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.


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.


Suba Group of Hotels Launches Quality Inn Bhavishya in Bangalore

Suba Group of Hotels Launches Quality Inn Bhavishya in Bangalore

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 3, 2026

Suba Group of Hotels has expanded its presence in Bengaluru with the launch of Quality Inn Bhavishya in partnership with Choice Hotels International. Opening its doors on 3 August 2026, the new hotel marks the group's sixth property in Bangalore, further strengthening its footprint in one of India's leading business destinations.

Located in the heart of Whitefield, the upscale hotel is thoughtfully designed for today's corporate travellers, expatriates and leisure guests. It blends international hospitality standards with warm Indian service to deliver a comfortable and welcoming stay.

The hotel offers convenient access to major IT parks, multinational companies, shopping destinations and entertainment hubs, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure visits to Bengaluru.

Guests can expect elegant accommodation, modern amenities, high-speed internet, personalised service and quality dining experiences, ensuring a seamless and memorable stay.

  • Address: Plot No. 9, Survey No. 77, 1, 7th Cross Road, Phase 2, Brookfield, Bangalore, Karnataka, India – 560048.

Lemon Tree Hotels Opens Keys Prima in Mussoorie, Expands Uttarakhand Portfolio to 10 Hotels

Lemon Tree Hotels Opens Keys Prima in Mussoorie, Expands Uttarakhand Portfolio to 10 Hotels

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 2, 2026

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the opening of Keys Prima by Lemon Tree Hotels, Kempty Road, Mussoorie, marking the group's second operational property in the popular hill station. With this launch, the company has expanded its operational portfolio in Uttarakhand to 10 hotels, while 11 additional properties remain under development across the state.

The hotel is managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited. Nestled along Kempty Road against the scenic backdrop of the Garhwal Himalayas, the property features 47 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites across Superior, Deluxe, Executive and Studio Suite categories. Designed to cater to both leisure and social travellers, the hotel offers an upper midscale hospitality experience with a range of modern amenities.

Guests can enjoy all-day dining at Keys Café or relax with beverages at Unlock Bar. The property also features a swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, and a dedicated kids' zone. For meetings, conferences, weddings and social gatherings, the hotel offers Grand Chamber, a well-equipped banquet and conference venue.

Commenting on the opening, Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, President, Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd., said, "Uttarakhand continues to be one of the most prominent tourism markets in the country, with sustained demand across leisure, pilgrimage and MICE travel through the year. Mussoorie, in particular, is one of those rare destinations whose appeal has endured across generations, retaining its place as one of India's most loved hill stations. The opening of our second hotel here allows us to be part of the destination's timeless appeal while responding to the growing demand for trusted hospitality. With its location on Kempty Road and a product designed to bring together leisure, wellness, dining and celebrations, the hotel is well placed to appeal to the many ways in which guests experience Mussoorie."

The hotel offers convenient connectivity for travellers, located approximately 71 km from Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport, 44 km from Dehradun Railway Station, and around 10 km from Mussoorie Library Bus Station.

The opening further strengthens Lemon Tree Hotels' multi-brand presence in Uttarakhand, a key market for the company's growth strategy. With 10 operational hotels and 11 more in the pipeline, the hospitality group continues to expand across the state's major leisure and pilgrimage destinations, catering to the rising demand for quality accommodation in one of India's leading tourism markets.

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