ITC’s Hotels sector, now demerged into ITC Hotels Ltd (effective January 1, 2025, though ITC still holds a 40% stake), comprises a chain of luxury hotels and resorts across India operating under brands like ITC Hotels and Welcomhotel, emphasizing “Responsible Luxury.” Their Agri Business is one of India’s largest integrated agri-businesses, involved in sourcing agri-commodities through initiatives like e-Choupal, supplying feed ingredients and marine products, and focusing on value-added segments like processed fruits. This also includes their Indian Leaf Tobacco Development (ILTD) business.
The Paperboards and Packaging division is India’s largest, producing paperboards, specialty papers, and sustainable packaging solutions for various industries. Finally, Information Technology (ITC Infotech), a wholly-owned subsidiary, provides global IT services, further diversifying ITC’s business interests. In essence, ITC has strategically diversified its business portfolio, establishing strongholds in the FMCG and other sectors while maintaining a significant presence across the Indian economy. The recent demerger of the hotel business aims to enhance focus and create value for each segment.
Latest News on ITC Limited
Himachal Pradesh High Court Rejects Himalaya’s Appeal Against Goods and Services Tax Show Cause Notice
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has dismissed a petition filed by Himalaya Wellness Company, challenging a show cause notice (SCN) issued by the tax department seeking to recover ₹4.37 crores in allegedly inadmissible input tax credit (ITC). The company, a partnership firm, distributes personal care and pharmaceutical products and had employed Goods Transport Agencies (GTAs) to transport goods into and out of Himachal Pradesh. The tax department had imposed GST on the GTA services under Reverse Charge and the company had claimed ITC on the GST paid.
An audit was conducted by the Central Tax Department, which found discrepancies and issued a notice to the company. The company responded with a detailed explanation, but the department rejected it and issued a final audit report. A notice was then sent to the company demanding ₹4,37,17,830 under penalty and interest, which the company refused to pay. A show cause notice was subsequently issued proposing the recovery of ₹4,36,75,439 in inadmissible ITC, ₹27,446 in short-paid GST, and ₹14,945 as interest, along with applicable penalties.
The company approached the high court, challenging the SCN, but the court dismissed the petition, holding that acceptance of a show cause notice does not signify that the notice was prejudiced or in defiance of principles of natural justice. The court also held that it would be premature to acknowledge a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution at this stage, as the proceedings are still at the notice stage. The court noted that the SCN has the information to explain its issuance, and interfering at this stage would be interrupting another lawful administrative procedure in its tracks.
The decision validates that courts do not interfere in the phase of notice in tax cases unless there is factual proof of legal or constitutional breaches. The court’s decision was based on the principle of natural justice, which holds that a person has the right to be heard before a decision is made against them. In this case, the company had been given the opportunity to respond to the SCN and the court held that it would be premature to intervene at this stage. The petition was rejected, and the company will have to respond to the SCN and follow the due process of law.
Top brands like Mahindra, Procter & Gamble, and Amazon lead the pack with exciting offers; check them out
The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad) recently completed Cluster 2 of its Summer Placements for the PGP Class of 2027. The placement round, which took place on October 31, 2025, was conducted in a hybrid format, allowing companies to participate virtually or in person. Over 60 roles were made available across diverse profiles, with participating organizations from seven key sectors: Advertising & Media, Conglomerates, Consumer Goods, Consumer Services, Financial Platforms & Services, Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare, and Retail B2B & E-commerce.
In the Conglomerate domain, Mahindra & Mahindra emerged as the top recruiter, followed by TATA Administrative Services and Aditya Birla Group. Other participants included CK Birla Group, JSW, Vedanta Limited, and Abhinandan Ventures. In the Consumer Goods space, Procter & Gamble led the hiring drive, with notable hiring from ITC, Hindustan Unilever, Nestlé, and Coca-Cola, among others.
