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.


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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