NRAI Mumbai Chapter Offers 20% “Democracy Discount” to Encourage Voter Participation

NRAI Mumbai Chapter Offers 20% “Democracy Discount” to Encourage Voter Participation

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on November 20, 2024

The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) Mumbai Chapter has launched a unique initiative aimed at boosting voter turnout in the upcoming general elections. In an effort to engage the city's urban voters, NRAI has introduced the "Democracy Discount," a 20% discount on dine-in bills at over 50 participating restaurants across Mumbai. This offer will be available on November 20th and 21st, 2024, for voters who can show proof of voting.

The initiative comes at a pivotal time, as Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar has expressed concerns over low voter participation in urban areas and emphasized the importance of involving young voters in the election process. By offering an incentive, the NRAI hopes to motivate residents of Mumbai, particularly younger voters, to cast their ballots and make their voices heard.

Rachel Goenka, Head of the NRAI Mumbai Chapter, highlighted the importance of the initiative, saying, “This initiative by the NRAI aims to inspire our young urban voters to actively engage in the voting process, celebrating our country’s vibrant and robust democratic framework, one of the largest in the world. I extend heartfelt thanks to all the participating brands and restaurants for enthusiastically joining this cause and encouraging young voters to make the most of this unique offer.”

The 20% discount is available to dine-in customers who present a voter ID showing Mumbai residency along with an inked finger as proof of voting. Over 50 well-known restaurants in Mumbai are participating in this drive, including popular spots such as Silver Beach Cafe, Nom Nom Khar, The Sassy Spoon, Bonobo, and The Bombay Canteen. This offer provides voters with an additional incentive to visit their favorite restaurants while contributing to the democratic process.

Participating Restaurants Include:

1. Silver Beach Cafe

2. Nom Nom, Khar

3. Estella

4. Akina

5. The Sassy Spoon

6. Saz Cafe

7. Pings

8. Nksha

9. Tamak

10. Taftoon

11. Lyla

12. EVE - Powai & Worli

13. Donna deli

14. Shy

15. Bonobo

16. Jamjar Diner

17. SOCIAL - All Outlets

18. SMOKE HOUSE DELI - All Outlets

19. ⁠Lord of the Drinks

20. ⁠Not Just TAMASHA

21. ⁠GARNET

22. ⁠FLYING SAUCER

23. ⁠Steps Cafe, Bandra

24. ⁠Great Punjab, Dadar

25. ⁠Pints of Wisdom, BKC

26. ⁠Oh So Silly Khar

27. ⁠Mirchi & Mime, Powai & Thane

28. Madeira & Mime, Powai

29. Zima

30. Shawarma Factory

31. ⁠JOSHH: Indian Eat Street

32. The Clearing House

33. ⁠TAT-Vikhroli

34. ⁠Que Sera Sera-Andheri

35. ⁠Blah ! - BKC and Santacruz outlet

36. Saffron & Soy, Juhu

37. ⁠Lord Of The Drinks, Powai

38. ⁠Farzi Cafe Oberoi

39. ⁠Pa Pa Ya (all outlets)

40. ⁠Mainland China

41. ⁠Asia Kitchen by Mainland China.

42. ⁠Episode.

43. ⁠Bohoba.

44. ⁠Global Grill, Malad.

45. ⁠Gong

46.  Aegyo - Cafe & Bakehouse

47. ⁠The Bombay Canteen

48. ⁠O Pedro

49. ⁠Veronica's

50. ⁠Bombay Sweet Shop

51.  Hakkasan

52.  Yauatcha

53. Nara Thai

54. CinCin

55. Ode

56. Waarsa

With such an extensive list of participating restaurants, the initiative is expected to encourage a large number of people to vote while enjoying a meal out. This drive is part of NRAI’s ongoing efforts to promote social responsibility and community engagement.