The Financial Services sector saw FinIQ Consulting as the top recruiter, while Jiostar led the chart in Advertising & Media. Amazon and Flipkart continued to dominate the Retail B2B & E-commerce sector. The Healthcare and pharmaceutical firms, including Glenmark, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, and Optum, also made key offers. International offers were received from Fast Retailing Co. Ltd.
Notably, IIM Ahmedabad welcomed several new recruiters this season, including Medtronic India, Philip Morris International, Dainik Bhaskar, Haleon, Jiostar, and Jupiter Money. The institute will conduct Cluster 3 of the Summer Placement drive on November 3, 2025. IIM Ahmedabad is renowned for its academic excellence, research, and top placements, and is committed to fostering global business leaders and innovative thinkers. The successful completion of Cluster 2 of the Summer Placements is a testament to the institute’s strong industry connections and the high demand for its students.
IIM Ahmedabad’s Cluster 2 Summer Placements for 2025 See Mahindra, Procter & Gamble, and Amazon Emerge as Top Recruiters
The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has completed the second cluster of its Summer Placement process for the PGP Class of 2027. The placement process, which was conducted in hybrid mode, featured companies from seven major sectors: Advertising and Media, Conglomerates, Consumer Goods, Consumer Services, Financial Platforms and Services, Pharmaceuticals and Health Care, and Retail B2B and E-commerce. Over 60 roles were offered by a diverse group of recruiters.
The Conglomerates sector saw Mahindra & Mahindra making the most hires, followed by TATA Administrative Services and Aditya Birla Group. In the Consumer Goods sector, Procter & Gamble led the hiring, followed by ITC Limited. Other top recruiters in this sector included AB InBev, Asian Paints, and Hindustan Unilever. FinIQ Consulting emerged as the top recruiter in the Financial Platform and Services sector, while Jiostar led in Advertising and Media. Amazon and Flipkart were among the leading recruiters in the Retail B2B and E-commerce space.
The Pharmaceuticals and Health Care sector saw strong participation from companies such as Glenmark, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, and Emcure Pharmaceuticals. Students also received international offers from Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. New recruiters at IIMA this year included Dainik Bhaskar, Haleon, Jiostar, Jupiter Money, Medtronic India, and Philip Morris International.
The placement process has been a success so far, with many top companies participating and offering a wide range of roles to students. The third cluster of IIMA’s Summer Placement process is scheduled for November 3, 2025. The institute has seen a strong participation from various sectors, with many new recruiters joining the process this year. The summer placements are an important part of the IIMA curriculum, providing students with an opportunity to gain practical experience and build their professional network.
The diversity of recruiters and the range of roles offered reflect the strong reputation of IIMA and the quality of its students. The institute’s placement process is designed to provide students with a wide range of opportunities, and the completion of the second cluster is a significant milestone in this process. With the third cluster scheduled to take place soon, students and recruiters alike are looking forward to the next stage of the placement process. Overall, the summer placements at IIMA have got off to a strong start, with many top companies participating and offering exciting opportunities to students.
ITC Hotels Limited Makes Strategic Moves into Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Markets
ITC Hotels Limited has announced the signing of definitive agreements with DSR Hospitality Services to manage two new hotels in Nellore and Hyderabad under its Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels brand. This expansion will increase ITC Hotels’ presence in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Hyderabad Panjagutta will feature 117 rooms and over 800 square meters of meeting space, while the Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Nellore will have 127 rooms and over 2600 square meters of meeting space.
Anil Chadha, Managing Director of ITC Hotels Limited, expressed his happiness about the partnership with DSR Hospitality Services, stating that it aligns with their vision of strategic growth into new cities and strengthens their presence across India. D Sudhakar Reddy, Managing Partner of DSR Hospitality Services, also commented on the occasion, saying that they are delighted to announce their alliance with ITC Hotels for the development of their upcoming properties in Hyderabad and Nellore.
