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.


Sterling Holiday Resorts Delivers Best-Ever Quarter with Record Q1 FY27 Performance

Sterling Holiday Resorts Delivers Best-Ever Quarter with Record Q1 FY27 Performance

By Hariharan U

Published on August 6, 2026

Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited (SHRL) has announced its strongest-ever quarterly performance for Q1 FY27, marking a significant milestone in the company’s transformation into a scalable, profitable, and resilient hospitality platform.

The company reported record performance across key financial and operational indicators, with total revenue reaching ₹1.7 billion, representing a 21% year-on-year growth. EBITDA increased 21% to over ₹620 million, maintaining a strong 37% EBITDA margin, among the highest in the hospitality sector. Profit Before Tax (PBT) grew 30% year-on-year, while Operating Free Cash Flow also increased by 30%.

Sterling’s financial position remained robust, with the company continuing to operate as a debt-free organisation and holding cash reserves exceeding ₹3.7 billion, providing flexibility for future expansion, technology investments, and enhancing guest experiences.

The company’s operating performance also witnessed strong improvement during the quarter. Occupancy increased by 700 basis points to 77%, despite growth in available inventory. Average Room Rate (ARR) reached a record ₹7,809, while RevPAR grew by 20%, supported by effective revenue management, commercial execution, and increasing brand strength.

Room revenue grew 29% during the quarter, while Food & Beverage revenue increased 15%, highlighting continued demand across Sterling’s resort portfolio.

Currently, Sterling operates 78 resorts with nearly 3,800 rooms across more than 65 destinations, positioning itself as one of India’s fastest-growing listed hospitality companies. The company has a visible development pipeline of 35+ resorts and over 2,000 additional rooms, supported by its asset-right strategy combining owned, leased, and managed properties.

Customer recognition continued to strengthen Sterling’s brand positioning. Sterling Kanha received Tripadvisor’s prestigious “Best of the Best” Award for the fourth consecutive year, placing it among the top 1% of resorts globally. The achievement also makes Sterling one of the few resort brands worldwide to receive this recognition four years in succession.

Additionally, 28 Sterling resorts received Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, with 12 resorts earning the recognition for three consecutive years.

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, said that Q1 FY27 represents a defining milestone in Sterling’s journey, reflecting the company’s transformation into a high-quality hospitality platform.

He highlighted that the company’s growth engines, strong balance sheet, development pipeline, technology investments, artificial intelligence initiatives, and leadership capabilities will support its next phase of expansion and long-term value creation.

With continued focus on operational excellence, innovation, and destination-led growth, Sterling aims to strengthen its position as one of India’s leading leisure hospitality companies while creating enhanced experiences for travellers across the country.

About Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited

Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited is one of India’s leading hospitality companies with a portfolio of 78 resorts, hotels, and retreats across more than 65 destinations. The company offers leisure experiences across beaches, hills, jungles, heritage destinations, pilgrimage circuits, and waterfront locations.

Sterling caters to leisure travellers, MICE groups, destination weddings, reunions, and group travel segments through its extensive network of resorts across India.


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.

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