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By Nishang Narayan
Published on January 19, 2025
The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), one of the world’s largest hospitality associations, has outlined a series of reforms it hopes to see in the Union Budget 2025-26. Representing over 60,000 hotels and 500,000 restaurants nationwide, FHRAI emphasized that these changes are critical for bolstering investment, creating jobs, and driving the growth of India's hospitality and tourism sector—a significant contributor to the national economy.
Infrastructure Status for Smaller ProjectsFHRAI proposes granting infrastructure status to hotel and convention center projects costing ₹10 crore or more. Currently, this status is limited to projects exceeding ₹200 crore for hotels and ₹300 crore for convention centers, along with a requirement for the city population to exceed one million. FHRAI highlights that these restrictions exclude smaller, tourism-rich towns, preventing their access to financing and infrastructure benefits.
“India’s tourism sector has immense untapped potential in historically significant towns and emerging destinations,” said K Syama Raju, President of FHRAI. “Infrastructure status for smaller projects will unlock growth opportunities in these regions.”
Simplified Licensing and Single-Window ClearanceFHRAI calls for a single-window clearance system to streamline the complex and time-consuming licensing and approval processes. Simplified regulations would encourage investments and ease operations for hospitality businesses.
GST RationalizationThe association advocates for rationalizing GST rates to make India more competitive internationally. FHRAI recommends:
Excise and Liquor Licensing ReformsFHRAI emphasizes the need for simplified excise and liquor licensing processes. Drawing inspiration from the FSSAI registration system, the association suggests nominal fees and easier compliance to promote the growth of leisure and entertainment services.
India’s hospitality sector, known for generating substantial employment and foreign exchange earnings, faces multiple challenges due to restrictive policies. FHRAI asserts that reforms in licensing, taxation, and infrastructure will enhance India’s competitiveness as a global tourism destination.
“Our hospitality and tourism sector is vital to economic growth, yet it operates under significant regulatory burdens,” Raju added. “Budget 2025-26 presents an opportunity for the government to align policies with industry needs, fostering sustainable growth and positioning India as a leader in global tourism.”
By addressing these critical reforms, FHRAI believes India can advance its vision of becoming a $1 trillion tourism economy by 2047. Simplifying regulations, fostering investments, and reducing operational barriers will create jobs, increase foreign exchange earnings, and drive the sector's long-term growth.
About FHRAI
Established in 1955, the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) is the apex body of the hospitality industry in India. Representing over 60,000 hotels and 500,000 restaurants, FHRAI serves as a voice for the sector, collaborating with government bodies and international organizations to support the growth of India’s hospitality and tourism industries.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on February 24, 2026
Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai has officially unveiled visuals of its newly launched 10,000-square-foot ballroom, a landmark addition that sets a new benchmark for luxury celebrations in the city. Located in Worli, one of Mumbai’s most vibrant cultural and social districts, the ballroom has been conceptualised as a refined spatial experience rather than a traditional banqueting hall. Designed to feel expansive yet intimate, the venue seamlessly balances scale, proportion, and meticulous detailing.
Opened on 29th January 2026, the pillarless ballroom brings together architectural elegance, cutting-edge technology, and the signature personalised service synonymous with the Four Seasons brand. A private arrival porch and dedicated entrance establish a sense of exclusivity from the outset, leading guests into a 1,300-square-foot pre-function area ideal for welcome rituals, cocktail receptions, and elegant mingling.
The heart of the venue is a 5,700-square-foot uninterrupted main hall with soaring ceilings and clear sightlines, offering remarkable flexibility for weddings, milestone celebrations, social soirées, fashion showcases, automobile launches, and corporate galas. Integrated LED panelling across an entire wall, advanced audiovisual systems, and adaptable lighting allow the space to transition effortlessly from sunlit daytime ceremonies to immersive evening celebrations.
The ballroom’s design palette blends deep blues with nuanced gold accents and luminous whites, creating a setting that feels both contemporary and timeless. Subtle spherical motifs and bespoke finishes introduce warmth and architectural rhythm, while a live kitchen concept, anchored by a dedicated local maharaj, ensures that culinary artistry remains central to every occasion.