The partners of DSR Hospitality Services, D. Prabhakar Reddy and D. Raghurami Reddy, added that these projects are significant for their company, and they look forward to a successful collaboration with ITC Hotels. They believe that ITC Hotels, with its rich legacy and proven expertise, is uniquely positioned to deliver personalized and exceptional service excellence to both destinations. The partnership aims to bring world-class developments to the region, contributing to its growth.
The expansion of Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels is a result of the company’s asset-right strategy, which involves associating with hotel developers for new management opportunities. This strategy has enabled the brand to grow and increase its visibility across India. With these two new additions, ITC Hotels Limited is set to strengthen its presence in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, offering high-quality hospitality and food and beverage experiences to guests in the region.
Infosys contests $55 million tax refund notice from ITC.
Infosys, a prominent technology company, has taken a significant step by filing a writ petition with the Karnataka High Court. The petition challenges the validity of a show cause notice issued by the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) regarding an alleged ineligible input tax credit (ITC) refund of Rs 415 crore.
The issue began in May when the DGGI requested details about Infosys’ GST refund claims. The company responded by providing all the necessary information and engaging in discussions with DGGI officials. However, the situation escalated in July when the DGGI issued a pre-show cause notice. Infosys then requested additional time to submit a detailed response, seeking more information to address the concerns raised.
Despite the request for an extension, the DGGI proceeded to issue a show cause notice on August 12, which amounted to Rs 414.8 crore, excluding interest and penalties. This notice has prompted Infosys to seek legal recourse, questioning the legitimacy of the DGGI’s actions. By filing the writ petition, Infosys aims to challenge the basis of the show cause notice and potentially have it overturned.
The decision to file a writ petition indicates that Infosys is taking a strong stance against the DGGI’s claims. The company’s actions suggest that it believes the show cause notice was issued without proper consideration of the information provided or the additional time requested to respond. The outcome of this legal challenge will be significant, not only for Infosys but also for other companies that may face similar issues with GST refund claims.
The case highlights the complexities and potential disputes that can arise in the context of GST refunds and input tax credits. It underscores the importance of clear communication and due process in the handling of such matters by tax authorities. As the case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the court interprets the situation and whether the DGGI’s actions are deemed appropriate. The legal battle between Infosys and the DGGI has significant implications for the interpretation of GST laws and the rights of taxpayers in India.
Stock Market Updates for ITC Limited
Recent Updates
Direct-to-consumer startups in major fast-moving consumer goods sector show promise, yet struggle to achieve significant profits
In recent years, top Indian consumer goods companies such as Hindustan Unilever, ITC, Marico, and Emami have acquired or taken controlling stakes in numerous digital-first brands, also known as direct-to-consumer (D2C) startups. This move was largely driven by the ecommerce boom, which presented an opportunity for these fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies to exploit the growing online market. The partnerships have enabled the D2C brands to scale up their distribution networks across India, leveraging the marketing muscle and extensive reach of the FMCG companies.
As a result, many of these D2C startups have experienced significant sales growth. For instance, Plix’s revenue rose nearly threefold to Rs 418 crore in fiscal 2025, while Oziva’s revenue more than doubled to Rs 257.8 crore. Yogabar also saw a 50% surge in revenue to Rs 197.1 crore post-acquisition. However, despite the increased sales, many of these startups continue to incur losses, with some even widening their losses. Experts attribute this to the high cost of customer acquisition, which is a major contributor to the losses incurred by D2C brands.
The founders of these D2C startups acknowledge that being part of a larger FMCG ecosystem has provided them with access to more resources, including a larger distribution network and marketing muscle. However, they also emphasize that their operations remain independent, and they have been able to leverage the ecosystem without losing control. For example, Puru Gupta, the cofounder of True Elements, stated that Marico did not interfere in how they built their brand, and they were able to make strategic investments that led to slower growth in the short term but eventually resulted in significant growth.
