You have Successfully logged In !
Already have an account? Login
By clicking Register you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Don't have an account?Register
Enter your E-mail address below, We will send the verification code
Please enter the code send to
Didn't receive the email?Click to resend
Your password has been successfully reset!.
Please login again to access your account.
An OTP has been sent to
Enter the 4-digit code
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.
Starbucks Reserve Opens at World St. Worldmark Aerocity, New...
World St. at Worldmark Aerocity, New Delhi has welcomed Star...
Burger King India Turns Up the Heat with New Limited-Time Pe...
Burger King India has expanded its flavour-packed menu with...
Revital Launches New Campaign to Redefine Everyday Fatigue a...
Revital, one of India’s leading multivitamin brands from Sun...
Grand Mercure Bangalore Celebrates Gujarat and Rajasthan’s C...
Grand Mercure Bangalore is bringing the rich culinary tradit...
By Hariharan U
Published on July 24, 2026
LaRiSa Hotels & Resorts has expanded its presence in Uttarakhand with the signing and launch of two new Hotel Management Agreements for Ramgarh Vatika and Kumaon Cottage, both joining the portfolio under the AM Hotel Kollection.
The additions mark another milestone in LaRiSa’s growth journey, taking its presence in India to 39 hotels while strengthening its footprint in the Kumaon region, which continues to attract travellers seeking peaceful, nature-led, and experiential stays.
Located near Nainital, both properties offer guests a quieter alternative to conventional hill destinations while retaining easy access to the region’s attractions. Rooted in their surroundings, Ramgarh Vatika and Kumaon Cottage reflect LaRiSa’s focus on creating hospitality experiences that celebrate local character, heritage, and regional culture.
Ramgarh Vatika is a wooden chalet-style boutique retreat situated in the hills of Ramgarh at an altitude of over 4,500 feet. The property offers mountain-facing views, an in-house restaurant featuring freshly prepared cuisine and local Kumaoni specialities, along with curated experiences inspired by the natural surroundings.
Kumaon Cottage, meanwhile, carries a rich heritage legacy, having originated as a private home nearly 180 years ago. Over the years, the property has been transformed into a boutique stay while preserving its traditional charm through carved wooden doors, sheesham wood flooring, and handcrafted furniture created by local artisans.
The dining experience at Kumaon Cottage focuses on fresh organic ingredients and regional flavours, with in-house chefs creating dishes that reflect the culinary traditions of Kumaon.
Commenting on the new additions, Randhir Narayan, CEO, LaRiSa Hotels and Resorts, said, "Signing Ramgarh Vatika and Kumaon Cottage was not a move to add more hotels to our portfolio, rather a way to deepen our connection to a landscape and a way of travelling that feels quieter and more personal. Both hotels are rooted in their surroundings, and that is exactly what guides us when we grow: to build with intention, not just ambition."
With these additions, LaRiSa continues to strengthen its presence across India through its three brands, LaRiSa Resorts, AM Hotel Kollection, and 8fold by LaRiSa. The company focuses on developing professionally managed properties that combine warm hospitality, regional experiences, and a strong connection with their destinations.
The expansion into Uttarakhand reflects the growing demand for boutique mountain retreats and experiential hospitality, as travellers increasingly seek meaningful stays beyond traditional tourist destinations.
Published on July 22, 2026
Accor is inviting travellers to make their next getaway more rewarding with its Mid Year Sale, offering savings of up to 25% across more than 1,500 participating hotels in Asia Pacific, Africa, and beyond, including Novotel Vijayawada Varun.
The limited-time offer provides an opportunity for guests to plan city escapes, family holidays, business trips extended into leisure, and relaxing staycations at attractive value.
Bookings for the offer are open until July 31, 2026, with stays valid through September 30, 2026. Guests can enjoy 20% savings, while members of ALL – Accor Live Limitless, Accor’s lifestyle loyalty programme, receive an additional 5% discount on their stays.
Commenting on the offer, Manish Pathak, Hotel Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, said: "At Novotel Vijayawada Varun, we believe a memorable getaway should be both accessible and exceptional. Accor's Mid Year Sale gives travellers the perfect opportunity to experience our warm hospitality and distinctive dining experiences at even greater value. Whether it is a relaxing weekend staycation, a family break or a business trip extended into leisure, we look forward to welcoming guests for an unforgettable stay in the heart of Vijayawada."
