The Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) (HRAWI) concluded its Knowledge Series – I at the Ruby Theatre, Amanora The Fern Pune – Series by Marriott, convening hoteliers, restaurateurs and industry stakeholders for detailed discussions on key regulatory and policy developments shaping the hospitality sector.
The sessions focused on the New Labour Codes, the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, GST updates and the Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024. According to the organisers, the knowledge series was designed to help hospitality businesses understand compliance requirements, operational implications and growth opportunities emerging from recent reforms.
Labour Codes and Employment Reforms
The first session on the New Labour Codes was led by a team from Ernst & Young, comprising Tarun Pandey, Partner; Anshul Shukla, Director; and Siladitya Dasgupta, Director. The discussion examined the consolidation of multiple central labour laws into four comprehensive codes, addressing revised wage definitions, implications for employee cost structures, new compliance obligations and expanded social security coverage for gig and platform workers.
“The new Labour Codes represent a paradigm shift in India’s employment framework. For the hospitality industry which is highly people intensive, understanding changes in wage computation, working hour regulations and statutory benefits is critical. While the full implementation timelines may vary across States, businesses must proactively realign HR policies, employment contracts and payroll structures. Our session focused on translating these complex provisions into actionable strategies for HR and operational teams,” says Siladitya Dasgupta, Director, Ernst & Young.
DPDP Act and Data Governance
The second technical session was conducted by Abhijit Parab, Partner – Cybersecurity, Ernst & Young, who provided an overview of the DPDP Act and its implications for hospitality businesses. Topics included data fiduciary responsibilities, consent management, data retention norms, breach reporting protocols and penalties for non-compliance.
The session highlighted the hospitality sector’s extensive personal data touch points, including guest bookings, KYC records, payment information, employee records, vendor contracts and digital marketing databases.
“The hospitality sector processes vast amounts of sensitive guest data at every touch point, from bookings and check-ins to loyalty programs and smart-room services. Compliance with the DPDP Act is not just a legal obligation; it is fundamental to preserving guest trust and brand reputation. The rules demand structured governance, technical safeguards and accountability at every level of operations. Our objective with the session was to demystify the rules and equip professionals with a clear roadmap for implementation,” says Abhijit Parab, Partner – Cybersecurity, Ernst & Young.
GST Framework and Taxation Updates
The third session was led by Akshit Saraogi, Director – Global Trade & Customs, Indirect Tax at Ernst & Young, Mumbai. The presentation examined the evolving GST framework affecting hotels and restaurants, including the revised GST rate structure effective September 2025, the updated definition of ‘Specified premises’, the opt-in or opt-out process for F&B services, ITC considerations for renovations and maintenance, taxability of vouchers and advances and audit-related issues flagged by tax authorities.
“GST compliance in hospitality requires careful classification, correct rate application and meticulous documentation. The recent GST changes, particularly the recalibration of rates for accommodation and restaurant services, demand a strategic rethink of pricing, ITC optimisation and compliance processes. Hospitality businesses must now navigate complex choices between 5 per cent and 18 per cent tax regimes for F&B, with significant implications for margins. Proactive compliance not only reduces litigation risk but also strengthens financial discipline,” says Akshit Saraogi, Director – Global Trade & Customs, Indirect Tax at E&Y Mumbai.
Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024
The concluding session was presented by CA Julfesh Shah, Chairman, COSIA Vidarbha, who outlined the key provisions of the Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024. He highlighted the policy’s target of attracting Rs 1,00,000 crore in private investment, generating 18 lakh jobs and doubling tourist inflows over the next decade.
Key incentives discussed included capital investment subsidies, SGST reimbursement, electricity duty exemptions, additional FSI and targeted support for niche segments such as eco-tourism, rural tourism and MICE.
“The Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024 is investment driven, incentive backed and sustainability focused. It provides hospitality entrepreneurs with a clear growth framework while strengthening Ease of Doing Business and infrastructure support. It is a game changer for the State’s hospitality ecosystem creating a conducive environment for investment and growth. It was encouraging to see industry professionals engage deeply on how to leverage these provisions for their projects,” says CA Julfesh Shah, Chairman, COSIA Vidarbha.
Industry Response
Concluding the event, Jimmy Shaw, President, HRAWI, emphasised the importance of regulatory awareness in a changing environment.
“In a rapidly evolving regulatory environment, knowledge is our strongest asset. The enthusiastic response to our Knowledge Series reflects the industry’s eagerness to stay ahead of the curve. From data protection and labour reforms to State level tourism incentives to understanding GST, today’s sessions provided our members with the clarity and confidence needed to navigate change effectively. HRAWI remains dedicated to empowering hospitality professionals with the tools and insights to build compliant, resilient and future-ready businesses,” concludes Jimmy Shaw, President, HRAWI.
