Category Archives: Hotels

The Hotel & Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) organised an insightful seminar aimed at simplifying the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for the hospitality industry in Panaji. The seminar was held on the heels of the 50th GST Council meeting which took place on July 11, 2023, in New Delhi. The event saw attendance from 42 hospitality professionals including hotel and restaurant owners from across Goa. CA Jinit R Shah, a seasoned Chartered Accountant with over 15 years of experience, conducted the seminar, providing in-depth knowledge and practical insights on GST related topics to the participants. The seminar focused on a variety of GST-related topics that are relevant to the hospitality industry. These topics included the rates applicable to restaurant services within hotel premises with different room tariffs, free food supplied to staff, food packaging, tips and service charge, covers charges, and sponsorships. For hotels, Mr Shah shared insights on the break-up of room tariffs and the applicable GST rates, including when there is provision for extra beds, or when guests use hotel utilities such as laundry services or consume from the mini-fridges in the rooms, among others. “The GST has been a complex and challenging tax regime for our industry and this seminar has helped us to better understand the rules and how to comply with them. His insights and practical examples tailored specifically for the hospitality sector have been immensely valuable for our members. The seminar has empowered professionals to navigate the GST landscape with confidence and efficiency, addressing doubts and providing valuable resources. The seminar has not only helped us clarify doubts on a variety of GST related topics but, has also equipped us better to …

Ajay Bakaya – Managing Director – Sarovar Hotels & Resorts said,”We have strong focus on golden tulip. It is a brand that has not seen its potential being fulfilled in this part of the world and we see it growing as a strong brand over the next 5-10 years.”

Shrikant Wakharkar, Area Vice President- Hyatt Hotels, North India & General Manager Hyatt Regency Delhi said, “We plan to open mid-scale hotel segment in the next 6-8 months in destinations like Goa, Bodhgaya, Dehradun and a couple of more.” 

Best Western Premier Airport Road Amritsar Will Open in 2025 as the First Best Western Premier in the Country BWHSM Hotels will launch its upscale Best Western Premier® brand in India in 2025. The company has signed an agreement with Kiwi Hospitality to welcome the Best Western Premier Airport Road Amritsar as the very first Best Western Premier in the country. This agreement strengthens BWH Hotels’ presence in the market with upscale and lifestyle offerings that cater the needs of today’s modern travelers. Due to open in Q3 2025, the Best Western Premier in Amritsar is conveniently located close to Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport, a prime location within the cultural city. This newly developed area is home to upscale hotels, residential buildings, trendy restaurants and bars, retail outlets and a shopping centre. The new Best Western Premier hotel will feature 114 well-designed guestrooms, a club floor, ample spaces for meetings and social gatherings, a wide range of food and beverage outlets, including a bar, as well as a swimming pool, fully equipped gym and a spa. Mr. Atul Jain, Chief Operating Officer, BWH Hotels – India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, says: “We are glad with this new addition to our growing portfolio in India. The Best Western Premier Airport Road Amritsar is the ideal hotel to launch our upscale Best Western Premier brand in the country and will serve as our flagship hotel in Amritsar. Together with Kiwi Hospitality, we are excited to significantly boost BWH Hotel’s profile in Amritsar, a destination that holds great tourism potential.” Ms. Savita Sharma and Mr. Vinod Sharma, Partners at Kiwi Hospitality, say: “We are excited to be partnering with BWH Hotels …

