SP Jain Praises Budget 2024’s Focus on Tourism Development

SP Jain Praises Budget 2024’s Focus on Tourism Development

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 25, 2024

The Union Budget 2024-25 has garnered a positive response from the tourism and hospitality sector, with key industry figures applauding the government's initiatives. Mr. SP Jain, Chairman and Founder of Pride Hotels Group, shared his perspective on the budget's impact.

SP Jain's Viewpoint:

"We warmly welcome the budget announced today by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The government's focus on the tourism industry, especially the development initiatives for Jharkhand, Odisha, and the North East, is commendable. The special emphasis on Rajgir and Nalanda will undoubtedly enhance religious and cultural tourism, creating new opportunities for growth and community engagement.

In 2023, India's tourism sector attracted over 9 million foreign tourists, marking a remarkable growth rate of over 40% year-on-year. The budget's commitment to enhancing spiritual tourism, particularly through the development of significant sites like Bodh Gaya and the Vishnupada Temple, is a strategic move that promises substantial economic benefits for the regions involved.

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However, we had hoped that the Honorable Minister would grant infrastructure status to the hospitality industry. As a highly capital-intensive sector, our industry requires significant investments, and the initial 3-4 years often yield no profits due to high-interest loans from banks. Granting infrastructure status would enable us to access loans at lower interest rates, facilitating the development of more hotels and improving the quality of facilities offered. This is essential to attract both Indian and international tourists and to support the overall development of our industry," said Mr. SP Jain, Chairman and Founder, Pride Hotels Group.

The Union Budget 2024-25 is set to enhance India's tourism landscape significantly. With targeted investments in key spiritual and cultural sites and a focus on regional development, the budget aims to boost tourism, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. Industry leaders like SP Jain appreciate these efforts but continue to advocate for infrastructure status to further support the sector's growth.


Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Reports Q4 FY26 Revenue of INR 183.7 Cr

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Reports Q4 FY26 Revenue of INR 183.7 Cr

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 30, 2026

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited (ASPHL) has announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and financial year ended March 31, 2026, reporting steady operational growth supported by strong occupancy levels and continued expansion across key hospitality markets.

The company reported revenue from operations of INR 183.70 crore for Q4 FY26, compared to INR 177.32 crore during the same quarter last year. Operating EBITDA for the quarter stood at INR 52.99 crore, while profit after tax (PAT) was reported at INR 11.88 crore.

ASPHL recorded occupancy levels of 90 per cent during the quarter, reflecting sustained demand across both business and leisure travel segments and reinforcing the company’s position within India’s hospitality sector.

For the full financial year FY26, the company crossed the INR 700 crore annual revenue milestone for the first time, reporting revenue from operations of INR 707.28 crore. Annual PAT for the year stood at INR 65.72 crore.

The company stated that growth during FY26 was supported by expansion into Tier II and Tier III cities along with strategic acquisitions aimed at strengthening its presence in high-potential hospitality destinations.

During the financial year, ASPHL acquired control of Zillion Hotels and Resorts Private Limited, Fisherman’s Grove Resorts Private Limited, and Thali Hotels and Destinations Private Limited. These acquisitions are expected to further strengthen the company’s hospitality presence across Mumbai and Kerala.

ASPHL also reaffirmed its long-term growth plans and said it remains on track to more than double its room inventory to 6,653 keys over the next five years.

The company’s bakery and confectionery brand, Flurys, also continued its expansion during FY26. The brand currently operates 110 outlets and recorded a 29 per cent year-on-year revenue growth during the financial year, supported by new store additions and strong performance across existing outlets.

Commenting on the results, Vijay Dewan, Managing Director, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, said FY26 marked a significant milestone as the company crossed INR 700 crore in annual revenue for the first time. He added that Q4 reflected resilient operational performance with continued leadership in occupancy and RevPAR metrics.

