Hotel Association of India (HAI) Mourns the Loss of Shri Arvind Singh Mewar: A Royal Icon of Indian hospitality

New Delhi, March 2025: The Hotel Association of India (HAI) expresses its sorrow on the passing of Shri Arvind Singh Mewar, a distinguished member of the erstwhile royal family of Mewar and the 76th Custodian of the House of Mewar. He passed away on March 16,  at the age of 81, after a prolonged illness.

Arvind Singh Mewar's remarkable contributions to tourism, hospitality, and cultural preservation have had a lasting impact on the industry. As the Chairman of the HRH Group of Hotels, he played a pivotal role in transforming several royal properties into renowned heritage destinations, elevating Rajasthan's stature on the global tourism stage. His unique ability to blend Rajasthan’s rich traditions with modern standards showcased India’s cultural grandeur to the world, taking the Indian hospitality industry to new heights.

Expressing his grief, Mr. K.B. Kachru, President of the Hotel Association of India (HAI) and Chairman – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “His life was a testament to his unwavering dedication towards preserving India's rich cultural heritage and championing noble causes. His remarkable efforts not only safeguarded the legacy of the House of Mewar but also significantly contributed to the growth of heritage tourism in India. His visionary leadership in positioning Udaipur as a premier luxury travel destination will continue to inspire the hospitality sector for years to come. He has left an indelible mark on the hospitality industry.”

Born on December 13, 1944, in Udaipur, Rajasthan, as the younger son of Shri Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar and Smt. Sushila Kumari, Arvind Singh Mewar Ji pursued his early education at Mayo College in Ajmer and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Maharana Bhupal College in Udaipur, specializing in English literature, economics, and political science. To further enhance his expertise, he studied hotel management in the United Kingdom and the United States, laying the foundation for his future contributions to the hospitality industry.

HAI extends its heartfelt condolences to the Mewar family and prays for the eternal peace of his noble soul. His legacy as a custodian of tradition, a pioneer in heritage hospitality, and a guiding light for India tourism will be cherished forever.

About HAI

Established in 1996, the Hotel Association of India (HAI) has evolved into an integrated platform for the hospitality industry, keeping pace with the growth spurred by the liberalization of the Indian economy in the mid-90s. With its membership extending across major hotel groups, as well as boutique, heritage, and small hotels, HAI represents the entire spectrum of the industry. Its committee is a powerful blend of the commitment of hotel owners on one hand and the professionalism of experienced hotel managers on the other. As the apex industry body, HAI works in the areas of promoting regional cooperation and advancing hospitality research and education, in addition to undertaking industry-centric initiatives. Through its pioneering ‘Social Inclusion’ programs, HAI also highlights the social impact of the Indian hospitality industry.