Hotels / Restaurants
IHG Hotels & Resorts appoints Jaideep Dang as head of development, South West Asia
IHG Hotels & Resorts has appointed Jaideep Dang to lead development in South West Asia. Dang will spearhead IHG's growth strategy across the region. He brings over 22 years of hospitality and real estate experience. India is a key growth market for IHG. The company aims to operate 100 hotels in India within 3-5 years.
Oyo rebrands corporate name to PRISM to reflect global expansion
Oravel Stays Limited, known as Oyo, has rebranded to PRISM, reflecting its evolution into a diversified global travel-tech, hospitality, and living ecosystem. This change signifies the company's expanded portfolio, encompassing premium hospitality, extended-stay residences, and technology solutions, alongside its core budget travel offerings.
Closely monitoring situation, says Tata Group-owned Indian Hotels on malware incident
Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), the largest hospitality company in India, has reported a malware incident affecting some of its IT systems. Immediate steps were taken to contain the impact and secure the systems, and relevant authorities have been notified. IHCL and its subsidiary, Benares Hotels, are closely monitoring the situation while maintaining normal business operations.
Hunch Ventures takes over Jamie Oliver India restaurants
Hunch Ventures is set to acquire Jamie Oliver Restaurants in India from International Market Management, becoming the sole owner. With plans to invest ₹200 crore over three years, Hunch aims to expand the brand into tier-2 and tier-3 cities through owned and franchised outlets.
Tourism Boost: GST on hotel room tariffs under ₹7,500 cut to 5%
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has decided to reduce tax rates on hotel rooms costing up to Rs 7,500 per day. The new rate is 5% without input tax credit. This decision aims to benefit budget and mid-market travelers. Nikhil Sharma from Radisson Hotel Group believes this will boost domestic tourism.
Restaurants body writes to govt for rationalisation of GST rates
The National Restaurants Association of India asks the government to rethink GST rates. Restaurants face high costs from rent, aggregator commissions, and marketing. They pay 18% GST on rent without input tax credit. Food delivery platforms contribute significantly to revenue. NRAI suggests lower GST for certain products.
Hotels on the lookout for staff ahead of busy months
India's hospitality sector is gearing up for a busy travel season. Hotels are expected to hire many temporary workers. The demand is rising for bartenders, chefs, and front-office staff. Experts predict a 15-20% increase in temporary jobs. Radisson plans to hire over 1,600 new employees. There is also a need for skilled professionals in sales and revenue management.
Happy to socialise and with deep pockets: Consumers no longer line up their nights out for weekends
The highest spending of disposable income in India is on eating out and food, and restaurants and bars are the ultimate social hub, said Zorawar Kalra, founder and managing director of Massive Restaurants. “As per industry estimates, five years ago, Indians were eating out close to three times a month. Now it’s about eight times a month. Restaurants have realised that Indians love eating out and the younger lot wants to do it even more. They are okay with not buying a car, taking an Uber instead,” he said.
Accor taps Marriott’s Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia operations
Accor has appointed Ranju Alex as its new CEO for South Asia, overseeing operations in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Alex, formerly Regional Vice President at Marriott International, brings over three decades of experience to the role.
Indian hospitality sector's revenue per available room jumps 12.9% in April-June: Report
Mumbai's hospitality sector saw growth. Revenue per Available Room increased by 12.9 percent in April-June. Bengaluru led with a 29.4 percent RevPAR rise. Hyderabad showed strong pricing power. Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai also performed well. There were 106 hotel signings, totaling 13,398 keys. Investor confidence in India's hospitality sector is strong. Consolidation and partnerships are increasing in the industry.
Must Watch
India's branded hotel supply may exceed estimates: Radisson
Radisson Hotel Group anticipates significant growth in India's hotel sector. CEO Federico J Gonzalez projects India's branded hotel rooms will exceed 200,000. He cites strong economic fundamentals as the driving force. Radisson aims to expand its presence to 500 hotels by 2030. The group is focusing on revenue and profitability for hotel owners.
IHCL eyeing strategic acquisitions to expand presence in key markets, enter new destinations: MD Puneet Chhatwal
Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is strategically pursuing acquisitions to broaden its footprint in existing markets and venture into Europe and Southeast Asia. With a strong cash reserve and a zero-debt status, IHCL aims to expand its portfolio to over 700 hotels by 2030.
Why restaurants already charging more on MRP, levying service charges: Delhi HC
The Delhi High Court questioned restaurant associations about levying service charges when they already charge above MRP for the dining experience. The court highlighted the ambiguity in pricing, questioning why customers should pay extra for service when restaurants already profit from inflated prices and ambience. The court previously ruled against mandatory service charges, deeming them unfair and against public interest.
GST reforms to transform Indian hospitality into globally competitive force: HAI
Hotel Association of India welcomes the government's GST reforms. They believe it can boost India's tourism sector. HAI hopes for a 5% GST rate across hotels and restaurants. This move could make India a top global tourism destination. HAI urges a review of current GST slabs. They propose raising the limit to Rupees 15,000.
IHCL signs MoU for redevelopment of Chotelal Ki Ghat in Kolkata
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has partnered with Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, to redevelop the historic Chotelal Ki Ghat, investing up to Rs 5 crore. Supported by INTACH, the project aligns with the Namami Gange Program and Swachhata Initiatives. The restoration aims to preserve cultural heritage, enhance the ghat's aesthetic value, and benefit the local community, artists, and tourists.
Marriott and Flipkart launch dual loyalty integration programme
Marriott Bonvoy and Flipkart SuperCoins have launched a dual loyalty integration in India, allowing members to earn and exchange points between the two platforms. This collaboration connects Marriott's global rewards ecosystem with Flipkart's loyalty program, providing members with enhanced benefits and access to a wider range of rewards, from everyday shopping to hotel stays and travel experiences.
