Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited Raises ₹28 Crore Equity to Accelerate Growth and Nationwide Expansion of VITS Hotels

Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited Raises ₹28 Crore Equity to Accelerate Growth and Nationwide Expansion of VITS Hotels

By Author

Published on January 17, 2025

Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited (VKHL), formerly known as Vidli Restaurants Limited, has successfully raised ₹28 crore through a preferential allotment. Known as a leader in the pure vegetarian South Indian premium dining segment and mid-market hotel industry, VKHL is set to further cement its presence with this latest funding initiative.

The total capital of ₹28 crore was secured from a mix of renowned investors, including:

  • Mrinalini Jaisinghani (part of the Polycab Group)

  • Nabs Vriddhii LLP (part of the Sattva Group)

  • The Golden Bird Fund, a notable foreign portfolio investor

  • Green Portfolio Fund Management

This strategic fundraising initiative is poised to accelerate the expansion of the VITS Hotels brand, a mid-market hotel chain renowned for providing exceptional service and a homely experience for travelers. With more than 25 properties across India, VITS Hotels has become synonymous with premium comfort hospitality, appealing to both leisure and business travelers.

Expanding the Horizons of Mid-Market Hospitality

Expressing his gratitude and excitement, Dr. Vikram Kamat, Managing Director of Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited, stated:

“Since 2016, we have provided excellent returns to our investors despite market fluctuations by focusing on a profitable business and strategic expansion. This funding demonstrates the continued trust of marquee investors and family offices in us. We will pursue an asset-light growth strategy by adding new VITS Hotels and Kamats Restaurants across India.”

Founded in 2007 by Dr. Vikram Kamat, VKHL is the flagship company of the VITSKAMATS Group, a diversified hospitality chain listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE ID: KAMATS & BSE Code: 539659). While VKHL primarily focuses on the Kamats Restaurant and VITS Hotels business, its subsidiary, Vitizen Hotels Ltd., operates hotel properties under lease, franchise, and management models.

The Road Ahead

With this latest infusion of funds, VKHL is poised to unlock new opportunities and redefine mid-market hospitality in India. The company remains committed to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction while emphasizing sustainable growth.

Dr. Kamat’s leadership has been instrumental in setting new benchmarks for the Indian hospitality industry, delivering memorable guest experiences, and driving operational excellence.

About Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited

Established in 2007 by hospitality visionary Dr. Vikram Kamat, Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited (VKHL) is the driving force behind the VITSKAMATS Group. VKHL’s portfolio includes the Kamats Restaurants and VITS Hotels chain, an expanding network of mid-market hotels and resorts across India. Known for blending comfort, quality service, and exceptional dining, VITS Hotels caters to both business and leisure travelers.

VKHL also holds a majority stake in Vitizen Hotels Ltd., which operates its hotel properties under lease, franchise, and management models. Focused on sustainable growth and innovation, the company aims to set new benchmarks in the Indian hospitality industry by ensuring every guest’s experience is both enriching and memorable.

With this successful fundraising, VKHL is poised to achieve significant growth, expanding its footprint across India and reinforcing its position as a leader in mid-market hospitality.


IHCL Reports Strong FY 2025-26 Results with Record Sixteenth Quarter

IHCL Reports Strong FY 2025-26 Results with Record Sixteenth Quarter

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 15, 2026

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has announced its consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ending March 31st, 2026, achieving its sixteenth consecutive quarter of record performance.

For the full financial year FY2025-26, IHCL reported revenue of INR 9,971 crores, reflecting a 16% year-on-year growth. The company recorded EBITDA of INR 3,477 crores and delivered its highest-ever Profit After Tax (PAT) of INR 2,084 crores.

For Q4 FY2026, IHCL posted consolidated revenue of INR 2,845 crores, marking a 14% increase over the previous year. EBITDA stood at INR 1,052 crores with an EBITDA margin of 37%, despite challenges arising from the West Asia conflict.

Commenting on the performance, Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO, IHCL, said, “Q4 FY2026 marks sixteenth consecutive quarter of record performance with a Consolidated revenue of INR 2,845 crores, a 14% growth over the previous year, EBITDA of INR 1,052 crores and an EBITDA margin of 37%, notwithstanding the impact of West Asia conflict. For FY2026, the company delivered on its guidance of double-digit revenue growth despite macro-headwinds with revenue of INR 9,971 crores, a growth of 16% leading to an all-time high EBITDA of INR 3,477 crores, EBITDA margin of 34.9% resulting in the best ever PAT of INR 2,084 crores.”

He further added, “IHCL, led by its multi-brand presence across segments coupled with a balanced growth strategy focused on capital light with select investments has delivered consistent performance over sixteen quarters.”

During FY2026, IHCL introduced three new brands, increasing its portfolio of major brands to fourteen. The company also achieved a milestone of 250 hotel signings, taking its overall portfolio to 630 hotels with a pipeline of 255 hotels.

The company further expanded through both inorganic and organic growth, opening or onboarding over 130 hotels across segments. Its expansion strategy strengthened its position in luxury, experiential leisure, and mid-scale hospitality markets.

IHCL also maintained a strong financial position with a gross cash balance of INR 4,345 crores as of March 31st, 2026. The company has proposed a dividend of 25% of Consolidated PAT before exceptional items, including a special dividend to mark IHCL’s 125th Annual General Meeting.

