FHRAI Calls for Regulatory Reforms to Boost India's Tourism and Hospitality Sector in Pre-Budget Meeting Chaired by FM Sitharaman

FHRAI Calls for Regulatory Reforms to Boost India's Tourism and Hospitality Sector in Pre-Budget Meeting Chaired by FM Sitharaman

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 27, 2024

The Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, chaired a crucial pre-budget conference at North Block in New Delhi on June 25, 2024. The meeting was attended by the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) and other apex associations from the trade and service sectors ahead of Budget 2024-25. During the meeting, FHRAI presented critical suggestions aimed at boosting the tourism and hospitality industry and enhancing India’s tourism potential on the global stage.

Representing the hospitality sector in the country, FHRAI expressed optimism about India’s future as a global tourism powerhouse by 2047. The association proposed essential regulatory changes to support industry growth, emphasizing strategic reforms to address current challenges and unlock growth opportunities aligned with sector targets.

One of the key requests put forward by FHRAI was to grant Infrastructure Status for hotels across all categories and convention centres built at a project cost of Rs.10 crore and above. This move aims to boost the budget segment in the hotel industry.

GST rationalisation was another significant concern highlighted by Mr. Pradeep Shetty, President of FHRAI. The Federation requested a uniform 12% GST rate across all hotels and the delinking of restaurant tariffs from room tariffs. The current system of GST shifting to different slabs in the same hotel on different dates, depending on room rates, creates compliance issues and confusion among the public. Although there is no tax evasion, this confusion has become a major issue for hotels across the country due to notices and demands from the GST department.

Pradeep Shetty remarked, “Granting infrastructure status to hotels and convention centres across all cities is crucial for attracting investments and accelerating growth in the hospitality sector. This aligns with the Prime Minister's vision of tourism having the same potential as agriculture and real estate. We are encouraged by the Finance Minister's assurance of support in addressing these crucial needs of the industry.”

image

He added, “We are confident in the Ministry's commitment to implementing GST rationalization for the hospitality sector. FHRAI remains dedicated to fostering a robust hospitality sector that supports India’s flourishing tourism industry, which has a multiplier effect on the economy and employment generation.”

FHRAI highlighted the significance of efforts under the “Incredible India” campaign and recommended enhancing the budget for tourism branding. They also requested specific measures to promote MICE tourism in the country.

The Finance Ministry acknowledged the concerns of the industry and promised to provide the necessary support to help the sector. The outcome of these discussions is anticipated to be reflected in the next budget, which will strive to expand India’s thriving tourist and hospitality industries.

About the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI):

Founded in 1955, the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) is the apex body of the Indian hospitality industry and the third-largest hospitality association in the world. FHRAI serves as the leading voice of the hotel and restaurant industry and plays a pivotal role in supporting the growth trajectory of India’s hospitality and tourism sectors. The association provides a vibrant interface between the hospitality industry, government, regulatory bodies, academia, international organizations, civil society, and the media.


Royal Caribbean Group raises dividend by 33% to $1 per share

Royal Caribbean Group raises dividend by 33% to $1 per share

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 14, 2025

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) has announced a significant increase in its shareholder returns, declaring a 33% hike in its quarterly dividend. The company’s Board of Directors approved a dividend of $1.00 per common share, payable on October 13, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 25, 2025.

Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said the move underscores the company’s confidence in its performance and long-term growth strategy. “Today’s dividend increase reflects both the strength of our performance and our commitment to return capital to shareholders. This increase in dividend, along with our ongoing share repurchase program, highlights our balanced approach to capital allocation, returning value to shareholders while funding future growth,” Liberty stated.

Royal Caribbean Group is a global leader in the vacation industry, operating a fleet of 68 ships across five brands that serve millions of guests annually. Its portfolio includes Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea, as well as land-based experiences such as Perfect Day at CocoCay and the Royal Beach Club collection. The company also holds a 50% joint venture in TUI Cruises, which manages brands like Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

With a reputation for innovation and guest-focused experiences, Royal Caribbean Group continues to expand its global footprint while maintaining its commitment to responsible and sustainable growth.


Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Reports Rs 13 Crore Net Profit in Q1 FY26

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Reports Rs 13 Crore Net Profit in Q1 FY26

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 18, 2025

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited (ASPHL) announced its financial results for Q1 FY26, recording a net profit of Rs 13 crore. Revenue from operations stood at Rs 154 crore, a 14% increase year-on-year, while operating EBITDA grew 16% YoY to Rs 45 crore. The company maintained an industry-leading occupancy of 92%, reaffirming its leadership in the hospitality sector.

ASPHL’s growth is fueled by expansion into Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. The company recently signed an MoU to acquire and manage four leisure properties in Goa, Manali, Shimla, and Dharamshala, adding 138 rooms under its brand. These steps align with ASPHL’s strategy to broaden its presence in high-potential tourism destinations and double its key count to 5,750 over the next five years.

Flurys, ASPHL’s iconic bakery and confectionery brand, now operates 102 outlets nationwide, reflecting the company’s focus on expanding its market presence while integrating modern amenities with rich cultural heritage.

Commenting on the performance, Vijay Dewan, Managing Director, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, said,

"We have delivered an extraordinary and best-ever Q1, setting a strong momentum for the year ahead. With topline growth of 14% and EBITDA growth of 16%, we recorded India’s highest occupancy of 92% and maintained leadership in RevPAR in the upper-upscale segment. ARR improved by 13% and RevPAR increased by 12%. With nearly 600 new rooms added, including a 41% rise in our asset-light model, and nationwide Flurys rollout, we are poised to scale faster, enhance margins, and deliver exceptional shareholder value."

ASPHL’s strong performance in Q1 FY26 underscores its strategic focus on market expansion, operational excellence, and premium guest experiences.


Marriott Announces Dividend and Expands Share Buyback Plan

Marriott Announces Dividend and Expands Share Buyback Plan

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 10, 2025

Marriott International, Inc. has declared a quarterly cash dividend of 67 cents per share on its common stock, reaffirming its commitment to delivering shareholder value. The dividend will be paid on September 30, 2025, to shareholders who are on record as of August 21, 2025.

Alongside the dividend announcement, the hospitality giant also revealed an expansion of its share repurchase program. The board of directors has authorized the repurchase of an additional 25 million shares of its Class A common stock. This comes in addition to the approximately 7.4 million shares that were still available under previous authorizations as of July 30, 2025.

Marriott has already bought back 6.4 million shares this year, amounting to $1.7 billion. These moves reflect the company’s continued confidence in its financial stability and long-term performance, aiming to strengthen shareholder value through strategic capital allocation.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.