Goa Unveils Game-Changing Policies for Homestays and B&Bs

Goa Unveils Game-Changing Policies for Homestays and B&Bs

By Author

Published on November 7, 2023

Goa’s scenic vistas and vibrant culture have always been a magnet for travelers from around the world. However, it’s the recent introduction of bed and breakfast (B&B), caravan, and homestay accommodations policies that are set to reinvigorate the region’s tourism, especially benefitting the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at the heart of Goa’s hospitality.

Gautam Mehra, founder & director of myATITHI.global, hailed these policies as more than just regulatory changes. "They're an invitation to dream bigger and a commitment to support from the Goa Government," he expressed, emphasizing the promise of prosperity for the grassroots enterprises that give Goa its unique charm.

Empowering Local Enterprises

These policies aim to slash through red tape and financial hindrances that often stifle small businesses. By simplifying regulatory processes and providing financial incentives and training programs, the state is nurturing a fertile ground for MSMEs to bloom. This means that local B&Bs, caravan operators, and homestay hosts are now better equipped to enhance their offerings and compete on a larger stage.

Affordable Accommodations for Travelers

In an attempt to make travel more accessible, the policies incentivize affordable lodgings. Tax breaks and subsidies for these businesses are expected to make Goa an even more attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers, thereby helping MSMEs to flourish.

Investing in Local Talent and Youth

The government's introduction of skill development initiatives ensures that the quality of hospitality services will continue to rise. This, paired with youth engagement programs, aspires not only to elevate service standards but also to imbue the young population with a vested interest in the state’s tourism sector.

A New Chapter in Goa’s Tourism Story

By focusing on small business empowerment, Goa is poised to redefine its tourism landscape. The infrastructural upgrades, skill enhancement programs, and a welcoming ambiance are all designed to captivate more international and domestic tourists, setting a precedent for sustainable and inclusive growth in the region.

Looking to the Future

While the policies have been met with optimism, experts believe that there's room for improvement. Incorporating advanced digital marketing strategies could extend Goa's charm to a global audience. Sustainable infrastructure development, improving transportation networks, and diversifying tourism experiences are other areas where strategic enhancements could amplify the policies’ impact.

As Goa looks forward, the path is clear. The state aims to not only enhance its standing as a premier tourist destination but to do so by fostering a thriving, sustainable environment for its local businesses and communities.


Bikanervala Strengthens South India Expansion with Strategic Presence in Bengaluru

Bikanervala Strengthens South India Expansion with Strategic Presence in Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on July 22, 2026

Bikanervala, one of India's most recognised heritage brands in sweets, snacks, and traditional vegetarian cuisine, is strengthening its presence in Bengaluru as part of its ambitious South India expansion strategy. With a legacy spanning more than 115 years, the brand continues to expand its footprint by introducing authentic North Indian flavours to one of India's most dynamic and cosmopolitan food markets.

Founded in 1905 in Bikaner, Rajasthan, and expanding to Delhi in 1950, Bikanervala has evolved into a global food and hospitality brand with more than 270 outlets across India and international markets, including the USA, Canada, UAE, Qatar, the UK, Australia, Singapore, Nepal, and New Zealand. The company operates under three verticals Bikanervala Restaurants, Bikano Packaged Foods, and Bikano Chat Cafes, while maintaining its commitment to authentic recipes, quality ingredients, and traditional Indian hospitality.

Bengaluru represents a strategic milestone in the company's nationwide growth roadmap. The city's diverse consumer base, expanding middle-class population, thriving corporate ecosystem, and appreciation for regional Indian cuisines have positioned it as an important destination in Bikanervala's South India expansion plans.

The brand currently operates from Jayanagar, offering dine-in, takeaway, pickup, delivery, and catering services. Operating daily from 7:30 AM to 11:30 PM, the outlet caters to breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner while serving both individual diners and corporate customers.

The Bengaluru menu showcases an extensive selection of traditional North Indian favourites, including signature sweets, Bikaneri namkeens, chaats, North Indian curries, breads, and festive delicacies. Guests can enjoy classics such as Raj Kachori, Chole Bhature, Jalebi, Khandvi, Handvo, Dhokla, Kachori, Dal Dhokli, Paneer specialities, and a wide range of authentic regional recipes. The menu also includes South Indian dishes, Indo-Chinese offerings, refreshing beverages, desserts, corporate meal boxes, and customised thalis.

Beyond restaurant dining, Bikanervala offers catering solutions for weddings, birthday celebrations, corporate events, family gatherings, and festive occasions. The brand also provides specially curated festival sweet assortments, premium gift hampers, and customised bulk orders for celebrations and corporate gifting.

Maintaining high standards of food quality and safety remains central to Bikanervala's operations. The Bengaluru outlet operates under FSSAI License No. 11225334001195 and follows the company's standardised quality protocols. Bikanervala was also the first Indian sweets and namkeen brand to receive ISO 9001 certification, reflecting its longstanding commitment to quality assurance, hygiene, and operational excellence.

The company's South India strategy forms part of a broader national expansion plan that aims to add more than 70 new outlets across India during FY2025–26. Looking ahead, Bikanervala plans to establish over 700 stores globally by 2030 while targeting revenue of ₹7,000 crore. The company is also investing in new manufacturing facilities, including a ₹400 crore plant near Jewar Airport and a ₹50 crore facility in Hyderabad, to strengthen production capacity and support future growth.

