PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a practitioners' perspective on financial challenges prevalent in the Indian hospitality industry. The paper also makes an attempt to give useful insights into possible solutions to the issues raised.Design/methodology/approachThe study assimilates data from senior finance professionals from a spectrum of hotels in India. The study involves the collection of primary data through structured interviews.FindingsThe study highlights that some of the financial challenges faced by the Indian hospitality industry include high financing costs, multiplicity of taxes charged, licensing and legal issues, working capital issues and eroding margins. The study also gives some useful insights to the possible solutions to the challenges identified.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper provides some very useful qualitative analysis of the contemporary challenges and their possible solutions prevalent in the Indian hospitality sector. The findings will be useful for hoteliers, policy makers and researchers to deliberate on the issues raised. However, it does not involve any quantitative analysis.Originality/valueThis study makes a sincere attempt to bring forth some real life issues, challenges and solutions which would be a good value addition to the existing literature.

Purpose -The paper aims to explore the impact of socio-cultural factors on pilgrimage tourism at Lotus Temple. This study also seeks to investigate the relationship of socio-cultural factors with the satisfaction level of tourists. Design/methodology/approach -This study is based on questionnaire analysis from 196 respondents. The research approach is a mixed method comprising exploratory and descriptive research. The paper discusses the strengths of the Lotus Temple and challenges faced by the tourists. Findings -It was found that travel motivations differ between foreign and domestic tourists. The study also demonstrates that socio-cultural factors have a bearing on the overall satisfaction of tourists. Practical implications -The results have implications for the development of a structured approach, to create a superior experience of the tourist at the Lotus Temple. The level of satisfaction and perception of socio-cultural factors are critical issues, in making the pilgrimage an attractive tourist destination. This study illustrates that, the tourist's perception of socio-cultural factors play a significant role on tourist satisfaction. Originality/value -The paper contributes to an understanding of the factors affecting tourism at the Lotus Temple. This paper also offers a contribution to the varied perspectives on tourism in relation to socio-cultural factors and levels of satisfaction.

Purpose This paper aims to provide an overview of the facts and trends relating to the innovations that are taking place in the Indian hospitality industry. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws facts and emerging trends from the existing literature and other reports. The paper also serves as an introduction to areas covered by theme issue contributors that are discussed in detail in their respective papers. All the papers bring out key findings after several rounds of discussion with practitioners. Findings Some of the key emerging areas are customer service, cost competitiveness, culinary management, revenue management and technology. The paper also suggests that it is important to understand how innovations are being managed across different functional departments and whether managers face barriers to the implementation of innovative ideas and processes. Practical implications The Indian hospitality industry continues to expand despite tough competition. But, it is imperative that hotels are able to find ways to differentiate their products and services and by innovating, it is possible to sustain and create new forms of differentiation. Given this reality, the paper is of interest to hoteliers and policy makers who want to know more about the emerging innovation trends in the Indian hospitality industry. Originality/value There is limited literature available on innovations in the Indian context. Further, all the papers in this theme issue were written after several rounds of interaction with practitioners so as to incorporate real-time, relevant and contemporary data.

No abstract

This chapter focuses on the growth and development of religious tourism, with a focus on India. A focus on the potential in India for religious tourism highlights a diversity of religions and religious practices that are geographically and culturally disparate, and a society that exhibits many differentiations. The chapter discusses policy frameworks, infrastructure development, and tourist satisfaction, among other potential emerging needs.