitality Conclave & Awards underscored Nashik’s rising prominence as a premier hospitality destination. The event reaffirmed HRAWI’s commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and excellence in the industry while honoring those who continue to elevate Nashik’s tourism and hospitality sector to new heights.

With this remarkable celebration of talent, innovation, and leadership, the hospitality community in Nashik looks ahead to a future of continued growth and success.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the hospitality professionals for their exceptional dedication and remarkable contributions. Your relentless efforts have been instrumental in advancing the tourism and hospitality sector not only in Nashik but across the entire State. The industry celebrates your achievements and draws inspiration from your pioneering spirit. I also extend my sincere thanks to all esteemed guests and professionals who graced the event. Your participation has enriched our dialogue and reinforced our shared commitment to elevating hospitality excellence. A special thanks to Dr. Sagnik Chowdhury, Regional Director, India Tourism, Mumbai, Ministry of Tourism, for his invaluable support and presence, which has greatly contributed to the success of this event,” says Mr. Jimmy Shaw, President, HRAWI.