Hospitality Sector Calls for GST Simplification and Digital Innovation in Budget 2025

Hospitality Sector Calls for GST Simplification and Digital Innovation in Budget 2025

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 24, 2025

As Budget 2025 approaches, the hospitality industry is voicing its expectations for strategic reforms to drive growth and innovation. Vishal Puri, Co-Founder of Spalba, highlighted the industry's need for simplified GST compliance to ease operational challenges and promote business expansion.

“The hospitality sector is a vital contributor to India’s economic growth, and while it holds immense potential, operational hurdles must be addressed,” Puri stated. He urged the government to prioritize GST streamlining, which would reduce administrative burdens and foster a more business-friendly environment.

Beyond taxation, sustainability remains a key focus for the industry. Puri emphasized the importance of introducing mandatory sustainability practices such as energy-efficient construction and waste management. He suggested that tax incentives for renewable energy adoption in hotels and resorts could significantly lower operational costs while promoting eco-friendly practices.

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In addition to physical infrastructure, digital advancements are critical for the sector’s growth. Puri advocated for the integration of digital twin technology, which creates virtual replicas of physical spaces, enabling hotels to optimize operations and elevate customer experiences. He proposed that the government incentivize the adoption of digital infrastructure technologies, especially in large-scale projects and government-backed events, to accelerate industry-wide transformation.

“A balanced approach merging sustainability, digital transformation, and regional growth will not only help the hospitality sector thrive but also contribute to a smarter, greener India,” he added. Encouraging digital innovation, such as e-infrastructure solutions with robust intellectual property protections, will pave the way for long-term sectoral growth and efficiency.

About Spalba

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Spalba is a SaaS-based event-tech platform revolutionizing venue scouting and event planning. The platform empowers hotels like The Leela, Trident, and The Oberoi by offering advanced tools such as 3D walkthroughs and digital twins. These technologies enable hotels to provide virtual venue tours, reducing the need for physical visits and cutting down carbon footprints. By enhancing online presence and streamlining event planning, Spalba helps hotels attract international clients, boost bookings, and drive revenue growth.

With the right policies and government support, industry stakeholders believe that Budget 2025 can pave the way for a future where hospitality seamlessly integrates sustainability with digital transformation.


Eternal Pumps Rs 450 Crore Into Blinkit as the Quick Commerce Race Gets More Intense

Eternal Pumps Rs 450 Crore Into Blinkit as the Quick Commerce Race Gets More Intense

By Hariharan U

Published on March 16, 2026

The quick commerce battle in India is moving fast, and Eternal is making sure Blinkit keeps pace. The Gurugram-based parent company has infused Rs 450 crore into its quick commerce arm Blinkit, according to a regulatory filing with the Registrar of Companies. This is Eternal's first capital injection into the business in 2026, following a total of Rs 2,600 crore pumped in across 2025.

To put the 2025 numbers in context, Eternal injected Rs 500 crore in January, Rs 1,500 crore in February, and another Rs 600 crore in November of last year. The latest infusion signals that the pace of investment isn't letting up as competition in the 10-minute delivery segment continues to intensify.

Blinkit has reasons to feel confident heading into this next phase. The company turned profitable in the December quarter, reporting an adjusted EBITDA profit of Rs 4 crore in Q3FY26 compared to a loss of Rs 103 crore in the same period the previous year. Revenue jumped to Rs 12,256 crore from Rs 1,399 crore a year earlier, and gross profit climbed to Rs 3,539 crore from Rs 1,300 crore. Those are significant numbers, and they reflect a business that has found its footing even as it continues to scale aggressively.

The capital will support Blinkit's ongoing dark store expansion, working capital requirements, and operating costs as it pushes towards its target of 3,000 micro-warehouses by March 2027. As of December 31st, the company had 2,027 stores operational.

The competitive landscape around Blinkit is getting busier. Swiggy raised Rs 10,000 crore through a qualified institutional placement in December 2025, just over a year after its IPO. Zepto has filed confidential draft papers with SEBI for its own IPO. And larger players including Amazon, Flipkart, and Reliance Industries are all stepping up their presence in quick commerce, making this one of the most actively contested spaces in India's consumer technology sector right now.