About NRAI

Founded in 1982, the National Restaurant Association of India is the primary voice of the Indian restaurant industry, representing over 500,000 restaurants. The NRAI aims to promote and strengthen the food service sector in India, with a broad network that spans across cities and states. The organization supports its members with initiatives that enhance the growth and sustainability of the industry.


Courtyard by Marriott Opens First Hotel in Ghaziabad, Strengthening Delhi NCR Presence

Courtyard by Marriott Opens First Hotel in Ghaziabad, Strengthening Delhi NCR Presence

By Hariharan U

Published on August 18, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott has opened its first hotel in Ghaziabad, marking the brand's debut in the city and expanding Marriott International's presence across the Delhi NCR region.

Located in Rajnagar Extension, one of Ghaziabad's growing commercial and residential corridors, Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad brings the brand's focus on comfort, functionality and flexible spaces to the destination. The property is designed to cater to business travellers, families, wedding groups and leisure guests.

The hotel features 106 contemporary rooms and suites, equipped with modern amenities, plush bedding, ergonomic workspaces and high-speed connectivity. Flexible layouts are designed to support both productivity and relaxation, allowing guests to adapt their rooms to different stages of their stay.

Connectivity is a key advantage of the property. The hotel provides access to Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida and Meerut through major expressways, national highways and the Delhi–Meerut Rapid Rail Transit System. It is approximately one hour from Indira Gandhi International Airport, around 15 minutes from Anand Vihar Bus Terminal and 20 minutes from Ghaziabad Railway Station.

image

The hotel also offers convenient access to corporate offices, industrial hubs, educational institutions and healthcare facilities across Ghaziabad, along with attractions including Akshardham Temple and India Expo Mart and shopping destinations across East Delhi and Noida.

Dining

Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad features two dining venues designed for different occasions.

L3 Kitchen, the all-day dining restaurant, offers global favourites, wholesome dishes and regional Indian cuisine in a contemporary setting.

The Yard & Brew lobby lounge and bar provides handcrafted beverages and globally inspired small plates, creating a relaxed setting for informal meetings, after-work gatherings and evening conversations.

Wellness and Recreation

Guests can access a range of wellness facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi, fully equipped fitness centre and spa. The facilities are designed to provide opportunities for relaxation and recovery for both business and leisure travellers.

Meetings, Weddings and Events

The hotel offers more than 8,000 sq. ft. of indoor event space, including the 5,100 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom. Supported by audiovisual technology and dedicated event planning services, the venues are designed for corporate conferences, meetings, weddings and social celebrations.

Commenting on the opening, Kiran Andicot, Senior Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International, said Ghaziabad's growing role as a commercial and residential destination presents an opportunity for Courtyard by Marriott to expand its offering across the region and provide travellers with additional accommodation choices in Delhi NCR.

Praveen Sharma, Hotel Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad, said the property has been designed around the changing needs of modern travellers, whether they are visiting for business, family occasions or leisure. He added that the hotel aims to become a gathering place for travellers and the local community.

Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad participates in Marriott Bonvoy, enabling members to earn and redeem points during stays at the property and across Marriott International's participating portfolio.


Sterling Holiday Resorts Launches Sterling Quinta Jim Corbett, Expanding Wildlife Portfolio

Sterling Holiday Resorts Launches Sterling Quinta Jim Corbett, Expanding Wildlife Portfolio

By Hariharan U

Published on August 18, 2026

Sterling Holiday Resorts has strengthened its presence in India's wildlife hospitality segment with the launch of Sterling Quinta Jim Corbett, its second resort in the Corbett landscape and 11th property in Uttarakhand.

Located in the Bail Parao–Kaladhungi belt of Ramnagar, the new resort expands Sterling's curated wildlife portfolio to 13 resorts with more than 480 rooms and suites, reinforcing the company's strategy of building destination clusters across India's leading nature and wildlife destinations.

The launch comes as wildlife tourism increasingly evolves beyond conventional safari-led holidays, with travellers seeking immersive experiences, longer stays and deeper connections with nature and local communities. Sterling's growing portfolio across India's forests and wildlife regions reflects this shift towards experience-led travel.

