Category Archives: Hotels

HRAWI advises members on responsible festive season practices The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI has issued a comprehensive advisory for its members to ensure smooth and lawful operations during the upcoming festive season. The guidelines, aimed at maintaining safety, compliance and guest satisfaction, encompass specifics including operational timings, promoting responsible bar tending and drinking, staff contribution transparency and adherence to noise and music regulations. Members are reminded to comply with locally permitted hours and secure necessary licenses for special events; strict age restrictions for alcohol consumption through display of appropriate signage and initiatives like valet and ride-hailing services to deter drink-and-drive incidents. The advisory also instructs F&B establishments to adhere to permissible decibel levels and enforce music cut-off times and to obtain permissions for live events in advance. HRAWI thanks the Maharashtra Government for allowing hotel and restaurant establishments in the State to operate till 5 am on the 31st of December 2024. “Our goal is to ensure a festive season that is enjoyable for patrons while being compliant with local laws. Adhering to these guidelines will promote goodwill and maintain the integrity of the hospitality industry. Collaboration with local authorities is essential to preventing incidents and promoting safety during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. We urge our members to proactively support initiatives like responsible bar tending and drinking including the right to refusal; provision of valet services and, following music and noise regulations,” says Pradeep Shetty, Spokesperson, HRAWI. HRAWI has further advised members to ensure service charges to be capped at 10 per cent, transparently communicated and fairly distributed among staff. The measure aims to safeguard customer trust and prevent any disputes. The advisory also highlights …

According to a report by CRISIL Ratings, branded hotels are expected to post double-digit revenue growth of 13-14% this fiscal and 11-12% in the next, fuelled by demand outpacing supply. While domestic leisure and business travel will continue to be the primary demand drivers, growing traction in the MICE segment and pickup in foreign tourist arrivals will provide an additional fillip.

In a significant change for the hospitality sector, the GST Council has decided to allow high-end hotels to choose between two indirect tax rates for restaurant services provided on their premises. Starting from 1 April 2025, such hotels will have the option to choose between two GST rates: 5% without Input Tax Credit (ITC) or 18% with ITC.

IHCL announces the opening of Taj Puri Resort & Spa, a luxurious beachfront resort in Odisha. Situated along the Bay of Bengal, it marks IHCL’s foray into one of India’s most revered coastal destinations. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO, IHCL, said, “By introducing iconic locations like Puri to the global luxury stage, we honour India’s rich heritage while pioneering new markets. Going beyond our multi-brand presence in the state’s capital, IHCL is extending its footprint to its prominent cultural and leisure destination. He added, “Offering a spiritual circuit on the east coast of India, from Chennai, Tirupati, Bhubaneshwar to now Puri, this new opening will unlock the tourism potential of the region.” A short walk from Puri Beach, the 90-key Taj Puri Resort & Spa offers panoramic views of the ocean and the serene, landscaped gardens. Designed with inspiration from the region’s Kalinga architecture, the interiors showcase traditional Khondalite and laterite stonework, complemented by intricate Pattachitra art, Ikat weaves, and terracotta accents, creating an ambiance of timeless elegance. Guests can embark on a culinary adventure at Vista, our all-day dining restaurant; Jaatra, a specialty restaurant serving a fusion of Odia and Indonesian cuisine alongside South East Asian cuisine; and Jaatra Bar, where you can savor classic and innovative cocktails all complemented by stunning views of the Bay. For events and celebrations, the 14,000 sq. ft. lawn is ideal for weddings and large gatherings, alongside indoor banquet facilities. Guests can rejuvenate at the J Wellness Circle, offering wellness therapies inspired by ancient traditions and explore the state-of-the-art fitness centre. Ankit Tandon, General Manager, Taj Puri Resort & Spa, Odisha, said “We are delighted to welcome guests to Taj Puri Resort & …

FHRAI suggested Ministry of Tourism to establish a central portal by NCHMCT to address the ongoing human resource shortages and skill gaps faced by the hospitality industry. It also suggested updating curriculums every 3-5 years as per industry trends, and balancing the allocation of seats for both managerial and frontline roles.

The Ministry of Tourism expects 30.5 million international visitors to come to India by 2028. According to Pradeep Shetty, Vice President, FHRAI,  hotel occupancy rates are anticipated to rise to 75 per cent or higher, driven by increased leisure and business travel and a surge in foreign arrivals. The MICE segment is set to contribute significantly, with India hosting multiple high-profile global events.

Sarovar Hotels & Ishaan Group announced the opening of Ishaan Sarovar Portico, Deoghar, an inviting retreat that caters to pilgrims, leisure travellers, and business guests alike. Strategically located in the sacred city of Deoghar, the hotel seamlessly blends modern hospitality with the serene and spiritual ambiance of the region, offering an enriching experience to every guest. This exciting addition to the Sarovar portfolio sets a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in the region, offering modern amenities, exceptional service, and an unforgettable stay for both business and leisure travellers. With 52 elegantly designed rooms and suites across Deluxe & Premium Rooms and Executive Suites, Ishaan Sarovar Portico sets a new standard of comfort and sophistication in Deoghar. Each room features contemporary aesthetics, plush furnishings, and modern amenities, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. The hotel has diverse dining and leisure options, including Punita, a multi-cuisine all-day dining restaurant serving expertly crafted Indian, international, and local delicacies, and Fursat, a chic lounge bar offering handcrafted cocktails and premium spirits in a vibrant setting. Guests can also unwind at Sukoon, the in-house spa offering signature treatments and therapeutic massages, and Kasrat a fully equipped fitness centre. For weddings, social gatherings, and corporate events, the hotel provides three versatile banqueting and conferencing facilities that can accommodate up to 450 guests, making it a preferred choice for hosting memorable occasions in Deoghar. Ajay K. Bakaya, Chairman, Sarovar Hotels & Director, Louvre Hotels India, expressed his excitement about the launch, stating: “We are delighted to open Ishaan Sarovar Portico in Deoghar, a city that holds immense spiritual and cultural significance. This hotel reflects our vision of creating unique experiences that blend modern hospitality …

Indian travellers are fast becoming a global powerhouse in tourism, driven by rising affluence, increasing travel ambitions, and a focus on premium experiences. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, Indians spent a record $34.2 billion on outbound travel in 2023, firmly establishing themselves as key contributors to the global tourism market. This trend is set to grow further, with 66% of Indian travellers planning to travel more in 2025, leading the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region in both travel intent and spending, as per Skyscanner. The appetite for premium travel is evident in the soaring demand for business-class bookings. Data from MakeMyTrip shows a 50% year-on-year increase in business class bookings, with international flights witnessing an impressive 80% jump, while domestic flights saw a 27% rise

Supply is simply not keeping pace with demand, said Suman Billa, Additional Secy, MOT, adding, “Current estimates indicate that we have about 180,000 branded hotel rooms in the country, including those under development. However, if you factor in the latent demand—such as the 470 million-plus domestic travellers and incoming international tourists—the numbers suggest we should already have double that capacity. Not five years from now, but today. Unless we address the supply side immediately, we risk missing the tourism opportunity altogether.”

Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa India underlined the need to create and legislate destination management at the 18th CII Annual Tourism Summit 2024. He said, “India needs to create and legislate on destination management. I believe we are currently riding the wave of domestic tourism, but we need to move beyond this. Domestic tourism will have its ups and downs, so our focus must shift to international tourism, especially targeting the upper end of the market. High-value tourism will deliver greater unit value realization for hotels, which will require top-quality destination management.”