Dewan further noted that the sale of serviced apartments at EM Bypass, Kolkata, contributed positively to cash flow during the year. He added that the company remains focused on long-term value creation through portfolio expansion, guest-centric experiences, operational efficiency, and margin improvement.

The company also highlighted that recent global recognition received by Ran Baas The Palace, Patiala and The Lotus Palace, Chettinad further strengthens its positioning as a design-led and experience-driven hospitality group.


ITDC Reports Record FY26 Profit Growth Amid Global Uncertainty

ITDC Reports Record FY26 Profit Growth Amid Global Uncertainty

By Hariharan U

Published on May 25, 2026

India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), the public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has reported a strong financial performance for FY 2025–26 with a 14 percent increase in profit before tax (PBT) compared to the previous financial year.

The corporation also announced a dividend payout of Rs 22.02 crore to the Government of India, reflecting continued operational strength and improved financial performance despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties impacting the global hospitality and tourism sector.

According to the company, the growth was driven by enhanced operational efficiencies, strategic initiatives across business verticals, optimal resource allocation, and continued focus on customer-centric service delivery.

Commenting on the performance, Mugdha Sinha said the results reflect ITDC’s ongoing efforts towards strengthening service standards while building on the organisation’s long-standing legacy and institutional trust.

During the financial year, ITDC also introduced three operational manuals focused on procurement of goods and services, sound and light shows, and general clauses aimed at improving governance, standardisation, and transparency across institutional processes.

The corporation further highlighted its increasing focus on technology-enabled transformation through the adoption of AI-based solutions to improve operational agility, customer experience, and business planning capabilities.

FY26 also marked two major milestones for the organisation as ITDC celebrated 60 years of its legacy alongside 70 years of The Ashok, one of India’s most iconic hospitality properties.

The company stated that its future strategy will continue to focus on operational excellence, digital transformation, sustainability, and long-term value creation while strengthening its contribution to India’s tourism and hospitality ecosystem.

The financial performance comes at a time when India’s hospitality and tourism sector continues to navigate evolving global market conditions, changing travel patterns, and increased focus on technology-led efficiencies across public and private sector enterprises.


Zepto Eyes Rs 11,000-Crore IPO Launch in July 2026

Zepto Eyes Rs 11,000-Crore IPO Launch in July 2026

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 25, 2026

Quick commerce platform Zepto is reportedly preparing to launch its much-awaited Rs 11,000-crore initial public offering (IPO) in July 2026. According to people familiar with the matter, the Bengaluru-based startup is targeting a stock market debut before July 31.

If the public issue moves ahead as planned, Zepto will join competitors Zomato and Swiggy, which are already listed on Indian stock exchanges.

The company recently received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) for its maiden public issue and is now expected to submit its Updated Draft Red Herring Prospectus (UDRHP). Zepto had earlier filed its IPO papers through the confidential route in December 2025.

Founded by Stanford University dropouts Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto has built its growth strategy differently from many players in the quick commerce space. A recent report by brokerage Bernstein highlighted that the company has focused more on strengthening existing markets rather than rapidly expanding into newer locations.

According to the report, Zepto currently has the highest concentration of dark stores in the quick commerce category, operating nearly 21 stores per city. In comparison, several competitors operate around nine stores per city.

The report also noted that Zepto currently runs 1,255 dark stores across 61 cities, while rival Blinkit has 2,222 stores spread across 243 cities. Instead of aggressively entering more markets, Zepto appears to be prioritising stronger penetration within the cities where it already operates.

Bernstein further pointed out that Zepto maintains the highest store-to-pincode ratio in the segment, reflecting its strategy of building density in selected urban markets.

The company's network continues to remain heavily focused on metro cities, where factors such as faster delivery timelines, higher order frequency and stronger customer engagement can help improve operations over time.

According to the analysis, rather than pushing growth through large-scale expansion, Zepto appears to be focusing on building stronger usage patterns and operational efficiency within a smaller number of markets.

With IPO plans now moving forward, Zepto is preparing for a major milestone that could further strengthen its position in India's growing quick commerce market.

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