Within Bengaluru, Bikanervala intends to further expand into major commercial and residential corridors, including HSR Layout, Indiranagar, Koramangala, Whitefield, MG Road, Kalyan Nagar, airport zones, premium shopping malls, and key IT hubs. The expansion will be supported by an enhanced delivery network and specialised catering services tailored for the city's corporate ecosystem.

Customers can also access Bikanervala's complete menu through its official online ordering platform, along with Swiggy and Zomato, offering convenient ordering, multiple payment options, and real-time delivery tracking.

With more than a century of culinary heritage, an expanding global footprint, and a growing presence in South India, Bikanervala continues to blend traditional Indian flavours with modern convenience, reinforcing its position as one of India's most trusted names in authentic vegetarian cuisine and sweets.


Gaur City Mall Surpasses ₹1 Billion in Monthly Sales During FY 2025-26

Gaur City Mall Surpasses ₹1 Billion in Monthly Sales During FY 2025-26

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 22, 2026

Gaur City Mall has achieved a significant milestone by consistently recording over ₹1 billion in monthly retail sales throughout FY 2025-26. The achievement comes as the mall celebrates its seventh anniversary with 'The Billion Celebration,' marking its growth journey alongside retail partners and shoppers.

Spread across 8 lakh sq. ft., Gaur City Mall is part of the larger Gaur City Township and was developed to provide residents with a convenient destination for shopping, entertainment, and lifestyle experiences. Over the years, it has grown beyond serving the local community to become a major retail and lifestyle hub for the Noida-Greater Noida region.

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The milestone places Gaur City Mall among a select group of high-performing retail destinations in India, driven by strong consumer demand, a carefully curated brand mix, and consistent operational performance.

The mall currently operates at 100% occupancy and is home to more than 150 national and international brands, including Shoppers Stop, Lifestyle, Marks & Spencer, Decathlon, Adidas, Skechers, Tanishq, Kalyan Jewellers, MAX, Hamleys, PVR, Croma, and Reliance Digital, among others. Its balanced retail mix, growing footfall, and understanding of the local market have played an important role in its continued success.

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Speaking on the occasion, Sarthak Gaur, Director, Gaurs Group, said, "This milestone is a testament to the integrated township vision, where retail plays a central role in enhancing everyday life. We are thankful to our brand partners and shoppers for their continued association. We also extend our gratitude to the Noida and Greater Noida administration for their consistent support in building the infrastructure backbone that enables such ecosystems to thrive."

To mark the occasion, the mall hosted 'The Billion Celebration', featuring a large-scale balloon shower and retailer recognition awards that brought together brand partners, shoppers, and stakeholders.

Building on this achievement, Gaur City Mall plans to further enhance its experiential offerings while improving retail productivity, strengthening its position as a leading retail destination in the evolving NCR market.


Burger Singh Plans 80 Outlets in Bengaluru, Targets 100 More Across Karnataka

Burger Singh Plans 80 Outlets in Bengaluru, Targets 100 More Across Karnataka

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 21, 2026

Burger Singh, India's largest made-in-India burger chain, has announced an ambitious expansion plan for Bengaluru, aiming to increase its presence from eight operational outlets to 80. The company also plans to open 100 more outlets across Karnataka, making it the fastest city-level expansion in the brand's history.

The announcement comes as Burger Singh continues to strengthen its national footprint, which now spans more than 200 outlets across over 100 cities. Known for blending Indian flavours with the classic burger format, the brand has built a loyal customer base by offering products tailored to Indian tastes at affordable prices.

According to the company, Bengaluru has emerged as its fastest-growing market. Alongside the existing eight outlets, five more locations are currently under fit-out and are expected to open within the next month.

The city's strong response was evident during Burger Singh's Big Singh Feast campaign in November 2025, where the brand served over 3,300 free meals in a single day across Sarjapur, HSR Layout and BTM Layout. The activation attracted more than 15,000 registrations, with the company describing the turnout as comparable to blockbuster movie releases and major technology product launches.

Commenting on the expansion, Nitin Rana, Co-founder of Burger Singh, said:

"Every market teaches you something about pace, and Bengaluru has taught us to move faster than we've ever moved before. Going from 8 outlets to 80 isn't incremental growth; it's a scale-up unlike anything we've done in any other city, and we're doing it because Bengaluru has earned the speed. This is now officially our fastest-growing market in the country, and with another 100 more outlets planned across Karnataka, we're backing that momentum with real commitment, not just ambition."

As part of its expansion strategy, Burger Singh is also inviting franchise partners to join its growth journey across Bengaluru and the wider Karnataka market. The company said the initiative offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to become part of one of India's fastest-growing homegrown quick service restaurant (QSR) brands.

Customers visiting the Bengaluru outlets can continue to enjoy the brand's signature menu, featuring popular offerings such as Nikku Singh, Churmur Pandey, Udta Punjab 2.0 and Chunky Paneer Pandey, among other favourites.

With Bengaluru now leading its growth story, Burger Singh is betting on the city's strong consumer demand to drive the next phase of its expansion across southern India.

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