Despite the mixed results, FMCG companies are expected to continue their D2C acquisition spree, driven by pressure from investors and analysts to innovate and compete with nimbler D2C companies. However, experts warn that simply plugging a D2C brand into a legacy FMCG system is not a guarantee of success. The cost of customer acquisition and the focus on efficiency and cost management in established FMCG companies can be challenging for D2C brands to navigate. As Arvind Singhal, MD of The Knowledge Company, noted, “In the next five years, most of these acquisitions will turn out to be completely dead. Many of them are being bought at crazy prices but may not deliver the growth expected.”
Experts Weigh in on GST, ITC Blockage and Its Impact on FMCG Distributors: Rediff Money News
Experts have highlighted that the recent GST circular, despite bringing clarity on trade discounts and credit notes, has shifted compliance obligations and cash-flow pressure onto FMCG distributors. The circular states that financial or commercial credit notes, which are issued without GST, do not require distributors to reverse their input tax credit (ITC). However, this means that distributors will continue to hold excess ITC balances, which often cannot be fully utilized, effectively locking up working capital.
Indirect Tax Expert Vedika Agrawal noted that manufacturers will benefit from the circular as their past tax payments remain untouched. However, distributors will face difficulties in utilizing their excess ITC balances, which may lead to cash-flow pressures. Another taxation expert, Vivek Jalan, pointed out that there is currently no refund mechanism for accumulated ITC, and the industry may push for a new refund mechanism. However, this would be difficult for the government to allow due to the high risk of misuse.
The circular also clarified the treatment of trade discounts, stating that manufacturers who only support dealer pricing will not incur extra GST. However, if they directly promise a lower price to consumers, dealers must add such support to their taxable value and pay GST on the combined amount. The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) has written to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), seeking urgent clarifications on the implementation of the recent GST rate cuts and the treatment of excess ITC that may build up following the rate reductions.
The federation also flagged an anomaly in the detergent segment, where GST on detergent cakes has been cut to 5%, but washing powders remain at 18%. The industry association represents 4.5 lakh distributors and serves over 1.3 crore kirana stores across the country. Experts noted that the dual concerns raised by distributors and tax specialists underline the challenges of implementing GST reforms, where manufacturers gain certainty, but distributors remain exposed to cash-flow pressures until legislative changes and clarifications take full effect.
The proposed amendment to Section 15 of the CGST Act, discussed in the 56th GST Council meeting, may ease the problem of ITC accumulation at the recipient’s end due to financial credit notes by suppliers. However, this amendment is expected to take effect in about a year, and until then, distributors will continue to face cash-flow pressures. The industry is seeking urgent clarifications and reforms to ensure that the benefits of GST reforms flow smoothly to consumers and avoid disruptions in retail trade.
ITC Sunrise Spices launches ‘Sunrise Pujor Satkahon’ festival celebrations throughout West Bengal
Durga Puja is the most significant festival in Bengal, celebrating devotion, togetherness, and creativity. To commemorate this occasion, ITC’s Sunrise Spices has launched the “Sunrise Pujor Satkahon” initiative, partnering with over 1,000 Puja committees across West Bengal. This campaign aims to highlight the diversity, traditions, and emotions that make Durga Puja special, not just in Kolkata but throughout the state.
According to Piyush Mishra, Business Head of Sunrise Spices, “Durga Puja is the soul of Bengal, bringing people together in a spirit of devotion, joy, and creativity.” The initiative seeks to celebrate the unique stories and cultural heritage of every locality, going beyond the grandeur of Kolkata to honor the rich traditions of every community.
To participate, Puja committees are invited to submit a brief write-up on their Puja’s theme, community spirit, and cultural significance. The contest consists of three phases: storytelling entries and community votes, pandal showcase and jury scoring, and on-ground audits. The top 250 entries will be featured in a special Coffee Table Book, preserving their legacy for generations.
