Latest news with #FederationofHotel&RestaurantAssociationsofIndia
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Medical Tourism India: India Aims to Lead Global Medical Tourism by 2035, ETTravelWorld
Advt By , ETTravelWorld Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals. Subscribe to Newsletter to get latest insights & analysis in your inbox. All about ETTravelWorld industry right on your smartphone! Download the ETTravelWorld App and get the Realtime updates and Save your favourite articles. India has announced an ambitious plan to become the world's leading destination for medical and wellness tourism by 2035. The announcement was made at the Heal in India 2025 Summit with the launch of the flagship report by the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) and KPMG India , titled 'Heal in India: Catalysing Medical and Wellness Tourism for a Healthier Global Future'.The summit was inaugurated by Suman Billa, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, who emphasised the critical role of building trust, enhancing care delivery, and sustaining service quality in achieving this vision. Billa stressed the need to expand beyond traditional metro cities and encourage participation from stakeholders in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to make healthcare more accessible for international already attracts more than two million medical tourists annually from over 75 countries. In 2024, over 463,000 medical visas were issued, reflecting the sector's growing global importance. With its high-quality treatment at competitive prices and strong traditional medicine systems, India is poised to expand its market from USD 18.2 billion in 2025 to USD 58.2 billion by Manoj Nesari, Adviser (Ayurveda), Ministry of Ayush, pointed to India's strengths in holistic healing through Ayurveda and Yoga , which could be key differentiators for global wellness seekers . FHRAI President K. Syama Raju described Heal in India as a 'national branding opportunity,' reinforcing the image of India as a destination not just for treatment, but for complete recovery and India's Someswara Koundinya, a co-author of the report, called the document a strategic call to action. He underlined the need for digital transformation, global outreach, multilingual capacity-building, and incentivising private investment to position India as a healthcare Heal in India mission envisions stronger collaboration across tourism, health, and policy sectors. With growing international demand and robust domestic capability, India is positioning itself not just as a centre of medical excellence, but as a global leader in healing and hospitality.
Business Upturn
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
Bar Bandh: Over 20,000 hotel bars in Maharashtra to suspend alcohol service on July 14 in protest against liquor tax hike
By Aditya Bhagchandani Published on July 13, 2025, 23:02 IST In a major protest against the recent hikes in liquor-related taxes, more than 20,000 bars and restaurants across Maharashtra will suspend alcohol service on Monday, July 14, as part of a state-wide 'Bar Bandh'. The protest, called by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI), aims to draw attention to what the industry describes as an 'existential threat' posed by the state government's new tax regime. The hikes include: A 60% increase in excise duty Doubling of VAT on liquor served at hotels and bars from 5% to 10% A 15% increase in annual licence renewal fees for FY26 Over 11,500 hotel-based bars have already confirmed their participation, alongside thousands of standalone bars and restaurants in cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Vasai, and Palghar. The protest is also supported by the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), making it one of the largest coordinated actions in the state's hospitality sector. Jimmy Shaw, President of HRAWI, said in a press release: 'This tax hike is nothing short of an existential threat to the hospitality sector. Many establishments will be forced to shut permanently. Our members are not just expressing dissent — they are fighting for survival.' The tourism and hospitality industry contributes significantly to Maharashtra's economy, supporting over 20 lakh direct and indirect jobs and attracting more than 15 crore tourists annually. Industry representatives argue that the compounded financial burden could lead to the closure of thousands of small and medium establishments, loss of over four lakh jobs, reduced tourist inflow, and a rise in unregulated alcohol consumption. 'An average tourist spends ₹2,000–₹5,000 a day, much of it on food and beverages. With these taxes, Maharashtra risks becoming one of the most expensive states for leisure tourism,' Shaw added. HRAWI has called on the Maharashtra government to reconsider the increases and engage with industry representatives to create a more balanced, sustainable tax framework. As the Bar Bandh takes effect on July 14, customers can expect disruption to alcohol service in establishments ranging from luxury hotels to budget eateries across the state. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
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Business Standard
23-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
NRAI welcomes Delhi government's move easing licensing norms for F&B