Thoughtfully crafted to provide extraordinary experiences for business and leisure travellers alike, Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel and Dusit Princess Kathmandu boast elegant designs, great locations, and comprehensive facilities for dining, wellness, and ‘work-from anywhere.’  Dusit Hotels and Resorts under Dusit International, one of Thailand’s top hotel and property development companies, makes its debut in Nepal with the opening of Dusit Princess Kathmandu and Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel, which will begin accepting guests on 17 and 24 July, respectively. Designed to appeal to business and leisure travellers who appreciate comfort, value, and convenience, Dusit Princess Kathmandu is situated in the heart of the capital’s vibrant Lazimpat neighbourhood, a short walk from Narayanhiti Palace Museum and only 18 minutes by car from Tribhuvan International Airport. Swayambhunath Stupa, one of the oldest and most famous temple complexes in Nepal, and Kathmandu Durbar Square are just a short drive away. Thoughtfully designed to reflect local culture and architecture, this stunning property offers an oasis of relaxation amidst the buzz of the city. Alongside 107 comfortable and well-appointed guest rooms ranging from 28 to 62 sq. m, and a Presidential Suite set over 159 sq. m, the new property boasts specialty Thai restaurant Soi; a Dusit Gourmet outlet featuring freshly baked pastries, artisanal sandwiches, and deli bites; and rooftop Kibu Sky Lounge with panoramic city views. The rooftop bar Blue also features the tallest infinity pool in the city. Dusit Princess Kathmandu will also soon open its Crest spa offering a wide range of Thai-inspired massage therapies and beauty treatments. A steam room, sauna, and fully equipped Crest Club with a gym are also available for guests seeking to pause, refresh, and reinvigorate in the utmost of comfort. For corporate events, weddings and other special occasions, Dusit Princess Kathmandu offers …

The Indian hospitality industry has emerged with remarkable resilience and strength in the first quarter of FY23-24. Based on ground-level research, the sector is poised to report an impressive 15% rise in revenues compared to the same period in the previous financial year. This remarkable growth is primarily attributed to an upswing in occupancy rates, while the increase in Average Daily Rate (ADR) remained limited. Despite the positive revenue trajectory, it is important to note that the profitability rise numbers may not be directly proportional to the revenue surge in comparison to Q1 of FY22-23. This is because the expenses in Q1 of FY22-23 had not yet reached their peak, with full-scale services and manning expenses hitting their stride only in the third quarter of the previous fiscal year. Nonetheless, the industry is expected to exhibit a significantly more robust profitability than the pre-COVID era. However, it is estimated that reported profitability growth for Q1 FY24 will be around 100 to 200 basis points lower than the previous financial year’s quarter 1. Given the seasonal nature of the hospitality industry, it is prudent to gauge the FY24 quarter 1 performance by comparing it to the same quarter of the previous fiscal year rather than its preceding quarter. This approach offers a more accurate outlook on the industry’s performance, as opposed to other sectors where seasonality plays a limited role. By adhering to this practice, stakeholders and investors can better assess the sector’s true growth and identify the underlying trends and potential challenges. Looking ahead, the prospects for the hospitality industry in quarter 3 and 4 of FY23-24 are exceptionally promising. The sector is poised to benefit significantly from major events …

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels is proud to announce the launch of its newest hotel, Zone by The Park Gopalpur, one of the cleanest beaches of East India and a flourishing tourist destination in Odisha. The hotel was virtually inaugurated by Naveen Patnaik, chief minister of Odisha. Nestled with just a short walk from the picturesque Gopalpur beach, the hotel offers a truly enchanting location. Strategically positioned, it provides easy access to the nearby Rangeilunda Airstrip Berhampur, which is 6 kilometers away. Zone by The Park Gopalpur features 40 well-appointed rooms with tech-savvy amenities. The guests can enjoy dining at Bazaar – an all-day dining, and unwind at Z Bar – a high-energy bar. They can take a dip in Playa – the pool, rejuvenate at the spa, and utilize the versatile banquet halls or the open area for events accommodating up to 700 guests. The guests can explore their Zone Social Avatars, and can choose to be any of these – Adventurer, Foodie, Shutterbug, Networker, and Party Animal, while exploring the coastal town. The expert team will help the guests create and suggest experiences based on their avatars. Vikas Ahluwalia, General Manager and National Head – Zone by The Park Hotels said, “We are extremely happy to launch Zone by The Park in Gopalpur, and would like to thank our partners Specadi Resorts Pvt Ltd for partnering to bring Zone in Odisha. By entering Odisha, a distinguished global tourism, sports capital and emerging fast as technology resource hub, we want to deliver our innate ‘social by design’ experience to price-conscious and design-conscious travellers. With demands of a growing city, the hotel will be one stop for guests who are seeking …

