Author: Asmita Mukherjee

India’s preparations to host major international events are putting an increasingly visible strain on its hotel infrastructure, with the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi offering a sharp illustration of a problem the hospitality industry has been flagging for years: demand is growing faster than branded room supply. The BRICS Summit, scheduled for September 12–13 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, has already tightened room availability in the capital’s luxury hotel market. Several marquee properties have shown limited or no availability around the summit dates, while rooms still being offered at some hotels are commanding exceptionally high tariffs. A check…

Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the Indian hotel industry is poised to make a significant contribution to the country’s economic growth as India’s tourism sector enters a phase of expanding opportunities. Addressing the 56th FHRAI Annual Convention in Kashi, Varanasi, Shekhawat said the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has played a sustained role in addressing industry challenges and supporting the growth of the hospitality sector for nearly six decades. He said India’s economic progress in recent years, coupled with a changing global perception of the country, has created significant opportunities for…

India has the potential to build a USD 3 trillion tourism and hospitality economy, but unlocking that opportunity will require a massive expansion in hotel supply, easier access to capital, better last-mile connectivity, new destinations and a more coordinated national tourism strategy, said Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL (Taj Group). Addressing the 56th FHRAI Annual Convention at Taj Ganges, Varanasi, Chhatwal said tourism and hospitality could account for 10% of India’s projected USD30 trillion economy, compared with an estimated USD250 billion contribution today. He said every rupee invested in the sector generates around INR 3.2–INR 3.5…

AI-powered business transformation company ImaAppWeb has launched AsIma, an agentic AI platform designed to automate sales operations for the hospitality industry, enabling hotels to respond to guest enquiries in real time and improve booking conversions. The company said AsIma addresses a critical gap in hotel sales where, despite widespread digital adoption through websites, online travel agencies (OTAs) and social media, enquiry handling and booking conversions continue to rely heavily on manual intervention. The AI-powered platform enables autonomous sales operations across multiple customer touchpoints, including voice calls, WhatsApp, websites and other digital channels. It monitors incoming enquiries, responds instantly to unattended…

India’s leading hotel chains are significantly increasing investments to renovate and modernise their flagship properties, with industry consultants estimating that the combined refurbishment spend could reach ₹2,000–3,000 crore in FY27. The renewed focus on upgrading marquee assets has emerged as a key strategy among listed hospitality companies, including Indian Hotels Company Ltd. (IHCL), EIH Ltd. and Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd. The companies have indicated during their fourth-quarter earnings calls that higher capital expenditure on existing properties will help strengthen pricing power, improve guest experiences and enhance profitability. Rather than relying solely on expansion through new hotel openings, hotel operators are…

Taj GVK Hotels & Resorts has secured the Occupancy Certificate (OC) from the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) for its upcoming 256-key Taj Yelahanka in North Bengaluru, clearing a key regulatory milestone ahead of the hotel’s planned commercial launch in September 2026. Spread across a three-acre site in the fast-growing Yelahanka micro-market, the luxury property is in the advanced stages of completion. The company is currently obtaining the remaining statutory licences and operational approvals required before opening. Designed to cater to Bengaluru’s expanding corporate travel, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) and leisure segments, the hotel is expected to…

Hotels, restaurants and foodservice operators are set to benefit from lower kitchen fuel costs after oil marketing companies (OMCs) reduced the price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders by Rs 183.50, effective July 1, offering much-needed cost relief to the hospitality sector after months of sustained price increases. Following the revision, the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder in Delhi has been reduced to Rs 2,930 from Rs 3,113.50. The reduction marks the first cut in commercial LPG prices this year after repeated hikes driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and elevated global energy prices. The latest revision…

Global hospitality giants including Marriott, Hilton, and IHG Hotels & Resorts are accelerating their expansion plans in India, betting on the country’s rapidly growing tourism sector despite concerns over a broader slowdown in consumer spending. The aggressive growth strategy comes amid rising demand for domestic travel, premium hospitality experiences, and religious tourism, which industry leaders believe will continue to drive hotel occupancy and room demand across the country. Recent announcements highlight the sector’s confidence in the Indian market. IHG Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Adani Airports to develop five hotels across major aviation hubs while also introducing its luxury…

Summit Hotels & Resorts has announced its entry into India’s fast-growing spiritual tourism segment with the launch of The Mandir Collection, a dedicated hospitality brand focused on pilgrimage destinations and faith-inspired travel experiences. The move comes as spiritual tourism continues to gain momentum across the country, driven by improved connectivity, government-led infrastructure development, and growing consumer interest in wellness, culture, and religious travel. As part of the brand’s debut, the company has selected Salasar in Rajasthan for its first property under The Mandir Collection. The upcoming Summit Salasar – The Mandir Collection is being positioned as a premium spiritual retreat…

At a time when Hyderabad’s hospitality sector is witnessing rapid growth, strong leadership and a clear vision have become more important than ever. John Surendranath, General Manager of Ibis Hyderabad HITEC City, is known for his practical approach to hospitality, focus on guest satisfaction and ability to build high-performing teams. Under his leadership, the hotel has continued to deliver strong business performance while staying committed to service excellence and sustainable practices. In an exclusive conversation with Asmita Mukherjee, Surendranath discusses Hyderabad’s evolving hospitality landscape and the key factors driving growth at Ibis HyderabadHITEC City. Tell us about your professional journey…