The “Sunrise Pujor Satkahon” initiative is more than a contest; it is a movement to honor Bengal’s community spirit, creativity, and devotion. The campaign seeks to showcase the true essence of Durga Puja, highlighting every community, every story, and every heart. By celebrating the diversity and traditions of Durga Puja across West Bengal, Sunrise Spices aims to create a collective archive of the state’s festive heartbeat.
The initiative will culminate in a grand finale on Dashami, with a celebrity-led Sindoor Khela ceremony. The top 5 winners will be announced on Navami, and the Coffee Table Book will be a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Bengal’s Durga Puja celebrations. Overall, “Sunrise Pujor Satkahon” is a unique initiative that seeks to preserve and celebrate the traditions of Durga Puja, promoting unity, pride, and cultural heritage throughout West Bengal.
Afreximbank and ITC Extend Collaboration to Boost Trade Within Africa
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) have renewed and expanded their memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen intra-African trade, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) competitiveness, and South-South cooperation. The MoU was signed by Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, and Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of ITC, on the sidelines of the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025).
Under the renewed MoU, Afreximbank and ITC will promote SME competitiveness, capacity building related to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and sustainable livelihoods through the creative industries. They will also strengthen Africa’s trade partnerships with the Caribbean and Arab regions and increase access to finance for businesses, including small businesses. The partnership aims to empower SMEs and creative entrepreneurs, foster Africa-Caribbean linkages, and advance AfCFTA implementation.
According to Prof. Oramah, the renewed MoU will help expand Africa’s creative industries, deepen South-South cooperation with the Caribbean, and strengthen AfCFTA’s private sector impact. He emphasized the importance of the IATF as a platform for unlocking the potential of SMEs to drive Africa’s trade-led development. Ms. Coke-Hamilton noted that the partnership will continue to work together to make trade easier, more accessible, and less costly across the continent, for all African businesses, including the smallest and those led by women and youth.
The IATF2025, which took place from September 4 to 10, was a huge success, with over 112,000 visitors from 132 countries and US$48.3 billion in trade and investment deals signed over the seven days of the continental exposition. The event welcomed 2,148 exhibitors and demonstrated the potential of SMEs to drive Africa’s trade-led development. The renewed MoU between Afreximbank and ITC is expected to build on this momentum and further strengthen intra-African trade and SME competitiveness.
The Uncertain Future of Pampore ITC and Jablipora Fruit Mandi
The economic growth of Jammu and Kashmir is being hindered by the delayed execution of key infrastructure projects, resulting in lost opportunities for job creation, revenue generation, and credibility. Two notable examples of this are the International Trade Centre (ITC) at Pampore and the International Terminal Fruit and Vegetable Market at Jablipora, Bijbehara. The ITC, envisioned as a state-of-the-art facility for trade fairs and exporter interface, has been stalled since 2008 due to mismanagement of funds and lack of accountability. The project’s deadline was March 2010, but the funds were retained by SIDCO for nearly two years, and the project remains incomplete to this day.
Similarly, the Jablipora Fruit and Vegetable Terminal Market, conceived in 2011-12, has faced significant delays and allegations of nepotism and corruption. The project, expected to revolutionize Kashmir’s horticultural economy, has not been completed despite its strategic location and planned facilities. The absence of accountability and transparency has undermined the project, with internal roads, drainage, and basic infrastructure remaining incomplete.
The failure of these projects has resulted in lost economic potential for thousands of growers, artisans, and entrepreneurs who could have benefited from world-class trade facilities. The lack of accountability and transparency has led to allegations of corruption and mismanagement, which have further eroded the credibility of the authorities. To move forward, Jammu and Kashmir needs a robust monitoring mechanism to ensure that projects are implemented on schedule and in line with approved plans. Transparency in licensing, allotment of shops, and use of facilities must be made mandatory, with clear criteria and periodic reviews.
