The Global Association of Events & Hospitality Professionals (GAEHP) has formally launched its Uttar Pradesh Chapter in Varanasi, establishing a new platform to strengthen collaboration among professionals across the travel, tourism, events and hospitality sectors. The chapter aims to foster industry networking, facilitate knowledge sharing, encourage government-industry engagement and create new business opportunities to support the growth of Uttar Pradesh as a leading tourism and events destination. The launch marked the appointment of D.N. Singh as Chapter Chairman and Avneesh Pathak as Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Chapter. Both were felicitated during the programme, which brought together tourism officials, industry leaders, hospitality and travel professionals, association members and other distinguished guests.
The event was attended by Amit Gupta, Assistant Director, India Tourism, and Dinesh Kumar, Joint Director, Uttar Pradesh Tourism, who were felicitated by the GAEHP leadership in recognition of their contributions and support to the tourism industry. The proceedings commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and Ganesh Vandana, symbolising an auspicious beginning for the association’s activities in the state. Addressing the gathering were Pranav Bansal, Hon. Secretary, GAEHP; P.P. Khanna, National Advisor, GAEHP; Rajesh Arya, President, GAEHP; Amit Gupta of India Tourism; and Dinesh Kumar of Uttar Pradesh Tourism. The speakers highlighted the importance of stronger industry partnerships, professional networking and collective efforts to promote tourism, hospitality and business events.
GAEHP office-bearers and team members, including Babita Sharma, Pratibha Arora, Dilip Rajput, Harjinder Singh and Sandip Shaw, were also present to extend their support to the newly established chapter. As part of the programme, D.N. Singh was specially felicitated for his contribution and longstanding association with the industry, while Avneesh Pathak was recognised on assuming his new responsibility as Chapter Secretary. A special felicitation was also presented to Sushil Singh of Jatak Travels in acknowledgement of his contribution to the travel fraternity.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dilip Rajput, Joint Secretary, GAEHP, followed by a commitment to strengthen professional connections and undertake initiatives that benefit the industry across Uttar Pradesh.
The establishment of the Uttar Pradesh Chapter marks a step towards building a more connected professional network for the state’s travel, tourism, events and hospitality sectors. Its key focus areas will include knowledge sharing, professional development, engagement with government tourism bodies, industry collaboration and the creation of business opportunities for members and industry partners. With Varanasi as its launch venue, the chapter begins its journey in a state with a diverse tourism offering spanning spiritual and cultural travel, heritage attractions, business events and hospitality. As Uttar Pradesh continues to strengthen its tourism potential, closer coordination between public authorities and industry stakeholders will be important in developing new opportunities and enhancing the visitor experience.
GAEHP aims to work closely with tourism authorities, industry associations, hospitality businesses and travel professionals to encourage meaningful partnerships and contribute to the sustainable growth of the sector. The launch marks a new phase for GAEHP in Uttar Pradesh, guided by a shared vision of connecting professionals, fostering collaboration and advancing the state’s travel, tourism, events and hospitality ecosystem.