The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) on Monday expressed gratitude to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for easing licensing norms for food and beverage (F&B) businesses in the city. As per the new directive, hotels, restaurants, guesthouses, discotheques and similar establishments operating in the national capital will no longer be required to obtain the Delhi Police Eating House Licence. 'This change will reduce administrative hurdles and significantly improve the ease of doing business for the F&B sector in the capital. This will also increase investments by the F&B sector, which will bring in additional revenue to the Delhi government's exchequer in various forms in the future,' said an NRAI statement. The decision is expected to bring major relief to restaurant owners, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, who have long struggled with the burden of acquiring multiple governmental clearances. 'We wholeheartedly thank the Central and Delhi governments for this forward-looking step. Removing the requirement for the Delhi Police Eating House Licence is a significant relief for restaurateurs who have long faced unnecessary delays and complexities,' said Sagar Daryani, NRAI president. 'We are proud that NRAI's persistent efforts have contributed to this much-needed change. This reform will not only save time and resources but also foster a more vibrant, business-friendly environment for both existing and aspiring entrepreneurs in the F&B sector,' he added. For the hospitality industry, which is still recovering from the disruptions of recent years, such a reduction in compliance burden will go a long way in encouraging entrepreneurship and boosting investor confidence. 'We hope this reform in Delhi will serve as a model for other states to revisit archaic licensing practices and move towards a more streamlined and business-friendly regulatory environment,' said K Syama Raju, president of the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Linking F&B taxation to room tariffs is operationally challenging for hotel industry: FHRAI's K Syama Raju
As India aims to become the world's third-largest tourism destination by 2047, its diversity, culture, and cuisine will play a crucial role in achieving this goal, says K. Syama Raju, President, Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), which represents 60,000 hotels and 500,000 restaurants . Since its inception in 1955, FHRAI has been working closely with government and policymaking bodies for the growth of the tourism and hospitality sector in the country. In an interview with ET Digital, K Syama Raju , President of FHRAI, talks about India positioning itself as a world-class tourism destination, why sustainability is becoming an indispensable part of the hospitality industry, the delinking of food GST from hotel room tariffs , and more. Edited excerpts: Economic Times Online (ET): FHRAI has recently urged the government to delink GST on food and beverages from hotel room rents. Can you explain how this delinking is currently impacting hotel restaurants and what operational challenges it creates? Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Syama Raju (KSR): FHRAI has urged the government to delink GST on food and beverages from hotel room tariffs due to the operational challenges it creates. Currently, when a hotel's room tariff exceeds Rs 7,500 per night, the GST rate on food and beverages (F&B) served in the hotel restaurant increases from 5% to 18%. This linkage discourages hotels from pricing rooms above Rs 7,500, as it leads to a higher GST on food and beverage sales, which can deter guests. The operational challenges include inconsistent GST rates that vary with fluctuating room tariffs, leading to confusion for both hotel management and guests. Additionally, last-minute price adjustments to room rates can lead to higher GST rates on food and beverages. This creates a cumbersome process for hotels, as they must constantly monitor room rates to avoid unintended GST changes, which could result in potential legal issues. Delinking would provide clarity, simplify operations, and help hotels price rooms competitively without the burden of an escalating GST rate on food and beverages. Live Events ET: In response to inflation, the association has also proposed raising the threshold for room tariffs from Rs 7,500 to Rs 12,500 for a higher GST of 18%. How will this amendment support the growth of the hospitality industry? KSR: Till the time the government is evaluating our request of delinking GST on F&B from room tariffs, we are proposing to increase the threshold from Rs 7,500 to Rs 12,500. It's a very logical move. Years ago, the government set the Rs 7,500 threshold, but given the rising costs in today's economy, it feels outdated. By raising it to Rs 12,500, you allow a lot more mid-range hotels to offer competitive room rates without getting stuck in a higher GST bracket. It would boost occupancy, encourage more travel spending, and make Indian hotels more competitive—especially against Airbnb-style accommodations, which right now often fall outside these tax structures. ET: Based on your interactions with policymakers, what has been the response to these GST-related recommendations? KSR: I would not say there is immediate action yet, but there is a growing recognition that the current GST structure is not fully aligned with the reality of how the hospitality sector operates today. We have seen some positive discussions, and we are hopeful that with continued engagement, we will see these reforms in upcoming GST council meetings. ET: Has the Commerce Ministry taken any action regarding Zomato and Swiggy's foray into private labels through their respective apps? What role has FHRAI played in protecting the interests of the industry in this regard? KSR: Yes, we raised this concern with the Commerce Ministry because it creates an unfair marketplace. Zomato and Swiggy are supposed to be aggregators, but