FHRAI Urges Key Reforms in Budget 2025-26 to Boost Hospitality

FHRAI Urges Key Reforms in Budget 2025-26 to Boost Hospitality

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.

Key Recommendations by FHRAI

  1. Infrastructure Status for Smaller Projects
    FHRAI 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.”

  2. Simplified Licensing and Single-Window Clearance
    FHRAI 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.

  3. GST Rationalization
    The association advocates for rationalizing GST rates to make India more competitive internationally. FHRAI recommends:

    • Delinking GST on restaurants from room tariffs.
    • Revising GST rates for restaurants, banquets, and events.
    • Revisiting GST’s "place of supply" rules to allow input tax credits for services sourced across states, thereby reducing operational costs.
  4. Excise and Liquor Licensing Reforms
    FHRAI 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.

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Addressing Industry Challenges

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.”

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Vision 2047: A $1 Trillion Tourism Economy

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.


Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Showcases Luxury Destination Weddings with Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Showcases Luxury Destination Weddings with Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 21, 2026

 Sheraton Grand Palace Indore is inviting couples to celebrate their special day with bespoke destination wedding experiences through Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy, offering a blend of grand venues, personalised services and curated culinary experiences.

Designed to make every celebration memorable, the hotel combines palatial architecture with Marriott's wedding expertise to deliver seamless wedding experiences, from intimate family ceremonies to large-scale receptions.

The property's dedicated team of certified wedding specialists works closely with couples and their families to manage every stage of the celebration, including planning, budgeting, décor coordination, entertainment and vendor management, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully executed.

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore features eight flexible event venues and meeting spaces, spread across more than 1,25,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event areas. The hotel is home to one of Indore's largest pillarless ballrooms, complemented by landscaped lawns that provide picturesque settings for celebrations such as Haldi ceremonies, Mehendi functions, weddings and receptions.

Adding to the experience, the hotel is recognised as India's only five-star pure vegetarian luxury hotel, offering an extensive vegetarian dining experience curated by its culinary team. Couples can personalise their wedding menus with a mix of regional specialities and international flavours, creating memorable dining experiences for their guests.

The property also offers 115 well-appointed rooms and suites overlooking lush green surroundings, allowing families and guests to stay together while enjoying easy access to all wedding venues within the hotel.

Commenting on the growing popularity of destination weddings at the property, Nimish Pitale, Director of Sales & Marketing, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, said:

"Every wedding tells a unique story, and our role is to create a destination where that story comes to life beautifully. At Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, we combine the grandeur of a luxury property with the warmth of personalised hospitality and the distinction of being India's only five-star pure vegetarian luxury hotel. Through Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy, we can combine Marriott's trusted wedding expertise with bespoke experiences that allow every couple to celebrate their traditions exactly as they envision."

With its expansive event spaces, personalised wedding planning services and distinctive culinary offerings, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore continues to position itself as a preferred destination for luxury weddings in Central India.


Fairfield by Marriott Goa Calangute Launches ‘Work From Hotel’ Stay Package

Fairfield by Marriott Goa Calangute Launches ‘Work From Hotel’ Stay Package

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 21, 2026

 Fairfield by Marriott Goa Calangute has unveiled its new WF“H” - Work From “Hotel” package, a long-stay offering designed for professionals, entrepreneurs, digital nomads and remote workers looking to combine productivity with a relaxing stay in Goa.

Created in response to the growing popularity of remote and hybrid work, the package offers guests a work-friendly environment complemented by wellness experiences and leisure activities, making it easier to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Located close to Calangute Beach, the hotel provides high-speed internet, comfortable workspaces and modern facilities, allowing guests to work efficiently while enjoying the destination's laid-back atmosphere. The experience also includes activities such as terrace yoga sessions, evening tea by the poolside and convenient access to the beach.

The Work From "Hotel" package is available for guests booking a minimum stay of five nights and includes several complimentary benefits to enhance the overall experience.

Package Inclusions:

  • All meals included (for double occupancy)

  • Complimentary airport pick-up and drop

  • Complimentary high-speed internet access

  • Complimentary two-hour meeting room usage

  • Complimentary terrace yoga session

  • Complimentary evening tea by the poolside

  • Complimentary drop to Calangute Beach

Whether attending virtual meetings, managing projects remotely or simply looking for a refreshing change of workspace, the package is designed to offer the convenience of a fully supported work environment alongside the comfort of a holiday.

Commenting on the launch, Ganeshan Maniyan, General Manager, Fairfield by Marriott Goa Calangute, said:

“The way people work has evolved significantly, and Work From 'Hotel' is our response to this changing lifestyle. We wanted to create an experience where guests can stay productive without compromising on comfort, wellness or leisure. From seamless connectivity and work-friendly amenities to curated experiences that celebrate the spirit of Goa, this package offers the perfect environment to work, unwind and reconnect.”

The offer is available in single and double occupancy options, with meal supplements applicable. It is valid for a limited period and is subject to availability.

With the launch of WF“H” - Work From “Hotel”, Fairfield by Marriott Goa Calangute aims to provide travellers with a flexible stay option that brings together work, relaxation and the vibrant charm of Goa in one seamless experience.


The Ritz-Carlton Pune Celebrates Ukiyo's 50 Best Discovery Recognition

The Ritz-Carlton Pune Celebrates Ukiyo's 50 Best Discovery Recognition

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 20, 2026

 Ukiyo, the signature Japanese restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, has been featured on 50 Best Discovery, the global platform that highlights outstanding restaurants, bars, hotels and vineyards across the world.

The inclusion comes as part of the platform's latest expansion in July 2026, which added more than 650 hospitality venues. The update also introduced over 75 new cities and towns to the platform, further broadening its global coverage of dining, drinking and travel destinations.

With the latest additions, 50 Best Discovery now features more than 3,500 hospitality establishments across 800+ cities and towns worldwide, including over 210 restaurants, 110 bars, 130 hotels, and, for the first time, more than 190 vineyards as a dedicated category.

Each venue on the platform, including Ukiyo, is selected based on votes from the expert voting Academies responsible for creating the annual global and regional 50 Best lists.

At The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, Ukiyo offers a contemporary Japanese dining experience that combines traditional techniques with modern influences. The menu features handcrafted sushi, sashimi, robata-grilled specialities and signature dishes designed for sharing, prepared using premium ingredients while staying true to authentic Japanese flavours.

Complementing the dining experience is an elegant al fresco bar, serving handcrafted cocktails inspired by Japanese artistry. The venue is designed to cater to intimate dinners, celebrations and social gatherings in a refined setting.

A key highlight of the restaurant is the Ukiyo Drift deck, home to Pune's iconic al fresco bar. Featuring Japanese-inspired mixology, seasonal ingredients and signature cocktails, the space has become one of the city's sought-after destinations for elevated evening experiences.

50 Best Discovery serves as a curated digital guide for travellers, diners and cocktail enthusiasts. More than 3,000 Academy members from around the world, recognised for their expertise in local hospitality scenes, contribute to the selection process. While the platform extends the annual 50 Best rankings, it is not a ranking itself, and venues cannot apply for inclusion. Instead, selections are made solely through recommendations from the expert voting Academies.

The inclusion of Ukiyo on the platform further strengthens The Ritz-Carlton, Pune's position as a destination for world-class dining and premium hospitality experiences.

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