According to the company, FY2026 focused on building a resilient, scalable, and future-ready hospitality ecosystem while continuing long-term growth plans.


Hospitality Industry on Alert as Hormuz Crisis Threatens Fuel Prices, Tourism, Aviation & Supply Chains in India

Hospitality Industry on Alert as Hormuz Crisis Threatens Fuel Prices, Tourism, Aviation & Supply Chains in India

By Shreenidhi Jagannathan

Published on May 14, 2026

The rising geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are beginning to raise concerns across India’s hospitality and tourism ecosystem, with industry experts warning that prolonged instability could significantly impact hotel operations, aviation, restaurant businesses, logistics, and consumer spending.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, handling a major share of global crude oil and LNG movement. India, which imports a substantial portion of its energy requirements from Gulf nations, remains highly vulnerable to disruptions in the region.

Industry observers believe that if tensions escalate further, the hospitality sector could witness a chain reaction beginning with rising fuel prices and extending into tourism demand, food inflation, logistics, and hotel operational expenses.

Aviation & Travel Sector Likely to Feel Immediate Pressure

One of the earliest impacts is expected to be on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices, which could result in higher airfares across domestic and international routes.

Hospitality stakeholders say this may directly affect:

  • Leisure travel
  • Corporate travel
  • MICE movements
  • Destination weddings
  • Weekend tourism
  • International inbound travel

Hotels dependent on fly-in tourism may witness softer occupancies if airfare costs continue rising.

Hotel Operating Costs Could Surge

Hotels are energy-intensive businesses operating round-the-clock. Rising crude oil prices could increase:

  • Electricity costs
  • Diesel generator expenses
  • Air-conditioning operational costs
  • Laundry and heating expenses
  • Staff transportation costs

Luxury hotels and large-format resorts with extensive infrastructure may face higher operational pressure if fuel prices remain elevated over an extended period.

Restaurant & Food Supply Chains May Get Impacted

Restaurant operators and hotel kitchens are also monitoring the situation closely due to possible increases in commercial LPG prices and freight charges.

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Industry experts warn that disruptions in marine logistics and shipping routes could affect:

  • Imported food products
  • Gourmet ingredients
  • Seafood imports
  • Premium beverages
  • Hospitality consumables
  • Packaging materials

This may eventually lead to menu price increases and pressure on restaurant profit margins.

Tourism & Consumer Spending Could Slow

Rising fuel costs often trigger broader inflationary trends, affecting household spending patterns.

Hospitality businesses fear that consumers may begin reducing discretionary spending on:

  • Dining out
  • Staycations
  • Luxury travel
  • Events and celebrations
  • Premium hospitality experiences

Corporate travel and event budgets may also witness moderation if economic uncertainty increases.

Hospitality Developers Watching Construction Costs

The impact could extend beyond operations into hospitality real estate and development.

Hotel developers may face:

  • Increased logistics costs
  • Higher transportation charges
  • Rising material costs
  • Imported equipment delays

This could affect project timelines and future hospitality investments across India.

Industry Expected to Focus on Cost Optimization

Hospitality companies are now expected to strengthen:

  • Local sourcing strategies
  • Energy efficiency initiatives
  • Inventory planning
  • Vendor partnerships
  • Technology-driven procurement systems

Several hospitality leaders also believe domestic tourism promotion may become increasingly important if international travel demand slows.

Hospitalitynews Perspective

The Hormuz crisis serves as a reminder that global geopolitical developments can rapidly influence India’s hospitality economy.

From airlines and hotels to restaurants, tourism operators, vendors, and developers, the entire ecosystem remains interconnected with fuel prices, logistics, aviation, and international trade.

While the industry is not facing an immediate disruption, continued instability around the Strait of Hormuz could create sustained cost pressures and operational challenges for hospitality businesses across India.


Le Méridien Ahmedabad Celebrates Mother’s Day with “From Our Mothers’ Kitchens to Your Table”

Le Méridien Ahmedabad Celebrates Mother’s Day with “From Our Mothers’ Kitchens to Your Table”

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2026

This Mother’s Day, Le Méridien Ahmedabad is bringing families together through a heartfelt culinary celebration titled “From Our Mothers’ Kitchens to Your Table.” Inspired by treasured family recipes, childhood memories, and cooking traditions passed down over generations, the experience pays tribute to the women who shaped the chefs’ earliest connections with food.

Hosted at The Market, the specially curated menu draws inspiration from the chefs’ own homes and personal stories. The spread blends comforting regional flavours with refined presentation, creating a dining experience that feels both nostalgic and elevated.

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Guests can savour dishes from across India, including Panchphoran Dal and Begun Bhaja from Bengal, Kerala-style Kalappam with stew, festive Puran Poli, and flavourful Hyderabadi biryani. Each dish reflects the warmth and authenticity of home-style cooking while celebrating the diversity of Indian cuisine.

Set within an elegant yet relaxed ambience, the celebration is designed to feel immersive, comforting, and leisurely. Adding to the experience, curated wellness rituals at Explore Spa by Le Méridien offer guests a peaceful moment of rest and rejuvenation during the occasion.

To make the celebration even more special, mothers will dine complimentary with a minimum of two additional guests, adding an extra touch of indulgence to the Mother’s Day gathering.

Date: 10th May 2026.

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