Purpose -The purpose of this research is to provide exploratory insights on measurement of efficiency of the hotel and restaurant companies operating in India. Design/methodology/approach -This study will use a linear programming-based approach, data envelopment analysis (DEA), to evaluate the efficiency of hotel and restaurant companies operating in India. DEA is a method of evaluating the relative efficiency of decision-making units (DMUs). In this study the decision-making units are the hotel and restaurant companies. The study further explores if there exists a relationship between the efficiency and size of the hotel and restaurant companies. Findings -The DEA model used in this study assigns efficiency scores to each of the hotel and restaurant companies taken in the sample of 68 companies for the year 2004-2005. The study also explores whether there is a relationship between the efficiency and size of the hotel and restaurant companies.Practical implications -As this study evaluates the efficiency of the hotel and restaurant sector, it separates the most efficient hotel and restaurant companies from the non-efficient ones. The study identifies the top performers in this sector. Also, managers get important insights for their strategic and operational decisions to improve performance. Originality/value -There are very few known studies that have measured the efficiency of the hotel and restaurant companies. This study is one of the few exploratory initiatives in the Indian context.

Purpose This paper aims to introduce the theme issue and strategic question: What should Indian tourism and hospitality managers focus on to stay competitive in the coming decade? It also presents an overview of recent developments in the tourism and hospitality industry and presents some statistics and trends relating to prospects for the tourism and hospitality industry in India. Design/methodology/approach Emerging trends emanate from various official reports and expert views. The paper also highlights key issues and areas for investigation by the theme issue contributors. Findings Strong growth is predicted for the tourism and hospitality industry and some of the underpinning issues that will influence competitiveness are the role of social media, business model innovations, risk management, talent management, valuation models, the influence of information technology, employee loyalty and design thinking in hospitality higher education. Practical implications Given the expansion occurring in the domestic market in India and the involvement of international operators in the Indian environment, this paper will be of interest to practitioners with an interest in the emerging opportunities and challenging issues related in this dynamic marketplace. Originality/value This introductory paper captures the essence of the prevailing trends in the tourism and hospitality industry as a starting point for this theme issue.

PurposeThe paper aims to provide an overview of the facts and trends relating to the Indian hospitality industry. It also seeks to identify the key strategic and financial issues that hoteliers are currently facing and to introduce the theme issue.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws facts and emerging trends from various official reports and collates key issues as highlighted by the theme issue contributors. All the papers in the theme issue identify salient points after rounds of discussions with practitioners.FindingsSome of the key emerging areas are risk management, cost management, land management and policies, revenue management, growth challenges and innovative practices arising from an extended inflationary period.Practical implicationsWith domestic hoteliers in an expansion mode and foreign operators' intention of investing in India, the paper is of interest to hoteliers and policy makers interested in knowing about emerging and topical issues relating to this market.Originality/valueThere are relatively few prior studies relating to the strategic and financial issues affecting the hospitality industry in India – particularly in the context of practitioner involvement. The theme issue involves senior practitioners in the review from the outset and this approach offers a significant contribution to applied research in this field.

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to provide a background on developments in hospitality and tourism in India and its contribution to economic growth. Design/methodology/approach -The paper discusses the importance of customer experience and provides insights on destination management approaches. It reviews the factors beyond the control of a specific service provider which impact the consumer experience. The paper also discusses the tourism potential for selected spiritual and cultural sites and gives an overview of the approach followed to assess consumer experience at each of these locations. Findings -The paper focuses on elements that contribute to consumer experience at selected spiritual and cultural places. It also focuses on technology and its impact on creating a superior experience. Further, aspects of infrastructure and hygiene are also reviewed. Originality/value -The paper explores spiritual and cultural tourism in the context of India where there is very little formal research in this area.

Purpose This paper aims to summarize and review the key innovations that have taken place in the Indian Hospitality Industry in recent times. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws on the findings and managerial implications as outlined by the contributors to this theme issue: “How is the need for innovation being addressed by the Indian Hospitality Industry?” Findings The paper highlights some of the recent innovations that have taken place in the Indian Hospitality Industry, especially in the areas of customer service, cost competitiveness, culinary management, revenue management and technology. It also highlights some of the key challenges faced by senior management of selected hotels in implementing innovative ideas and related processes. Practical implications With domestic hoteliers continuously expanding and foreign players’ intent on investing in India, it will be of interest to hoteliers and policymakers to know about the recent innovative measures adopted by the Indian Hospitality Industry. The innovations will aid hoteliers as they seek to create differentiation for their products and services. Originality/value There is limited literature on innovation in the Indian Hospitality Industry, especially with a focus on practitioner perspectives. This issue offers a significant contribution in the field of research in the Indian Hospitality Industry.