HAI partners with Maharashtra Tourism to boost hotel sector
The Hotel Association of India (HAI) recently held a meaningful exchange with Dr. Atul Patne, Principal Secretary – Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, to explore strategies for strengthening the state’s hospitality sector, with a focus on hotel growth and development.
Led by Dr. Sanjay Sethi, HAI’s Honorary Treasurer and Chairperson of its Maharashtra Chapter, along with Deputy Secretary General Charulata Sukhija, the delegation acknowledged the state’s progressive tourism policy and vision document while highlighting key challenges faced by hoteliers.
The conversation spotlighted three core areas. First, the need for faster implementation of industry electricity tariffs for hotels. Although Maharashtra was among the first to extend industry benefits to the sector, practical bottlenecks remain. With HVAC costs making up a significant portion of hotel operations, access to industrial power rates could significantly improve cost efficiency.
Second, HAI recommended revamping the current excise licensing system by adopting a ‘One License One Property’ (OLOP) approach. This unified model would cover restaurants, banquets, terraces, and outdoor areas under a single license—streamlining compliance, reducing delays, and easing operations.
Third, the delegation proposed stronger fiscal incentives under the 2024 tourism policy, such as extended SGST refunds, increased capital subsidies, wage-based incentives to promote employment, and additional support for sustainability initiatives.
Collectively, these measures are poised to boost long-term investments, enable sustainable infrastructure growth, and unlock tourism potential in lesser-explored regions of Maharashtra.
Dr. Patne responded positively, expressing strong support for the proposals. As Maharashtra aspires to transition from an “emerging” to a “leading” tourism destination, collaborative efforts like these play a pivotal role in shaping a thriving hospitality ecosystem.
“Maharashtra is among the top ten States of India in terms of both – domestic tourist visits and foreign tourist visits and HAI Members are proud to contribute to its growth. Dr Sanjay Sethi would collaborate closely with the local government to identify and address key industry challenges, working together to realise the department’s vision of attracting investments in the sector and tapping its true potential in creating jobs,” stated Sukhija.
She further added, “The Chapter carries the full support of the HAI President, KB Kachru Chairman, South Asia Radisson Hotel Group, all members of its executive committee and the Association Secretariat in developing a strategic partnership with the state government, engaging with it on a regular basis to ensure that the hospitality sector continues to be a key contributor to the State’s socioeconomic development. With a robust tourism policy that is well implemented, closely monitored and regularly reviewed, HAI is confident that Maharashtra will continue to thrive as a tourist destination with leading hotel groups and brands expanding their footprint not just in the major cities but also in smaller ones and in the underdeveloped regions of the state.”
