The Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI organised the second edition of its Knowledge Series, bringing together hospitality professionals to understand major regulatory and policy changes impacting the sector. The session focused on the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, GST updates, Labour Codes and the Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024.
The first session was conducted by Mr Abhijit Parab, Partner – Cybersecurity at Ernst & Young (EY), who explained the implications of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act and Rules 2025 for hospitality businesses. The discussion highlighted the importance of data privacy in an industry that handles large volumes of guest and employee data and the need to strengthen consent, security and breach response mechanisms.
Abhijit Parab said, “The hospitality sector processes sensitive guest data at every touch-point, from bookings and check-ins to loyalty programs and smart room services. Compliance is no longer a legal formality; it is fundamental to preserving guest trust and brand reputation.”
The second session, led by Akshit Saraogi, Director – GST, Global Trade & Customs, Indirect Tax at EY, explained GST changes effective from 22 September 2025 and recent budget amendments. The session helped participants understand tax structures, input tax credit challenges and compliance requirements relevant to hotels and restaurants.
Akshit Saraogi said, “The latest GST recalibration demands a strategic rethink of pricing, ITC optimisation and compliance processes. Hospitality businesses must now navigate between 5 per cent (without GST input tax credit benefit) and 18 per cent tax regimes (with GST input tax credit benefit) with consequent margin implications.”
The third session was conducted by Mr Anshul Shukla, Director – Business Consulting, EY and Mr Siladitya Dasgupta, Director – Risk Consulting, EY, who explained the four Labour Codes coming into effect from November 2025. The discussion covered revised wage definitions, expanded social security coverage and new compliance norms for employers.
Anshul Shukla said. “While the reforms under the New Labour Codes are expected to benefit the workforce, they also signal higher compliance requirements and potential cost implications. Hospitality businesses must urgently review wage structures, role classifications and HR systems to align with the new norms.”
The final session was presented by Mr Nikhil Padhye, Senior Manager – Tax & Regulatory, EY, who outlined how the Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024 is creating new opportunities for hospitality investments through infrastructure support, incentives and streamlined processes.
Nikhil Padhye said, “The policy is a game-changer for Maharashtra’s hospitality ecosystem. With substantial fiscal support and streamlined processes, it creates a conducive environment for investment and growth. In particular, the policy provides a robust framework offering capital subsidies, SGST reimbursements and investment linked incentives, with an annual outlay of approximately Rs.1,666/- Cr. It also highlights the sustainability, regional development and support for large scale tourism projects, further strengthening the State’s hospitality ecosystem.”
EY continued as the Official Knowledge Partner for the monthly series across western India, providing industry-focused guidance through expert-led sessions.
Concluding the event, Gurbir Singh Bedi, Jt. Hon. Secretary, HRAWI, emphasised the importance of staying updated with regulatory developments for a future-ready hospitality sector.
Gurbir Singh Bedi, Jt. Hon. Secretary, HRAWI said, “The overwhelming response to our second Knowledge Series reaffirms the industry’s commitment to staying ahead of the regulatory curve. From data protection and tax compliance to labour reforms and State incentives, these sessions equip our members with the clarity and confidence to navigate complexity. HRAWI remains dedicated to empowering hospitality professionals with actionable insights and building a resilient, future ready sector.”
