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.


ITC Hotels Brings Independence Day Flavours and Festive Escapes Together

ITC Hotels Brings Independence Day Flavours and Festive Escapes Together

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 15, 2026

This Independence Day, ITC Hotels is bringing together India's diverse flavours, festive traditions and holiday experiences across its properties. From a special feast at Peshwa Pavilion in Mumbai to relaxed coastal celebrations in Goa and a heritage escape in Agra, guests have several ways to mark the long weekend.

One Nation, Many Flavours at ITC Maratha

At Peshwa Pavilion, ITC Maratha, Independence Day and Parsi New Year come together under the theme “One Nation, Many Flavours.” The festive experience celebrates India's regional cuisine alongside much-loved Parsi classics, with traditional welcomes, live stations and a special offer for guests.

The spread features favourites including Amritsari Chole Kulche, Goan Prawn Curry, Chicken Chettinad, Kashmiri Rogan Josh, and Hyderabadi Subz Biryani. Parsi New Year specialities such as Sali Boti, Patra Ni Machhi, and Mawa Cake will also be part of the celebration. Guests can further enjoy the Tricolour Chaat & Dessert Station, bringing together festive colours and flavours.

The experience begins with a traditional Parsi welcome, as every table receives rosewater spraying along with a complimentary glass of Falooda or Raspberry Soda.

As part of the festive offer, tables of four or more can enjoy a flat 19.47% discount on the total bill. The celebration will be available on 15th August 2026.

  • Offer: Flat 19.47% off on the total bill for tables of four or more.
  • Address: ITC Maratha, International Airport, Ashok Nagar, Andheri East, Mumbai

A Coastal Independence Day at ITC Grand Goa Resort & Spa

For travellers looking for a more relaxed celebration, ITC Grand Goa Resort & Spa, Goa brings a coastal touch to Independence Day.

The Independence Day Brunch at Pavilion, The Village Square combines festive regional flavours with the easy-going atmosphere of a beachside retreat. Surrounded by lush waterways and Goa's relaxed pace, guests can enjoy a leisurely brunch and spend the afternoon at their own pace. The experience brings together food, relaxation and the charm of a long weekend by the sea.

A Heritage Escape at ITC Mughal, Agra

For those looking to combine Independence Day with a heritage getaway, ITC Mughal, Agra offers an escape surrounded by expansive gardens, wellness experiences and the character of its historic setting.

The hotel's “Freedom to Indulge” offer adds to the long-weekend experience with benefits across stays, dining and wellness. Under the promotion, guests can avail up to 30% off on stays, 20% off on F&B and Spa, and 2x Green Points.

Together, these experiences give travellers different ways to celebrate Independence Day, from discovering India's regional flavours and Parsi traditions to enjoying a beachside brunch or taking a relaxed heritage break. With food, culture, hospitality and festive offers coming together, ITC Hotels is giving guests an opportunity to make the Independence Day long weekend a little more memorable.


Essentia Hotels & Resorts Curates Independence Day Getaways and Culinary Experiences

Essentia Hotels & Resorts Curates Independence Day Getaways and Culinary Experiences

By Hariharan U

Published on August 14, 2026

Essentia Hotels & Resorts is celebrating India's 80th Independence Day with a curated selection of culinary experiences and luxury staycation options across its properties in Nagpur, Udaipur and Indore.

The Independence Day weekend programme brings together regional Indian cuisine, festive brunches and leisure stays, offering travellers options ranging from a culinary outing to a relaxed long-weekend escape.

Essentia Luxury Hotel & Convention, Nagpur

At Citron, Essentia Luxury Hotel & Convention, Nagpur will mark Independence Day with an elaborate multi-regional buffet showcasing the diversity of Indian cuisine.

The spread will feature North Indian delicacies, Eastern specialities, coastal flavours and Southern Indian classics, bringing together regional recipes and flavours as part of the festive celebration.

Date: 15 August 2026
Reservations: 07109353601 | 9271347729

Essentia Luxury Resort & Spa, Udaipur

For travellers looking to turn Independence Day into a long-weekend getaway, Essentia Luxury Resort & Spa, Udaipur is offering a staycation experience from August 14 to 16.

Set against the backdrop of the Aravalli Hills, the resort provides an opportunity for guests to step away from the city's pace and spend the holiday weekend in a more relaxed setting.

Dates: August 14–16, 2026
Reservations: +91 92570 25720 | +91 92570 25740

Essentia Luxury Hotel, Indore

At Essentia Luxury Hotel, Indore, the Independence Day weekend combines a luxury stay experience with a special festive brunch.

The Independence Day brunch on August 15 will feature a selection of festive delicacies and regional favourites, providing families and friends with an opportunity to celebrate together over an elaborate meal.

Date: 15 August 2026
Reservations: 0731 672 5777

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Together, the three experiences highlight Essentia Hotels & Resorts' approach to combining regional cuisine, leisure and contemporary Indian hospitality across its destinations.

Established in 2018 under Aaverina Hospitality Private Limited and headquartered in Bengaluru, Essentia Hotels & Resorts follows an "Affordable Luxury" positioning focused on thoughtful design, personalised service and guest experiences.

Led by CEO Mohammed Parvez, Managing Director Savita Da Silva and Chairman Xavier Furtado, the company has developed a portfolio spanning business and leisure destinations, with properties and projects across cities including Indore, Udaipur, Pune, Chennai and Nagpur, alongside an expanding pipeline in Tier II and Tier III markets.

The company's development strategy includes upcoming projects in destinations such as Tirupati, Wayanad, Gujarat, Indore and Bhopal, as it continues to expand beyond India's major metropolitan markets.


WelcomHeritage Invites Travellers to Celebrate India This Independence Day

WelcomHeritage Invites Travellers to Celebrate India This Independence Day

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 14, 2026

This Independence Day, WelcomHeritage is inviting travellers to experience India through its rich history, culture and heritage with a special stay offer across its properties.

For many Indian travellers, Independence Day has become an opportunity to go beyond the usual holiday plans and reconnect with the country's story. With the long weekend around 15th August, travellers are increasingly choosing destinations where history, culture and heritage remain part of the experience.

WelcomHeritage is marking the occasion with an offer across its portfolio of heritage hotels, palaces, havelis, wildlife resorts and nature retreats spread across India. Guests booking a stay around the occasion can avail 10% off Best Available Rates, giving them an opportunity to explore heritage hospitality at destinations with a strong connection to India's past. The portfolio offers a range of experiences for different kinds of travellers. Guests can choose from historic forts and palaces that were once home to royalty, centuries-old havelis, colonial-era residences, hillside retreats and wildlife resorts surrounded by nature.

The experience could mean waking up to birdsong at a jungle retreat, exploring the courtyards of a historic haveli or spending the Independence Day holiday surrounded by the quiet grandeur of a former royal residence. The Independence Day Offer is valid for a limited period around 15th August 2026 and is subject to availability across participating WelcomHeritage properties. Guests can make their bookings directly through the WelcomHeritage website, the central reservations team or authorised travel partners.

The offer gives travellers a chance to make the Independence Day break more meaningful by exploring destinations where India's history and heritage continue to be part of everyday hospitality.

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