Sterling Quinta Jim Corbett offers access to the wider Corbett landscape while providing a quieter alternative to some of the destination's busier tourism zones. The property complements Sterling's existing Corbett presence and gives travellers additional opportunities to explore different areas of the region.

The resort features 46 rooms across five categories, including accommodation options with private sit-outs, balconies and exclusive plunge pools. Facilities include a swimming pool, spa and Nectar, the property's all-day dining restaurant.

Designed for families, couples, celebration-led travellers and corporate groups, the resort also expands Sterling's leisure and events offering. A 2,800 sq. ft. banquet hall and two landscaped lawns provide spaces for destination weddings, social celebrations, corporate offsites and incentive programmes.

Beyond the resort, guests can explore the Corbett region through safaris across forest zones including Phato and Sitabani, along with birdwatching trails and plantation walks. Local attractions such as Chhoi Village, Shri Hanuman Dham, the Jim Corbett Museum and Corbett Falls further broaden the destination experience.

Sterling's wider wildlife portfolio now spans diverse ecosystems and destinations including Corbett, Gir, Kanha, Pench, Ranthambore, Sariska, Thekkady, Wayanad, Anaikatti and Tipeshwar, covering tiger reserves, lion habitats, rainforests and Himalayan forests.

Commenting on the launch, Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts Ltd, said wildlife tourism in India is undergoing a transformation as travellers increasingly seek experiences extending beyond the safari. He added that Sterling's destination-cluster strategy aims to provide guests with richer ways to experience iconic wildlife regions while maintaining consistency in hospitality.

Shailendra Goswami and Amit Aggarwal, Partners at Shreena Hospitalities Pvt Limited, said Sterling Quinta Jim Corbett was envisioned as a peaceful, nature-connected retreat complementing the wider Corbett experience. They added that the partnership combines the resort's location and design with Sterling's hospitality expertise and scale.

With the addition of Sterling Quinta Jim Corbett, Sterling Holiday Resorts continues to strengthen its presence in Uttarakhand while expanding its focus on experiential travel segments including wildlife, mountains, wellness, pilgrimage and heritage


Lemon Tree Hotels Signs 110-Key Lemon Tree Premier in Visakhapatnam

Lemon Tree Hotels Signs 110-Key Lemon Tree Premier in Visakhapatnam

By Hariharan U

Published on August 16, 2026

Lemon Tree Hotels has announced the signing of Lemon Tree Premier, Visakhapatnam, a new 110-key upscale hotel that will expand the group's presence in Andhra Pradesh.

The property will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited. The signing takes the group's Andhra Pradesh portfolio to six operational hotels and seven upcoming properties.

The new hotel will complement Lemon Tree Hotels' existing presence in Visakhapatnam, which currently includes Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels in Daba Gardens and Keys Lite by Lemon Tree Hotels in Gajuwaka.

Located in Visakhapatnam, a major commercial, industrial and leisure destination in Andhra Pradesh, Lemon Tree Premier will feature 110 well-appointed rooms along with a restaurant, banquet hall and meeting/conference room.

The property will also offer a fitness centre, swimming pool and spa, positioning it to cater to both business and leisure travellers as well as meetings, events and MICE demand.

Commenting on the signing, Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, President, Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd., said that Visakhapatnam is an important economic and tourism centre, generating demand across corporate, leisure and MICE segments.

He added that the group's existing hotels in the city operate in the midscale and economy segments under the KEYS portfolio, while the new Lemon Tree Premier will allow the company to address a broader range of demand and strengthen its presence in the market.

The hotel is expected to benefit from connectivity to key transportation infrastructure. Visakhapatnam International Airport is approximately 39 km from the property, with the journey taking around one hour and 25 minutes. The destination is also connected by road with major cities across India through public and private transportation.

The signing forms part of Lemon Tree Hotels' continued expansion across emerging Indian markets, with the company strengthening its portfolio across different hospitality segments.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.