July 25, 2012 (Austin, Texas  USA) — Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) recently established an official presence in India with the charter of a new chapter, the HFTP India Chapter. The new chapter is designed to serve members from throughout India. It is based in Mumbai and has a current membership of 20 hospitality professionals from all over the country who hold a mix of positions in the areas of finance and technology.

“This is a very unique platform for financial and technology professionals in the Indian hospitality community,” said Ravish Jhala, the HFTP India Chapter secretary and systems manager for Trident, Bandra Kurla. “The chapter brings us together and helps us benchmark the Indian hospitality industry with similar organizations across the globe.”

“Because of HFTP’s global membership benefits, it was only natural that our expansion include India,” said HFTP Global Vice President R.P. Rama, CHA, CHAE, CHTP, Vice President and CTO/CIO of JHM Hotels.  “As a member of chapters from multiple countries, I am looking forward to sharing knowledge with my colleagues from India and also learning from them. “

Moving forward the chapter plans to increase its member base throughout the large geographic region by establishing a connected network via online tools. The chapter will next meet in early September 2012 to host HFTP CEO, Frank Wolfe, CAE and Rama. To attend, and for other inquiries, contact the chapter via e-mail at [email protected].

HFTP has two other chapters in Asia: HFTP Hong Kong Polytechnic University and HFTP Asia (based in Singapore), as part of its network of over 70 chapters throughout the U.S. and across the globe. HFTP chapters bring together hospitality finance and technology professionals within their own community to meet and discuss regional issues. Chapters hold regular educational and social meetings, as well as participate in projects to benefit area charities.

HFTP, Austin, Texas, USA and Maastricht, The Netherlands, founded in 1952, is the global professional association for financial and technology personnel working in hotels, clubs and other hospitality-related businesses. HFTP provides first class educational opportunities, research, and publications to more than 4,800 members globally including, the premiere hospitality technology conference HITEC--founded in 1972. HFTP also awards the only hospitality specific certifications for accounting and technology ---the Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE) and the Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) designations. HFTP was founded in the USA as the National Association of Hotel Accountants. For more information, visit www.hftp.org.