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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.”
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.
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By Hariharan U
Published on March 16, 2026
The quick commerce battle in India is moving fast, and Eternal is making sure Blinkit keeps pace. The Gurugram-based parent company has infused Rs 450 crore into its quick commerce arm Blinkit, according to a regulatory filing with the Registrar of Companies. This is Eternal's first capital injection into the business in 2026, following a total of Rs 2,600 crore pumped in across 2025.
To put the 2025 numbers in context, Eternal injected Rs 500 crore in January, Rs 1,500 crore in February, and another Rs 600 crore in November of last year. The latest infusion signals that the pace of investment isn't letting up as competition in the 10-minute delivery segment continues to intensify.
Blinkit has reasons to feel confident heading into this next phase. The company turned profitable in the December quarter, reporting an adjusted EBITDA profit of Rs 4 crore in Q3FY26 compared to a loss of Rs 103 crore in the same period the previous year. Revenue jumped to Rs 12,256 crore from Rs 1,399 crore a year earlier, and gross profit climbed to Rs 3,539 crore from Rs 1,300 crore. Those are significant numbers, and they reflect a business that has found its footing even as it continues to scale aggressively.
The capital will support Blinkit's ongoing dark store expansion, working capital requirements, and operating costs as it pushes towards its target of 3,000 micro-warehouses by March 2027. As of December 31st, the company had 2,027 stores operational.
The competitive landscape around Blinkit is getting busier. Swiggy raised Rs 10,000 crore through a qualified institutional placement in December 2025, just over a year after its IPO. Zepto has filed confidential draft papers with SEBI for its own IPO. And larger players including Amazon, Flipkart, and Reliance Industries are all stepping up their presence in quick commerce, making this one of the most actively contested spaces in India's consumer technology sector right now.
There's also been a notable leadership shift at Eternal. Founder Deepinder Goyal stepped down as Managing Director and CEO in February, with Blinkit founder and CEO Albinder Dhindsa taking over the top role. Dhindsa continues to lead Blinkit as well, consolidating leadership of the quick commerce business at a critical growth phase.
One more number worth noting: in terms of net order value, Blinkit has now overtaken Eternal's core food delivery business. That's a remarkable milestone for a segment that didn't exist in its current form just a few years ago.
Published on February 9, 2026
Devyani International Ltd (DIL), one of India’s largest quick service restaurant (QSR) operators, reported a net loss of ₹109.78 crore for the December quarter of FY26, widening from a loss of ₹76.46 crore in the same period last year.
Despite the higher loss, the company posted steady top-line growth, with revenue from operations rising 11.31% year-on-year to ₹1,440.9 crore. Total income, including other income, stood at ₹1,453.22 crore, up 11.48% compared to the year-ago quarter.
Total expenses during the quarter increased 11.71% to ₹1,446.5 crore. However, Devyani International said it saw broad-based improvement in margins, supported by operational efficiencies and performance across formats. Notably, its Biryani By Kilo business, acquired last year through Sky Gate Hospitality, achieved breakeven during the quarter.
Commenting on the performance, chairman Ravi Jaipuria said, “Our business continues to grow in a sustained manner. India operations grew 12.1% year-on-year, while consolidated revenues reached ₹1,441 crore. Our international business continues to gather strength from both an operations and profitability perspective.”
As of December 31, 2025, Devyani International operated 2,279 stores globally, including 1,877 in India and 402 overseas. During the quarter, the company added 95 net new stores, led by 54 KFC and 18 Pizza Hut outlets, while Biryani By Kilo added 13 locations.
The company has also initiated a focused turnaround strategy for Pizza Hut by rationalising loss-making stores and optimising capital expenditure. Separately, Devyani International’s board approved the acquisition of an additional 11.4% stake in Sky Gate Hospitality for ₹57.5 crore.
Published on February 4, 2026
The Union Budget 2026–27 reflects a growing recognition of tourism and hospitality as key enablers of experience-led travel in India. With a strong emphasis on infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and institutional support, the budget sets a positive direction for long-term destination growth.
For the wellness hospitality sector, the continued focus on India’s traditional systems such as Ayurveda and Yoga signals a renewed intent to strengthen tourism offerings rooted in authenticity, wellbeing, and mindful engagement with cultural and natural heritage.
Sharing its post-budget perspective, Poonam Singh, Dharana at Shillim stated: "The Union Budget 2026–27 reflects a considered recognition of tourism and hospitality as important enablers of experience-led travel. The emphasis on infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and institutional support, alongside a continued focus on India's traditional wellness systems such as Ayurveda and Yoga, signals an intent to strengthen destinations grounded in authenticity, wellbeing, and a mindful engagement with cultural and natural heritage.
For the wellness and hospitality sector, these measures create opportunities to advance sustainable tourism, enable meaningful regional employment, and elevate service standards, reinforcing India's position as a globally credible destination for holistic wellbeing and conscious travel.”
The perspective underlines how policy support can encourage responsible investment, generate regional employment, and raise service standards across wellness-led destinations. As conscious travel continues to gain traction globally, such measures are expected to further strengthen India’s standing as a trusted hub for holistic wellbeing experiences.
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