when they push their own brands aggressively on their platforms, it hurts the independent restaurants who rely on them for visibility. FHRAI's role has been to push for a level playing field. We are not against competition, but it should be fair. We have requested the government to step in and bring some regulations to ensure that aggregator platforms do not prioritise their businesses over others. ET: India aspires to become the world's third-largest tourism destination by 2047, as per FHRAI. What do you believe will help in achieving this goal? With the recent terror attacks, do you think that India's image as a world-class tourism destination will be adversely impacted? KSR: There is so much potential for India: the diversity of experiences, culture, and cuisine. But to get there, we need to invest heavily in infrastructure, safety, skilled hospitality staff, and global marketing. Unfortunately, incidents like terror attacks hurt the perception, especially among international travellers. Safety is non-negotiable when you are trying to build a tourism brand. However, India has shown resilience in the past, and with the right security protocols and messaging, I believe we can recover and continue our growth story. ET: In light of the Pahalgam attacks, how can organisations like FHRAI help ensure livelihoods for tourism and hospitality operators in the region? KSR: The first thing is to stand in solidarity with the local communities and tourism operators, as their livelihoods depend heavily on visitors. FHRAI can help by coordinating with government bodies to roll out relief packages, marketing initiatives to rebuild confidence, and even hosting national tourism events there to bring attention back to the region. ET: The hospitality sector has shown steady recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic. What do you see as the top three growth drivers shaping the future of hotels and restaurants in India? KSR: First, the rise of domestic travel—Indians are travelling within India like never before. Second, the digital transformation—everything from bookings to dining experiences is getting tech-driven. And third, tier II and III cities are exploding with demand. People are looking for authentic experiences, and that is opening up new markets beyond the metros. There is a rise in pilgrimage tourism, further supporting the growth of tourism in India. ET: What are the most urgent reforms FHRAI is advocating for the hotel industry regarding the ease of doing business? KSR: We have been very vocal about the need for single-window clearances. Today, to open a hotel or a restaurant, you need so many licences from different departments, which is tedious and discourages entrepreneurship. We are asking for digitisation, time-bound approvals and rationalisation of the number of licences required. A lot of it is just red tape that needs cutting. ET: New hospitality ventures often face long delays in project execution due to bureaucratic bottlenecks. How can governments—both state and central—streamline processes to get projects approved faster? KSR: Honestly, it's s about accountability and digitisation. If there is a clear checklist, a transparent timeline, and everything moves online, the process becomes predictable. Also, appointing nodal officers who can guide investors through the process, like a concierge service for businesses, can make a huge difference. States that have done this well have seen a boom in hospitality projects. ET: Skill development of manpower is crucial to deliver world-class hospitality experiences. What initiatives is FHRAI taking to enhance training and skill development across the sector? KSR: We are investing heavily in training programmes, both through our own initiatives and in partnership with institutes. FHRAI's Institute of Hospitality Management, for example, is providing industry-relevant training. We are also pushing for more government-backed skill development programmes that are aligned with what the industry needs. Through our Centre of Excellence, we have started some training programmes for hospitality professionals, which the industry is finding helpful. ET: With tier II and III cities emerging as new tourism and hospitality hubs, how does FHRAI see the potential in these markets? KSR: We see massive potential. Places like Indore, Bhubaneswar, and Surat are growing fast, and the spending power is real. Plus, travellers are looking for offbeat experiences now. The key is to ensure infrastructure keeps pace—good roads, airports, and internet connectivity. If we get that right, these cities could be the next big thing in Indian tourism. ET: Sustainability is becoming an indispensable part of hospitality. How is FHRAI encouraging eco-friendly operations among its members? What are some of the practices being actively practised among your members? KSR: Sustainability is no longer optional. We are encouraging our members to adopt practices like rainwater harvesting, solar energy, waste segregation, and even zero-plastic policies. A lot of our members have shifted to sourcing local produce to cut down their carbon footprint. Some hotels are doing wonderful work with organic kitchens and water recycling plants. FHRAI also holds workshops and best-practice-sharing sessions to help members make the transition more easily. The success of our recently concluded Tourism Sustainability Summit 2025 depicts our commitment to this. We also launched a handbook on best sustainability practices in Indian hospitality. The handbook aims to serve as a comprehensive guide, showcasing the sustainable initiatives implemented by the hospitality sector and inspiring others to follow suit.
