Indian Hotels Poised for Revenue Growth and ARR Surge in FY2025: ICRA Forecast

Indian Hotels Poised for Revenue Growth and ARR Surge in FY2025: ICRA Forecast

By Author

Published on February 23, 2024

The Indian hotel industry is on the brink of significant growth, with ICRA forecasting a revenue increase of 7-9% in FY2025, building on the robust 14-16% growth anticipated in FY2024. This optimistic outlook is fueled by a combination of factors, including sustained domestic travel momentum, an uptick in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) demand, a resurgence in weddings and business travel, and the burgeoning interest in spiritual tourism and tier-II city destinations.

ICRA's analysis points to a sustained period of high occupancy for pan-India premium hotels, expected to maintain decadal highs of 70-72% in both FY2024 and FY2025, after a recovery to 68-70% in FY2023. Concurrently, Average Room Rates (ARRs) are on an upward trajectory, predicted to increase from INR 7,200-7,400 in FY2024 to INR 7,800-8,000 in FY2025. This rise in ARRs is bringing the industry closer to the FY2008 peak levels, albeit at an 8-12% discount in FY2024, with a convergence expected in FY2025.

Despite the general trend, certain hotels and locations have already surpassed the FY2008 peak ARR figures in FY2024, indicating a spike beyond the average increases. This surge is supported by a healthy demand outlook, driven by improvements in infrastructure, air connectivity, demographic factors, and the growth of large-scale MICE events facilitated by new convention centers.

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The Indian hotel sector's recovery and growth are bolstered by several ongoing and upcoming renovations, refurbishments, and upgrades across the industry, further enhancing ARRs. The sustained interest in domestic leisure travel and the slow but steady recovery of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA) – contingent on the global macroeconomic climate – are additional factors contributing to the industry's positive trajectory.

Vinutaa S, Vice President and Sector Head – Corporate Ratings, ICRA Limited, highlighted the critical role of domestic tourism as the primary demand driver in FY2024 and its expected continuation in the near term. Despite the wane of the revenge travel phenomenon, leisure travel remains a steadfast contributor to the industry's recovery path. However, the industry's full potential is somewhat hampered by the lingering challenges in the supply chain.

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Looking ahead, the Indian hotel industry's revenue growth is expected to be complemented by a favorable supply situation, healthy demand in the MICE segment, and the strategic expansion of larger players through management contracts and operating leases. This confluence of factors, coupled with the uptick in earnings and cash flows, is poised to support a stronger capital structure and improved debt metrics beyond pre-Covid levels in FY2024 and FY2025.

As the Indian hotel industry navigates through this period of recovery and growth, the focus on enhancing guest experiences, leveraging domestic tourism, and capitalizing on the strategic expansion opportunities will be key to sustaining the positive momentum.

For more detailed insights and analysis on the Indian hotel industry's outlook, visit ICRA's official website.


Restaurant Brands Asia Reports 18% Revenue Growth in Q1 FY27

Restaurant Brands Asia Reports 18% Revenue Growth in Q1 FY27

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 5, 2026

Restaurant Brands Asia Limited (RBA), one of India's leading quick-service restaurant (QSR) operators, has reported strong financial results for the first quarter ended 30 June 2026, driven by higher revenues, improved profitability and steady network expansion.

During the quarter, the company's consolidated restaurant network expanded to 752 outlets, with nine new restaurants added in India since 31 March 2026.

On a consolidated basis, revenue from operations increased 17.9% year-on-year to ₹8,226 million, while Company EBITDA (Pre-Ind AS 116) surged 265.7% to ₹435 million, compared to ₹119 million in the same quarter last year.

The India business delivered an even stronger performance. Burger King India recorded a same-store sales growth (SSSG) of 12.6%, its highest level in the past 15 quarters. The company also achieved its highest-ever quarterly revenue and EBITDA.

Standalone revenue from operations rose 23.6% year-on-year to ₹6,829 million. Restaurant EBITDA (Pre-Ind AS 116) grew 68.1% to ₹900 million, with margins improving from 9.7% to 13.2%. Meanwhile, Company EBITDA (Pre-Ind AS 116) increased 133.6% to ₹527 million, with margins expanding from 4.1% to 7.7%.

Alongside its quarterly performance, Restaurant Brands Asia announced the completion of Inspira Global's acquisition of a controlling 42% stake in the company.

As part of the transaction, Inspira Global, which owns leading home-grown QSR brands including Chinese Wok, has invested ₹1,050 crore through the issuance of fresh equity shares and warrants. Upon exercising the warrants, the company will invest an additional ₹450 crore, increasing its shareholding in Restaurant Brands Asia to 48%.

The fresh capital is expected to strengthen the company's balance sheet and provide greater financial flexibility to support restaurant expansion, brand-building initiatives, digital capabilities and long-term growth plans.

Commenting on the results, Rajeev Varman, Whole-time Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of Restaurant Brands Asia, said:

“Q1 FY27 has been an important milestone in our journey towards sustainable and profitable growth in India. We have built upon positive momentum from the second half of last year and delivered strong growth in restaurant and company operating profits. Our continued focus on value, menu innovation, digital capabilities and disciplined execution enabled us to achieve our strongest quarterly SSSG in the last fifteen quarters. Burger King Indonesia business is also improving, with higher Restaurant EBITDA. Our new promoter Inspira Global brings deep industry expertise and a strong understanding of the food service business. Together, we are focused on improving operational efficiency, accelerating growth and creating long-term value for our shareholders.”