The authorities still have a chance to salvage these projects, but decisive action is needed now. The dream of turning Kashmir into a hub of trade and horticultural excellence will remain just that, a dream, if governance continues to falter. The region’s economy, heavily dependent on agriculture and horticulture, cannot afford such missed opportunities. If properly implemented, the Pampore ITC and Jablipora Terminal Market could have transformed the region’s agrarian landscape, empowered small traders, and connected growers directly with national and international buyers. It is essential for the authorities to take corrective measures to restore credibility and ensure that such projects are completed in a timely and transparent manner.
FMCG giants HUL, Marico, and ITC go on a buying binge: What’s behind their D2C shopping spree
Over the past five years, approximately two-thirds of acquisitions made by Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies have been in the Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) space. This trend is driven by the desire of established players to boost growth, expand into premium segments, and gain access to personalized consumer insights. According to Crisil Ratings, notable acquisitions include Hindustan Unilever’s purchase of Uprising Science Pvt Ltd (Minimalist) for Rs 2,706 crore, Marico’s acquisition of Satiya Nutraceuticals Pvt Ltd (Plix) for Rs 380 crore, and Emami Ltd’s takeover of Helios Lifestyle Ltd (The Man Company) for Rs 272 crore.
These acquisitions provide FMCG companies with access to unique features of digital channels, such as accelerated feedback, rapid innovation cycles, and targeted marketing. The modest size of these acquisitions has not impacted the credit profile of acquirers, with the average consideration for acquisitions being less than 5% of the net worth of the acquirers. Crisil Ratings notes that the acquisitions have strengthened the business profiles of traditional FMCG players by providing entry into niche product categories, aiding diversification and premiumisation of the overall product basket.
The majority of acquisitions (60%) have been in the personal care segment, with the rest in the food and beverage segment. About 85% of the acquisitions were undertaken to enter niche and premium segments, with 35% in the health and wellness segment and 20% in the specialized ingredients segment. The acquisitions have enabled D2C companies to mitigate challenges of scalability and profitability, with less than 15% of D2C companies crossing Rs 250 crore in revenue and only a third reporting operating profits prior to acquisition.
While the acquisitions have not dented the financial profiles of acquirers, Crisil Ratings notes that the ramp-up of the acquired D2C brands post-acquisition to a much larger scale will bear watching. The ability of FMCG companies to improve profitability over the medium term will be crucial in determining the success of these acquisitions. Overall, the trend of FMCG companies acquiring D2C startups is expected to continue, driven by the desire for growth, premiumisation, and access to personalized consumer insights.
FMCG giants like Amul and ITC cut prices significantly with new GST rates in effect.
The Indian government’s implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) 2.0 has led to a reduction in prices of daily essentials and food items. As a result, several Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies have announced price cuts, passing on the benefits to consumers. This move is expected to boost demand and sales, especially with the festive season of Navratri and Diwali approaching.
Some of the major FMCG companies that have announced price cuts include ITC, Amul, Nestlé India, Dabur, PepsiCo, Ferrero, Procter & Gamble (P&G), Emami, Hindustan Unilever (HUL), and Patanjali. The price reductions range from 2-15% across various product categories, including packaged foods, personal care products, dairy products, and beverages.
ITC has reduced prices of its ghee by Rs 70, making it one of the steepest reductions in the FMCG sector. Amul has also slashed prices of its ghee, butter, paneer, and ice creams. Nestlé India has cut prices of its Maggi noodles and coffee range, while Dabur has reduced prices of its juices, health supplements, and oral care products.
Ferrero has announced the steepest cut in the chocolate segment, with a reduction of Rs 100 on its Ferrero Rocher product. P&G has reduced prices of its Vicks Action 500 Advance and other products, including diapers, shampoos, and razors. Emami and HUL have also rolled out price cuts across their personal care and food products.