There's also been a notable leadership shift at Eternal. Founder Deepinder Goyal stepped down as Managing Director and CEO in February, with Blinkit founder and CEO Albinder Dhindsa taking over the top role. Dhindsa continues to lead Blinkit as well, consolidating leadership of the quick commerce business at a critical growth phase.

One more number worth noting: in terms of net order value, Blinkit has now overtaken Eternal's core food delivery business. That's a remarkable milestone for a segment that didn't exist in its current form just a few years ago.


Devyani International Q3 FY26: Loss Widens to ₹109 Cr, Revenue Grows 11%

Devyani International Q3 FY26: Loss Widens to ₹109 Cr, Revenue Grows 11%

By Hariharan U

Published on February 9, 2026

Devyani International Ltd (DIL), one of India’s largest quick service restaurant (QSR) operators, reported a net loss of ₹109.78 crore for the December quarter of FY26, widening from a loss of ₹76.46 crore in the same period last year.

Despite the higher loss, the company posted steady top-line growth, with revenue from operations rising 11.31% year-on-year to ₹1,440.9 crore. Total income, including other income, stood at ₹1,453.22 crore, up 11.48% compared to the year-ago quarter.

Total expenses during the quarter increased 11.71% to ₹1,446.5 crore. However, Devyani International said it saw broad-based improvement in margins, supported by operational efficiencies and performance across formats. Notably, its Biryani By Kilo business, acquired last year through Sky Gate Hospitality, achieved breakeven during the quarter.

Commenting on the performance, chairman Ravi Jaipuria said, “Our business continues to grow in a sustained manner. India operations grew 12.1% year-on-year, while consolidated revenues reached ₹1,441 crore. Our international business continues to gather strength from both an operations and profitability perspective.”

As of December 31, 2025, Devyani International operated 2,279 stores globally, including 1,877 in India and 402 overseas. During the quarter, the company added 95 net new stores, led by 54 KFC and 18 Pizza Hut outlets, while Biryani By Kilo added 13 locations.

The company has also initiated a focused turnaround strategy for Pizza Hut by rationalising loss-making stores and optimising capital expenditure. Separately, Devyani International’s board approved the acquisition of an additional 11.4% stake in Sky Gate Hospitality for ₹57.5 crore.


Union Budget 2026–27 Opens New Pathways for Wellness-Led Tourism: Dharana at Shillim

Union Budget 2026–27 Opens New Pathways for Wellness-Led Tourism: Dharana at Shillim

By Hariharan U

Published on February 4, 2026

The Union Budget 2026–27 reflects a growing recognition of tourism and hospitality as key enablers of experience-led travel in India. With a strong emphasis on infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and institutional support, the budget sets a positive direction for long-term destination growth.

For the wellness hospitality sector, the continued focus on India’s traditional systems such as Ayurveda and Yoga signals a renewed intent to strengthen tourism offerings rooted in authenticity, wellbeing, and mindful engagement with cultural and natural heritage.

Sharing its post-budget perspective, Poonam Singh, Dharana at Shillim stated: "The Union Budget 2026–27 reflects a considered recognition of tourism and hospitality as important enablers of experience-led travel. The emphasis on infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and institutional support, alongside a continued focus on India's traditional wellness systems such as Ayurveda and Yoga, signals an intent to strengthen destinations grounded in authenticity, wellbeing, and a mindful engagement with cultural and natural heritage.

For the wellness and hospitality sector, these measures create opportunities to advance sustainable tourism, enable meaningful regional employment, and elevate service standards, reinforcing India's position as a globally credible destination for holistic wellbeing and conscious travel.”

The perspective underlines how policy support can encourage responsible investment, generate regional employment, and raise service standards across wellness-led destinations. As conscious travel continues to gain traction globally, such measures are expected to further strengthen India’s standing as a trusted hub for holistic wellbeing experiences. 

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