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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 September 18, 2025
Lemon Tree Hotels has announced the signing of its latest property Lemon Tree Hotel, Gaya, Bihar. The upcoming hotel will feature 56 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, banquet and meeting facilities, along with a swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, and other public spaces. The property will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, the management arm and wholly-owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited.
Strategically located, the hotel offers easy access to both Bodhgaya Airport (14 km) and Gaya Railway Station (6 km), while being well-connected by road for public and private transport.
Commenting on the signing, Kapil Sharma, Executive Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Lemon Tree Hotels, said, “With this signing, we further enhance and strengthen our footprint in Bihar, where we operate one hotel and have one more upcoming. This aligns with our strategy of expanding our brand across the country to delight our guests with comfortable options.”
Lemon Tree Hotels has steadily grown since its first 49-room property in 2004. Today, the group welcomes over 1.5 million guests annually across 110+ operational hotels in 75+ cities in India and overseas, with a pipeline of 110+ upcoming properties. Its network spans metro hubs such as Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, along with tier II and III cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, Kochi, and Indore. Internationally, Lemon Tree Hotels is present in Dubai, Bhutan, and Nepal.
With the new signing in Gaya, Lemon Tree continues to build on its reputation for comfort, consistency, and refreshing hospitality — serving both business and leisure travellers alike.
Published on September 16, 2025
ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts has reached a new milestone with the addition of The Hoften Lotus Court in Greater Noida West, Uttar Pradesh, marking the 20th property in its growing portfolio. The launch strengthens ALIVAA’s footprint in a key market and aligns with its ambitious expansion strategy.
Operating under The Hoften brand, the hotel is designed for modern travellers seeking smart, efficient service combined with comfort and convenience.
Akash Bhatia, CEO of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts (Managed & Franchise Business), said, "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Hotel Lotus Court into The Hoften family and the wider ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts collection. Greater Noida is a dynamic destination, and this partnership enables us to offer our guests an even broader range of exceptional experiences. Hotel The Hoften Lotus Court perfectly embodies the unique charm and high standards of our brand, and we're confident it will be a valuable asset to our expanding portfolio."
Vikramjit Singh, Founder of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, highlighted the strategic significance of Greater Noida, "As we strive to become a leading national player, Greater Noida holds a critical position in our roadmap. This signing establishes our foothold in the country's growing corporate hub. The upcoming Jewar Airport will be a game-changer, boosting business and leisure travel and creating immense opportunities for us."
Arjun Singh, owner of The Hoften Lotus Court, shared his excitement, "Joining forces with ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts and bringing Hotel Lotus Court under The Hoften brand is a momentous occasion for us. Their deep expertise and commitment to guest satisfaction perfectly complement our vision. This is our second property with the same brand, reflecting our confidence and commitment. We look forward to delivering memorable experiences to our guests."
This milestone reinforces ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts’ dedication to expanding its portfolio, delivering exceptional stays, and creating unforgettable experiences across India’s key travel destinations.
About ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts:ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts is a dynamic hospitality group focused on creating exceptional guest experiences. Operating under the ALIVAA and The Hoften brands, the company emphasizes quality, innovation, and guest delight, offering memorable stays across established and emerging destinations.
Published on September 13, 2025
Treat Hotels & Resorts is expanding its presence in North India with the addition of two new premium properties in culturally and historically significant destinations, Kumbhalgarh in Rajasthan and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in Maharashtra.
The first, Treat Aranya Resort, Kumbhalgarh, marks the brand’s debut in Rajasthan. Set against the backdrop of the Aravalli Hills and close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kumbhalgarh Fort, the resort offers a tranquil escape where heritage and modern comfort come together. Guests can expect spacious rooms, landscaped lawns, panoramic views, and a setting ideal for those seeking both relaxation and cultural exploration.
The second property, Treat Imperial, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, is positioned at the city’s heart and designed as an upscale venue for weddings, corporate retreats, and family getaways. With regal architecture, expansive banquet spaces, gourmet dining, and premium hospitality services, it caters especially to large-scale weddings and events while reflecting the cultural spirit of Sambhajinagar.
“These launches mark a new chapter in our journey,” said Mr. Alok Mundra, Managing Director, Treat Hotels & Resorts. “We’re not just building properties; we’re creating destinations that celebrate India’s diversity in architecture, cuisine, and celebrations, without compromising on luxury.”
Adding to this, Devendra Singh, General Manager, Development & Acquisitions, noted, “These developments are a testament to our vision of expanding thoughtfully into destinations that hold cultural, historical, and economic significance.”
With these upcoming launches, Treat Hotels & Resorts strengthens its position as one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality brands. Both properties uphold the brand’s philosophy of offering meaningful celebrations, memorable escapes, and enriching experiences — all while preserving India’s timeless heritage.
For inquiries and partnerships, visit www.treatresorts.com.
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