Patanjali has announced steep cuts across its Nutrela, personal care, and health products, including a reduction of Rs 48 on its ghee. Varun Beverages, the distributor of PepsiCo, has reduced prices of its juice and packaged water portfolio. Overall, the price cuts are expected to benefit consumers and boost sales for the FMCG companies during the festive season.
The price reductions will be effective starting September 22, and consumers can expect to see lower prices on a range of products, including food items, personal care products, and beverages. The move is seen as a positive development for consumers, who will benefit from the reduced prices, and for the FMCG companies, which are expected to see an increase in sales and demand.
Fortune Airport Road Kochi is now open under the management of ITC Hotels
ITC Hotels Limited has announced the opening of its newest property, Fortune Airport Road Kochi, a contemporary upscale hotel located near the Cochin International Airport. This addition brings the total number of operating Fortune hotels in South India to 15. The hotel features 72 well-appointed rooms and suites with spacious interiors, catering to the needs of modern travelers.
According to Anil Chadha, Managing Director of ITC Hotels Limited, the hotel is strategically positioned to meet the growing demand for quality hotels in the city, particularly in the airport corridor. The hotel is equipped to host business meetings, conferences, and intimate gatherings, making it an ideal choice for corporate travelers.
In addition to its business facilities, Fortune Airport Road Kochi also caters to wellness seekers. The hotel boasts a rooftop swimming pool and a fitness center, with a restful spa slated to open soon. This will provide guests with a tranquil and relaxing experience, allowing them to unwind and rejuvenate during their stay.
The opening of Fortune Airport Road Kochi is a significant addition to ITC Hotels Limited’s growing footprint in the Southern region. The hotel’s proximity to the airport makes it an attractive option for travelers looking for convenient and comfortable accommodations. With its contemporary design, spacious rooms, and modern amenities, Fortune Airport Road Kochi is poised to become a popular choice among travelers visiting Kochi.
ITC Hotels Limited has existing alliances in Kerala, including Fortune Kakkanad and Storii Wayanad. The company’s expansion in the region underscores its commitment to providing high-quality hospitality services to travelers. The opening of Fortune Airport Road Kochi is a testament to the company’s efforts to meet the growing demand for luxury hotels in the city. As of September 22, 2025, the hotel is now open and ready to welcome guests, offering a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and luxury.
Rooms with a tariff of up to ₹7,500 will see a price drop of up to ₹525 starting Monday.
Starting from September 22, 2025, hotel rooms in India with tariffs of ₹7,500 or less will experience a price reduction of up to ₹525 per night. This change is a result of the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates, which have been reduced from 12% to 5% without input tax credit (ITC). The Hotel Association of India estimates that this reduction will provide relief to travelers to the extent of 7% on the room rate, with a maximum savings of ₹525 per room per night.
The hospitality industry views this reduction as a growth catalyst, expecting it to strengthen revenues, encourage reinvestment, and enable hotels to deliver greater value and innovation for guests. According to Nikhil Sharma, MD & COO of Radisson Hotel Group, the simplified tax structure provides much-needed clarity for hotel operators and travelers, enabling long-term planning and reinforcing confidence in the industry’s growth trajectory.
The GST reform is also expected to have a significant impact on the mid-market space, where India’s expanding middle class is driving demand for high-quality yet affordable stays. Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, notes that the revised slabs will improve affordability and unlock tremendous potential in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where value-conscious travelers are increasingly fueling new demand.
The reduction in GST rates is part of a broader overhaul of the indirect tax regime, which aims to limit slabs to 5% and 18% effective from September 22. While the Hotel Association of India welcomes the reduction in tax on hotel accommodation, it argues that GST reforms must take a holistic, business-focused approach that retains ITC.
Overall, the new GST rates are expected to provide relief to travelers and boost the hospitality industry, which is already on a strong growth trajectory. With the simplified tax structure and reduced rates, hotels are expected to deliver greater value and innovation for guests, while also driving growth and investment in the sector.