Speaking on the unveiling, Nitesh Gandhi, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, said, “At Four Seasons, we believe celebrations should feel deeply personal and effortlessly grand. This ballroom has been crafted to honour life’s most meaningful milestones, where every wedding vow, every toast, and every gathering is elevated by design, service, and heartfelt attention.”
In keeping with the hotel’s commitment to conscious luxury, sustainability is thoughtfully woven into the ballroom’s offerings. These include locally sourced menus, collaborations with eco-luxe décor partners, and a zero-waste culinary philosophy that balances indulgence with responsibility.
The newly released imagery highlights the ballroom’s grandeur, design nuances, and immersive atmosphere, offering a compelling preview of what awaits. Now open, the ballroom at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai positions itself as one of the city’s most coveted event destinations, where impeccable service, architectural sophistication, and thoughtful personalisation come together to create celebrations that are not just hosted, but exquisitely experienced.
Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore has announced that its signature all-day dining venue, The Bengaluru Brasserie, has received the Best Multi-Cuisine Restaurant award at the Food Connoisseur Awards.
The award recognises the restaurant’s steady commitment to serving quality food across a wide range of cuisines, supported by warm and attentive service. Located in the heart of MG Road, The Bengaluru Brasserie offers a diverse menu that brings together Indian favourites and popular global dishes, catering to varied dining preferences.
Over the years, the restaurant has built a strong following among both in-house guests and Bengaluru diners. Known for its generous breakfast spreads, balanced lunch options, and relaxed dinner setting, it has become a dependable choice for business meetings, family gatherings, and casual get-togethers. The culinary team focuses on using fresh ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and flavours that appeal to a broad audience.
Speaking on the achievement, Sahil Ranaut, General Manager Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore said, “We are honoured to receive the Best Multi-Cuisine Restaurant award at the Food Connoisseur Awards. This recognition reflects the dedication of our kitchen and service teams, who work hard every day to deliver a memorable dining experience. We are especially thankful to our guests for their continued trust and support.”
This recognition marks an important milestone for Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore and reinforces its commitment to offering dependable, high-quality dining experiences for the city’s growing community of food lovers.
By Hariharan U
Published on February 22, 2026
Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of Cozzet Amritsar, marking a strategic expansion of its value-driven brand in Punjab’s thriving hospitality market.
The upcoming 54-key property will strengthen the group’s presence in one of North India’s most resilient tourism and commercial hubs, Amritsar.
Cozzet Amritsar will feature 54 well-appointed rooms, an all-day dining restaurant and a banquet facility equipped with modern technology, capable of hosting up to 500 guests.
The hotel is located approximately 20 minutes from the iconic Golden Temple and about 30 minutes from Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport. Its proximity to religious landmarks, retail districts and commercial zones positions it to cater to a balanced mix of pilgrimage, leisure, wedding and corporate demand.
Amritsar continues to record strong year-round footfall, driven by domestic and international visitors. Improved road infrastructure and enhanced airport connectivity have further strengthened demand across the midscale and upper-midscale hotel segments.
Cozzet Hotels are designed around a simple promise, clean rooms, quality food, reliable service and essential comforts such as Wi-Fi, gym access and hot showers, all at smart price points. Each property reflects a distinct local identity while maintaining consistent service standards.
Cozzet Amritsar will target value-conscious travellers seeking comfort, efficiency and dependable hospitality without compromising on experience.
Commenting on the signing, Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder and Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, said, “Amritsar is a high-performing hospitality market with strong year-round demand across pilgrimage, leisure and social events. With Cozzet Amritsar, we are strengthening our presence in Punjab by offering a product that balances comfort, efficiency and value. The city's improving infrastructure and expanding commercial activity make it a compelling long-term market for organised hospitality brands.”
The addition of Cozzet Amritsar aligns with Cygnett’s asset-light expansion strategy focused on high-growth secondary cities with strong demand fundamentals and limited organised supply.
Beyond the Golden Temple, the hotel’s location also offers convenient access to the Wagah Border, the War & Partition Museum and Amritsar’s bustling shopping streets, making it an attractive base for both business and leisure travellers.
With this signing, Cygnett continues to deepen its presence in North India, tapping into markets where tourism, weddings and corporate travel converge to drive sustained hospitality growth.
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