Located in the heart of Vijayawada, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, the city’s only five-star deluxe hotel, offers contemporary accommodation combined with signature hospitality experiences. The property features 233 elegantly designed rooms and suites, a rejuvenating spa, a fully equipped fitness centre, and an infinity swimming pool overlooking the city.
Beyond accommodation, guests can explore the hotel’s diverse culinary offerings, including the live Teppanyaki experience at Red Bowl, international cuisine at Food Exchange, handcrafted beverages at Gourmet Bar, panoramic city views at Skydeck, and artisanal desserts from The Cake Factory.
The hotel also focuses on responsible hospitality through initiatives such as complimentary EV charging facilities for guests and sustainability-driven practices, enhancing the overall stay experience.
Travellers who are not yet members of ALL – Accor Live Limitless can join the programme free of charge to access exclusive member rates, rewards, and special offers throughout the year.
The Accor Mid Year Sale is available for bookings until July 31, 2026, with stays valid until September 30, 2026, subject to availability and applicable terms and conditions
Eco Hotels & Resorts is strengthening its presence in India’s food and beverage landscape with an expanding portfolio of concept-driven restaurants and cafés designed to deliver distinctive culinary experiences for hotel guests and local diners alike.
With a focus on authentic flavours, thoughtfully curated menus, and engaging hospitality experiences, the company’s restaurant brands aim to create destination dining spaces that cater to evolving consumer preferences while complementing its growing hospitality portfolio.
The company’s current culinary portfolio includes Sahar, GG’s Rooftop Lounge, Kick In the Brick, and EcoSip Café, with a premium non-vegetarian restaurant concept set to launch soon. Together, these brands represent Eco Hotels & Resorts’ vision of developing restaurant concepts with unique identities, experiences, and culinary philosophies.
Sahar, the flagship restaurant of Eco Hotels & Resorts, celebrates mindful eating through its focus on 100% pure vegetarian, Satvik, No Onion No Garlic, and Jain cuisine. The restaurant blends traditional Indian recipes with contemporary presentation, offering guests a dining experience rooted in authenticity, wellness, and purity.
Offering panoramic city views, GG’s Rooftop Lounge delivers an elevated family dining experience with a carefully curated vegetarian menu featuring Pan Asian and Continental cuisines. The rooftop setting, combined with sophisticated ambience and quality cuisine, positions the restaurant as a preferred destination for relaxed dining occasions.
Kick In the Brick brings together global vegetarian cuisine with entertainment-led dining experiences. Featuring music, live entertainment, sports screenings, and a vibrant family lounge atmosphere, the concept creates a lively social space designed for celebrations and casual gatherings.
For coffee enthusiasts and professionals, EcoSip Café offers artisan coffee, premium teas, freshly prepared café favourites, and a contemporary setting ideal for casual meetings, work conversations, and everyday moments.
Further expanding its culinary offerings, Eco Hotels & Resorts will soon launch a premium non-vegetarian restaurant celebrating India’s diverse regional culinary traditions along with international favourites. The upcoming concept marks the next phase of the company’s food and beverage growth strategy and will add further variety to its restaurant portfolio.
Commenting on the expansion, Chirag More, Head – Marketing & F&B Business, Eco Hotels & Resorts, said:
"At Eco Hotels & Resorts, we believe every restaurant should have its own soul, identity, and story. Our vision goes beyond serving great food. We strive to create memorable dining experiences through authentic flavours, thoughtful hospitality, and distinctive ambience."
He added, "Every concept in our portfolio has been thoughtfully developed to cater to different dining preferences while upholding our commitment to quality, innovation, and consistency. As we continue to grow our culinary portfolio, our focus remains on creating restaurant brands that become preferred dining destinations and deliver memorable experiences for every guest."
As Eco Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its food and beverage business, the company remains focused on creating distinctive restaurant concepts that connect with modern diners while strengthening its position in India’s evolving hospitality sector.
Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!
Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.
By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Advertise With Us
We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.
A platform dedicated to showcase the skills and creativity of hospitality professionals. Share your articles, videos and other content related to the industry and get recognized for your unique perspective and expertise. By posting your content and gaining likes from your own community, we'll categorize your talents and expose them to the hospitality world. Join our community of passionate hospitality professionals and let your talent shine!.
Already have an account?Login
By clicking you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Subscribe for ₹2,000 and receive our monthly magazine for one year (12 months) from the coming month and save 2 months cost.