Award-winning hospitality brand, TUTC, expands its portfolio to bring its signature uber-glamping and suave getaways to select destinations in the hills of Shimla, jungles of Central India and Rajasthan, and even to city outskirts in Chandigarh.  Pioneers of glamorous camping , TUTC’s tryst with romance of nomadic tents encompassing all luxuries that modern civilization can offer, has already carved a niche in the luxury travel segment. Further, the brand’s choice of showcasing unique and authentic experiences in remote, distinctly different destinations of Ladakh, Nagaland and Prayagraj, has won accolades from discerning experiential and immersive travellers.  TUTC runs the Chamba Camp Thiksey and Chamba Camp Diskit in Ladakh, the Kohima Camp in Nagaland that operates only during the Hornbill Festival, and the Sangam Nivas Camp in Prayagraj for the world famous Kumbh Melas that occur every six years.   Rajnish Rai, Chief Operating Officer and founder member of Ultra Resorts and Hotels Pvt Ltd that now operates brand TUTC, remarks “Expansion plans have been in the works for the past few years now. Given that choice of destination is an integral part of the TUTC philosophy, we took this time to scout and zero down on the right locations and experiences. Very importantly also, the partners who we would like to showcase. TUTC is all about experiencing the road less travelled with luxurious, immersive living supported by unparalleled hospitality. Wildlife and super-stylish escapes in short, accesible distances from cities were the focus areas for the expansion.” 

Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel chains, continues its rapid expansion in India through a partnership with the renowned SBTL Group to bring Best Western IThums to Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, a hub for the IT, automotive, education and electronics industries. Located at IThums Galleria in Alpha II, an upscale mixed used development consisting of the hotel, offices, retail outlets, multiplex, and dedicated food & entertainment zones. Having 165 rooms and guest facilities such as a multi-cuisine restaurant, bar, multiple meeting and function venues, and recreation facilities, Best Western IThums shall be a perfect venue for business, leisure, social gatherings, and MICE events. Atul Jain, Chief Operating Officer, said, “Greater Noida has seen tremendous growth in recent years and has emerged as a promising business and residential destination set on a positive growth curve. We are pleased with our collaboration with IThums World to offer a well-appointed and comfortable hospitality venue to this vibrant city”,  BWH Hotels – India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. “We have been experiencing a remarkable growth and penetration into diverse markets in India, and are delighted to introduce new properties to our guests in the highest traditions of hospitality,” he added. Divyansh Sahni, Director, IThums World, says, “The successfully concluded Global Investor Summit and G20 meetings that drew participants and visitors from 40 countries have given global legitimacy to Uttar Pradesh, opening the way for the state to become the country’s largest economy. Being the financial hubs of the state, Noida and Greater Noida present a great opportunity for investment and business growth. The development of new sectors, and the upcoming Jewar International Airport are also being counted as an advantage over other …

ICRA estimates pan-India premium hotel occupancy at ~70-72% in FY2024, after recovering to 68-70% in FY2023. Pan-India premium hotel average room rates (ARRs) are expected to be at ~Rs. 6,000-6,200 in FY2024. While the occupancy is expected to be at decadal highs, the RevPAR is expected to remain at a 20-25% discount to the FY2008 peak. Consistent improvement in consumer sentiments despite the inflationary environment, stable corporate performance, and domestic air passenger traffic inching above pre-Covid levels augur well for travel and hotel demand. The demand recovery has been strong in the last one year, and ICRA anticipates it to continue in FY2024 as well. Sustenance of domestic leisure travel, higher bookings from meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), and business travel, along with an increase in foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs), would support demand. The industry is also likely to benefit from specific events like the G20 summit and the ICC World Cup 2023. Vinutaa S, Vice President and Sector Head – Corporate Ratings, ICRA , said: “Gateway cities like Delhi and Mumbai are likely to top the occupancy chart at 75%+ in FY2024. Demand is expected to remain healthy across markets, although Bengaluru and Pune are likely to be laggards compared to other key cities. While the G20 summit would support occupancy across cities in FY2024, improved economic activity and business associations stemming from these meetings are likely to translate into incremental demand for hotels over the medium term. ICRA expects an improving trend in ARRs as well across markets in FY2024, driven by healthy occupancy. Further, mid-scale hotels have also witnessed traction across cities and are likely to continue reporting healthy ARRs and occupancy in FY2024.” ICRA estimates …