TUTC to Launch FHR Wilderness Lodge at Forest Hill Resort Near Chandigarh

TUTC to Launch FHR Wilderness Lodge at Forest Hill Resort Near Chandigarh

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 5, 2026

Forest Hill Resort is set to elevate experiential hospitality with the upcoming launch of FHR Wilderness Lodge in partnership with The Ultimate Travelling Camp (TUTC). Nestled amidst the scenic surroundings of Forest Hill Resort near Chandigarh, the new luxury lodge will combine TUTC's signature hospitality with the region's forests, lakes and the picturesque Shivalik foothills.

Designed for travellers seeking a peaceful escape from city life, FHR Wilderness Lodge will offer thoughtfully crafted luxury accommodation surrounded by nature. Guests can unwind in tranquil surroundings while enjoying personalised hospitality and curated experiences that celebrate the destination's natural beauty.

The lodge will feature a range of outdoor and recreational experiences, including golf, horse riding, boating, trekking, nature drives, angling, bonfire evenings, organic farm visits and exclusive dining experiences. Whether visiting for a family holiday, a private celebration or a corporate retreat, guests can look forward to immersive stays designed around comfort, relaxation and meaningful experiences.

FHR Wilderness Lodge will also enhance destination weddings at Forest Hill Resort by offering luxurious accommodation for wedding guests, intimate pre-wedding celebrations and curated experiences for family and friends. Together with the resort's elegant wedding venues, the lodge aims to create memorable celebrations that extend beyond the wedding day into a complete destination experience surrounded by nature.

The partnership marks a significant milestone for Forest Hill Resort as it strengthens its position as a leading destination for nature-inspired stays, celebrations and hospitality in the region.

For The Ultimate Travelling Camp (TUTC), which is known for creating luxury stays across some of India's most remarkable destinations, FHR Wilderness Lodge will add a distinctive wilderness retreat near Chandigarh to its growing portfolio.

Blending refined luxury with immersive outdoor experiences, FHR Wilderness Lodge is set to offer travellers a unique way to reconnect with nature while enjoying the comfort and personalised service that define both TUTC and Forest Hill Resort.


Radisson Hotel Group Eyes 500 Hotels in India by 2030, Says Nikhil Sharma

Radisson Hotel Group Eyes 500 Hotels in India by 2030, Says Nikhil Sharma

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 4, 2026

Radisson Hotel Group is strengthening its long-term growth strategy in India, with plans to reach 500 hotels by 2030 by expanding across emerging urban centres, regional towns, leisure destinations and religious tourism hubs. The company believes India's growing domestic travel market and rising investor confidence will continue to drive its next phase of expansion.

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Speaking about the group's growth plans, Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director & COO, South Asia, said India has become one of Radisson Hotel Group's key global growth markets.

"Without question. India has evolved from being an important market to becoming one of Radisson Hotel Group's strategic growth engines globally."

Highlighting the company's progress, Sharma said Radisson signed 18 hotels and opened four new properties during the first half of 2026. This has taken its development pipeline to 98 hotels, while its operational portfolio now stands at 142 hotels across 86 cities.

Over the next two years, the company will focus on three major priorities—accelerating the conversion of its existing hotel pipeline into operational properties, expanding further into Tier II, III and IV markets, and diversifying its portfolio across business destinations, leisure locations and religious tourism centres.

Sharma said Radisson's expansion strategy now extends well beyond India's traditional metro cities. The group is strengthening its presence in emerging commercial and industrial centres such as Rajkot and Jamshedpur, gateway destinations like Siliguri, leisure markets including Kasauli and Gopalpur, and fast-growing spiritual destinations such as Nathdwara and Prayagraj.

According to Sharma, more than half of Radisson's portfolio in India is already located in Tier II and III cities, giving the company a strong position as travel demand continues to grow beyond major metropolitan markets such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

On the company's development strategy, Sharma said Radisson will continue with its asset-light model, with management contracts remaining its preferred approach. He added that hotel conversions are becoming an increasingly important part of the group's expansion strategy.

"Conversions allow us to bring quality inventory to market much faster while creating value for owners." Alongside conversions, Radisson will continue to pursue greenfield developments in destinations where branded hotel supply is still developing, evaluating each project based on long-term demand, owner capability and its strategic value to the network.

Addressing concerns around geopolitical tensions in West Asia and rising aviation costs, Sharma said the company has not seen any significant impact on bookings across its portfolio.

"At this stage, we are closely monitoring the situation, but we have not seen any significant impact on overall booking trends across our portfolio." He noted that India's hospitality sector remains well supported by strong domestic travel demand.

Sharma also reiterated the industry's call for policy reforms to support hotel development, including wider implementation of infrastructure status across states and streamlined single-window clearance systems to improve project viability and reduce approval timelines.

He identified Odisha, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh as key growth markets, driven by better air connectivity, expanding highway infrastructure and increasing government investment.

"The next phase of hospitality growth will increasingly be driven by these emerging destinations rather than the traditional gateway metros." On the overall market outlook, Sharma described the current performance of India's hospitality sector as a healthy correction following the exceptional post-pandemic period.

"We would describe it as a healthy normalisation rather than a slowdown." He also dismissed concerns over a structural decline in corporate travel, stating that businesses are becoming more focused on value and productivity rather than reducing travel altogether.

"Companies are certainly becoming more disciplined in how they travel, but they are not travelling less. What has changed is that travel decisions today are more outcome-driven, with greater emphasis on productivity, flexibility and value."

Looking ahead, Sharma believes the biggest growth opportunities for the hospitality sector lie in the convergence of MICE, destination weddings and religious tourism, which continue to drive demand across emerging destinations in India.

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