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WWW.HOSPITALITYBIZINDIA.COMHOSPITALITY BIZ n JANUARY, 2025 COVER STORY 17%u2018India%u2019s hospitality sector is undergoing a remarkable evolution%u2019India%u2019s hospitality sector is undergoing a remarkable evolution, the Indian traveler is finding new reasons to explore with trends like sleep tourism, medical tourism, and spiritual tourism. From rediscovering serenity in wellness resorts to embarking on purposeful journeys for healing, mindfulness, or adventure, Indian travelers are embracing diverse motivations to travel. This shift reflects the country%u2019s growing appetite for curated, meaningful, and rejuvenating experiences, redefining the way we explore the world.As we enter 2025, we foresee an even greater convergence of personalization, technology, and sustainability in travel. The future of hospitality lies in creating moments that inspire, connect, and endure. At Jaypee Hotels & Resorts, we are ready to shape this future with bold vision, relentless innovation, and a steadfast dedication to delivering experiences that are timeless, meaningful, and extraordinary. nManju Sharma, Managing Director, Jaypee Hotels & ResortsWhat are your expectations for the hospitality industry in terms of RevPAR, ARR, and occupancy rates in 2025? Looking ahead to 2025, my expectations for the hospitality industry are positive, driven by India%u2019s strong economic growth and increasing global focus on the country. Based on current trends, all three key performance indicators%u2014Occupancy, ADR (Average Daily Rate), and RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room)%u2014are expected to show upward momentum. India has already experienced a 3% increase in occupancy, a 7.5% rise in ADR, and a 10.5% growth in RevPAR through 2023 (according to the STR report, YTD November).In particular, Hyderabad is one of the fastest-growing cities, with a remarkable 21% increase in RevPAR over 2023. The city%u2019s focus on IT development and establishing Global Capability Centers (GCCs) will continue to drive corporate travel, further boosting ADR and overall room profitability. While there has been a noticeable shift toward international travel, which may impact local tourism in the short term, I believe this is a temporary phase. Local tourism will rebound, contributing to the industry%u2019s overall growth.What specific policy changes or support do you expect from the Ministry of Tourism and other government bodies to enhance the growth and global competitiveness of the hospitality sector in India? India%u2019s tourism sector should be at the forefront of policy development, as it is a major revenue driver and a significant source of employment, particularly for allied industries. When comparing India%u2019s hospitality industry to other global markets, it%u2019s clear that the country has yet to fully tap into its potential as a leading tourism destination. To unlock this potential, the government should ensure that the benefits of policy changes extend to hotels and related industries, enabling them to pass on these advantages to end travellers. Additionally, the government should give more attention to the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment, which has been successfully leveraged by many other countries. The MICE sector boosts not only hospitality but also airlines, transportation, food and beverage services, and more. To encourage growth in this area, the government should incentivise the development of convention centers and the surrounding infrastructure, fostering a more competitive and sustainable tourism ecosystem. How do you plan to leverage the increasing demand for experiential travel and domestic tourism in 2025? In 2025 we plan to capitalize on the growing demand for experiential travel and domestic tourism by highlighting Hyderabad%u2019s unique cultural and culinary offerings. The city remains largely unexplored in terms of its food trail and historical significance. Hyderabad boasts a rich culinary heritage, from traditional dishes like Biryani, Kebabs, and Haleem, to innovative twists on these classics that appeal to modern tastes. As disposable incomes rise and travelers seek new experiences, it is essential for hotels and restaurants to continually explore innovative concepts. By integrating fresh ideas while maintaining a strong connection to tradition, they can enhance their offerings and create memorable experiences for their guests.We aim to also offer immersive experiences that showcase the city%u2019s rich cultural heritage. For instance, guests can enjoy guided historical tours of iconic landmarks such as Golconda Fort, Charminar, SalarJung Museum and Chowmohalla Palace, where we weave the stories of the past into the journey, giving travellers a deeper connection to Hyderabad%u2019s history. nQQQ%u2018India%u2019s tourism sector should be at the forefront of policy development%u2019 Girish Divekar, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, shares his optimistic outlook for Hyderabad%u2019s hospitality market. With the city witnessing a remarkable 21% growth in RevPAR in 2023, Hyderabad continues to thrive as a hub for IT development and Global Capability Centers (GCCs), driving corporate travel and boosting Average Daily Rates (ADR).