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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 June 18, 2026
LOYA at Taj West End, Bengaluru recently hosted the city premiere of JASHN 2.0, the second edition of its signature music album, on 5th May 2026. Presented as part of the restaurant's renowned Qissa series, the evening brought together music, storytelling, and culinary artistry in an immersive experience designed to engage all the senses.
Conceptualised and composed by acclaimed musician Shreyas Patkar, JASHN 2.0 takes inspiration from the five universal elements, Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space and explores their connection with LOYA's distinctive cooking techniques. The album transforms culinary traditions into a musical experience, drawing influence from techniques such as dhungar, baghaar, dum cooking, and sigdi-style open-fire preparation.
Featuring a rich blend of instruments including santoor, sitar, ghatam, flute, tabla, and bass guitar, the compositions merge classical Indian musical influences with contemporary lounge sounds. Each piece has been carefully crafted to complement the dining experience, creating a harmonious connection between music and cuisine.
The evening began with Raahein, a composition inspired by LOYA's culinary journey across Kashmir and Punjab. This was followed by Thumka with Dungaar, a vibrant blend of Thumri and modern rhythms, capturing the dramatic moment when smoke rises from a freshly opened pot.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Taljinder Singh, Senior Vice President and Brand Custodian, IHCL, said:
“LOYA has always been a celebration of craft, culture, and storytelling. With JASHN unveiled as LOYA’s second signature music album, we extend this philosophy beyond the plate, creating an experience where music becomes an integral part of the dining journey, immersive, evocative, and as thoughtfully layered as the cuisine itself. Inspired by the cultural nuances of the land, its people, languages, and changing seasons, LOYA has shaped a musical narrative that transcends the restaurant. With both albums now available on Spotify, guests can experience the spirit of LOYA beyond the dining space.”
Expanding beyond the restaurant experience, JASHN 2.0 has evolved into a collaborative platform featuring celebrated artists including Padmashree Shankar Mahadevan and Pandit Suresh Bapat. The album is now available for audiences on Spotify, Apple Music, Instagram Audio, and YouTube, allowing listeners to experience LOYA's unique blend of culture, music, and storytelling wherever they are.
By Hariharan U
Published on June 17, 2026
As Goa transforms into a lush green paradise during the monsoon, Ronil Goa – A JdV by Hyatt Hotel is inviting travellers to discover a different side of the destination through its "Beyond the Room" philosophy. Positioned in the heart of North Goa, the lifestyle boutique resort is encouraging guests to embrace slower days, meaningful experiences, and the simple pleasures that define the state's green season.
While Goa is often associated with bustling beaches and peak-season energy, the monsoon months offer a more relaxed and authentic experience. With fewer crowds, cooler weather, and landscapes painted in vibrant shades of green, the season creates the perfect backdrop for travellers seeking a refreshing escape.
Located along the popular Calangute-Baga Road, Ronil Goa has designed its monsoon offering around comfort, connection, and unhurried experiences. Rather than focusing solely on accommodation, the hotel extends its hospitality through thoughtfully curated spaces, wellness experiences, dining concepts, and social interactions that encourage guests to immerse themselves in the destination.
The experience begins with a warm welcome at Patrão's, where guests are greeted with a signature arrival shot. Throughout the stay, visitors can choose between the lively atmosphere of the Hub Pool, complete with a swim-up bar, or the more relaxed setting of the Tranquil Pool, inspired by Art Deco aesthetics and designed for peaceful moments of relaxation.
For guests looking to unwind further, The Spa at Ronil Goa offers a selection of therapies aimed at helping travellers recharge while enjoying the soothing ambience created by the monsoon season.
Dining remains a key part of the resort experience. Mornings begin with leisurely breakfasts at Ronil Bistro, while the all-day menu features a blend of comfort food and contemporary favourites. Guests can enjoy wood-fired pizzas, grilled specialities, and a variety of dishes designed to complement relaxed holiday moods. Whether gathering for a casual meal, enjoying a quiet drink, or spending an evening with friends, the hotel's dining venues are designed to encourage social connections and memorable moments.
As the day transitions into evening, the atmosphere takes on a more vibrant character. Live music, cocktails, karaoke sessions at The Loft, and poolside gatherings create opportunities for guests to relax and connect in an informal setting. The hotel's rooms and suites, many featuring private balconies and interconnecting options, cater equally well to couples, families, and groups of friends.
Adding further value to the monsoon experience, the resort is offering an exclusive World of Hyatt Member Bed and Breakfast package available through Hyatt's official channels. The offer includes daily breakfast, 20 percent savings on food and soft beverages across hotel venues, 10 percent savings on alcohol, and 15 percent savings on spa rituals lasting 60 minutes or longer.
The package has been designed to encourage guests to make the most of their stay, whether through culinary experiences, wellness treatments, or simply spending additional time enjoying the relaxed pace of the season.
Originally established in 1987 as Ronil Beach Resort, the property entered a new chapter in December 2023 when it was reintroduced as Ronil Goa under Hyatt's lifestyle-focused JdV by Hyatt brand. Today, the resort features 135 rooms with private balconies, Indo-Portuguese-inspired design elements, wellness facilities, multiple dining venues, and vibrant social spaces that reflect the warmth and character of Goan hospitality.
As monsoon travel continues to gain popularity among travellers seeking quieter and more immersive experiences, Ronil Goa aims to position itself as a destination where guests can enjoy Goa at a slower pace, focusing on meaningful moments rather than packed itineraries.
Published on June 12, 2026
The Anam Cam Ranh has introduced a unique immersive wellness experience titled “From Husk to Health,” allowing guests to witness and participate in coconut harvesting directly within the resort grounds.
Unlike conventional luxury hospitality experiences where beverages are prepared behind a bar, the resort brings the origin of the drink into view, starting from the coconut trees themselves.
Held every Thursday from 10–11 am at the entrance of the resort’s wellness and recreation precinct, the experience sees gardeners climb coconut palms to harvest mature coconuts in front of guests. Visitors are then guided through the process of trimming, opening, and understanding different stages of coconut growth.
Guests are introduced to how coconuts mature, how ripeness affects flavour and texture, and why younger coconuts tend to produce sweeter water while mature ones offer richer flesh. The freshly opened coconuts are served immediately, offering naturally hydrating water rich in electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium, along with nutrient-dense coconut meat.
Speaking about the initiative, Laurent Myter, Group General Manager of The Anam Group, said, “A freshly harvested coconut, in my opinion, resonates more than a glass of champagne. We have received great feedback from our guests about this simple yet authentic experience. Learning the story behind the humble coconut further connects you to Vietnam’s remarkable landscape.”
The experience is part of the resort’s broader wellness and recreation ecosystem, which includes an organic farm, mini-golf course, sports facilities, and curated farm-to-table dining experiences.
Ingredients from the resort’s farm are actively integrated into its culinary offerings across restaurants, with herbs, vegetables, and fruits used in both Vietnamese and international dishes, as well as in signature cocktails.
The initiative reflects The Anam Cam Ranh’s growing focus on immersive, nature-connected luxury experiences that blend wellness, education, and sustainability within hospitality
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