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.


Clarks Exotica Is Offering Special Spa Deals This Women's Day — and They're Worth It

Clarks Exotica Is Offering Special Spa Deals This Women's Day — and They're Worth It

By Hariharan U

Published on March 7, 2026

Sometimes the best way to celebrate Women's Day is also the simplest, just stop, breathe, and give yourself a proper break. And Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa is making that very easy to do this 8th March.

The resort is rolling out special Women's Day spa offers that are genuinely good value, the kind that make it hard to say no, whether you're treating yourself or gifting someone a little moment of calm.

Set in peaceful, serene surroundings, Clarks Exotica is already the kind of place that makes you exhale the moment you arrive. This Women's Day, they're leaning into that with curated spa experiences at prices that are hard to beat.

Here's what's on offer:

Foot Massage and  Massage Chair, Whether it's a quick midday reset or a thoughtful gift for a woman who deserves a little extra care  these offers tick both boxes without burning a hole in your pocket.

The resort's setting does the rest of the work. Stepping away from the usual rush, even for just an hour, can do a lot and having a calm, beautiful space to do it in makes the whole experience feel that much more special.

This Women's Day, Clarks Exotica is keeping it simple and meaningful — good care, honest prices, and a genuine invitation to slow down.

  • Date: 8th March 2026
  • Location: Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa

Sector 144 JP Nagar Is Hosting a Rooftop Women's Day Brunch — and It Sounds Like a Great Sunday

Sector 144 JP Nagar Is Hosting a Rooftop Women's Day Brunch — and It Sounds Like a Great Sunday

By Hariharan U

Published on March 7, 2026

Some celebrations don't need to be loud or over the top, sometimes the best ones are just good food, good people, and a rooftop with a view. And that's exactly the kind of Women's Day Sector 144 in JP Nagar is putting together.

The Bengaluru restaurant is marking the occasion with a specially curated Sunday brunch that keeps things relaxed, flavourful, and genuinely fun. Guests can pick from a thoughtful à la carte selection of dishes and refreshing beverages, all while soaking in the breezy rooftop ambience that the place is known for. It's the kind of afternoon that doesn't rush you, just lets you settle in, eat well, and enjoy the company around you.

The idea behind the brunch goes beyond just a meal. It's a small but heartfelt tribute to creativity, community, and the everyday warmth that women bring into the lives of those around them. Whether you're coming with your best friend, your mother, your colleagues, or just treating yourself the vibe is welcoming, the food is comforting, and the atmosphere is everything a lazy Sunday should feel like.

Comforting favourites sit alongside more contemporary plates on the menu, with drinks to match. The rooftop setting adds a light, open feel to the whole experience  lively enough to feel festive, but laid-back enough that you can actually slow down and savour the moment.

More than anything, it's about togetherness shared stories, joyful moments, and the kind of afternoon you'll want to repeat. Sector 144 has always had a warm, easy hospitality about it, and this Women's Day brunch feels like a natural extension of that.

Here are the details:

  • Where: Sector 144, JP Nagar — 4th Floor, above Style Union, JP Nagar 7th Phase, Karnataka 560078
  • When: 8th March 2026
  • Time: 12:30 PM onwards

If you're looking for a genuinely good way to spend Women's Day in Bengaluru, this one's worth showing up for.


Suba Hotels Opens Its Third Property in Ayodhya — And It's Right Next to Ram Janmabhoomi

Suba Hotels Opens Its Third Property in Ayodhya — And It's Right Next to Ram Janmabhoomi

By Hariharan U

Published on March 6, 2026

Suba Hotels Limited just made its third move in Ayodhya, and it's a big one. The hospitality group has opened a brand-new Click Collection Hotel in the holy city, adding to its two already-running properties, Quality Inn Rama and Click Hotel Narayana, Ayodhya.

The new hotel sits close to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, which makes it a natural pick for pilgrims visiting the city. It's also a short distance from Hanuman Garhi Temple and the Saryu Ji Aarti site, two other spots that draw large crowds of devotees. Guests even get a complimentary shared drop service to the temple gate, which is a thoughtful touch for those travelling for religious purposes.

Talking about the launch, Managing Director Mansur Mehta shared, "The city's evolving hospitality landscape presents a unique opportunity for the company to make steady progress in this important temple town and pilgrimage destination. We see significant business potential here, and this expansion reflects our commitment to delivering quality service and warm hospitality. Our existing two properties in Ayodhya have been performing strongly, and, encouraged by this positive response, we decided to further strengthen our presence in the city."

The group's CEO, Mubeen Mehta, also pointed out that this isn't just about Ayodhya, it's part of a larger plan. "We have been consciously expanding our presence in religious destinations. We already have a strong footprint in Varanasi and Vindhyachal, both prominent pilgrimage centres. With rising demand in this segment, we see tremendous potential in further strengthening our presence across key pilgrimage destinations."

The hotel has 48 rooms spread across three categories, all designed to keep comfort and practicality in mind, especially for families and pilgrims who need a reliable place to rest. Rooms come equipped with air conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi, a tea/coffee maker, minibar, LED smart TV, and an in-room safe, among other amenities.

For food, the hotel has Cinnamon, a vegetarian restaurant that serves a range of Indian dishes, keeping in mind the preferences of pilgrims visiting the city. The property also has modern banqueting facilities for group needs.

With Ayodhya growing fast as a pilgrimage and tourism hub, Suba Hotels seems well-placed to ride that wave and this third property adds another solid layer to their presence in the city.

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