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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 Hariharan U
Published on April 22, 2026
The Lind Hotels is expanding its footprint beyond Boracay, with new properties planned in Coron and Siargao, marking a significant step in building a curated multi-island portfolio.
The brand, known for The Lind Boracay, has established a strong identity through a guest-first and adaptive approach. Located along the prime stretch of Station 1 White Beach, the property has built its reputation on personalised experiences, strong guest loyalty, and continuous evolution based on feedback. It also holds the distinction of being the first MICHELIN Guide-listed hotel in Boracay, a milestone that continues to shape its positioning.
Moving into its next phase, the brand is focusing on destinations that align with its philosophy rather than pursuing rapid scale.
The upcoming Lind Coron, scheduled to open next year, will introduce a villa-led, more personalised hospitality experience. Set on a peninsula, the property is designed to offer seclusion while remaining connected to the mainland, with plans for multiple dining venues, a dive centre, and expanded wellness and recreation facilities.
Meanwhile, Lind Siargao reflects a strategic move into high-potential destinations with limited premium supply. Known as one of the Philippines’ most sought-after island escapes, Siargao presents an opportunity to establish an early presence in a fast-evolving market while maintaining the brand’s distinct identity.
The expansion underscores a deliberate approach, focusing on long-term potential, destination relevance, and differentiated guest experiences rather than scale alone. The brand continues to operate independently, allowing it to remain agile and responsive to changing guest expectations.
As it grows, The Lind Hotels aims to carry forward the same ethos that defined its Boracay property, independent, adaptable, and consistently shaped around the guest experience, while tailoring each destination to its unique environment.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on April 21, 2026
Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai has unveiled ‘Constellar’, the official name and identity of its expansive 10,000-square-foot ballroom facility. The announcement adds a new layer of meaning to the space, bringing together thoughtful design, symbolism, and a narrative that reflects the hotel’s architectural style and its legacy of refined hospitality.
Introduced earlier this year, the ballroom has already positioned itself as one of Mumbai’s most sophisticated venues for weddings, celebrations, and corporate gatherings. With the introduction of ‘Constellar’, the space now carries a strong visual and conceptual identity, giving it a deeper presence.
The name ‘Constellar’ takes inspiration from constellations, symbolising connection, brilliance, and timeless beauty. This idea is reflected in the logo, which features a four-circle icon drawn from the ballroom’s architectural detailing, especially the circular patterns seen at the grand entrance. These elements come together to form a balanced and elegant motif, linking the interiors with the visual identity. A subtle star formed within the design further connects to the theme of constellations, while the four circles also represent the Four Seasons legacy, making the brand an integral part of the design story.
“Constellar, inspired by constellations, redefines how we envision celebrations coming together with intention, beauty, and meaning. With Constellar, we have given our ballroom a distinct character rooted in contemporary design, advanced technology, culinary craftsmanship, and a passionate team. It is ultimately brought to life by our esteemed guests, who make each celebration unique and memorable,” shares Nitesh Gandhi, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotels Mumbai.
Located in Worli, the 10,000-square-foot facility brings together scale and elegance. It begins with a 500-square-foot private arrival foyer that opens into a 1,300-square-foot pre-function area, leading to a 7,000-square-foot banqueting space. At its centre is a 5,700-square-foot pillarless hall with a 19-foot ceiling, designed to host large gatherings with ease. The interiors follow a modern and contemporary style, while features such as a 1,000-square-foot LED wall, digital signage, and modular setups offer flexibility for different event formats. Seamless connectivity to The Great Room ensures smooth transitions for weddings, soirées, and large-scale launches.
Every event here is shaped by Four Season’s approach to personalised service, supported by dedicated specialists and attention to detail. With ‘Constellar’, the ballroom moves beyond just a venue, offering a space where design, technology, and meaningful experiences come together.
Published on April 20, 2026
Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of a new property in Garudeshwar, further strengthening its footprint in Gujarat’s growing tourism and pilgrimage-driven markets.
With this addition, the company’s portfolio in the state will expand to 32 properties, including 11 operational and 21 upcoming hotels. The move reflects the brand’s strategy of building scale in high-growth destinations supported by strong travel demand.
The upcoming Lemon Tree Hotel Garudeshwar will feature 90 rooms along with a restaurant, banquet hall, and meeting facilities. Recreational amenities such as a swimming pool, spa, and fitness centre are also part of the development.
The hotel will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, the management arm of Lemon Tree Hotels.
Gujarat continues to witness rising tourist inflow, driven by landmark attractions like the Statue of Unity and growing interest in spiritual and cultural travel. Garudeshwar is increasingly emerging as a key destination within this ecosystem, benefiting from improved infrastructure and proximity to major tourist circuits.
The property is well connected by road and is located approximately 85 km from Vadodara International Airport and around 5 km from Ekta Nagar Railway Station, offering convenient access for travellers.
Commenting on the signing, Neelendra Singh, Managing Director of Lemon Tree Hotels, said that "Destinations like Garudeshwar are becoming important nodes in India’s expanding tourism landscape". He noted that increasing visitor flows are driving demand for quality branded hospitality, and the company remains focused on tapping such opportunities to strengthen its regional presence.
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