MAM
Los Angeles Tourism appoints first-ever regional director for India market
Mumbai: Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Los Angeles Tourism) is deepening its foothold in the India Market with the appointment of Ms. Seema Kadam as it’s first-ever Regional Director, India. In 2018, Los Angeles welcomed 130,000 visitors from India, an increase of 5.1% year-over-year making India the 3rd highest year-over-year international growth market for Los Angeles.
In her role, Kadam will develop and support air service for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX); spearhead strategic travel trade engagement including the implementation of a robust training program, using the L.A. Insider Program; and attend key industry trade shows in the region.
“We established a travel trade presence in India several years ago through Sartha Marketing, who introduced Los Angeles to the industry. The time is now right to deepen our engagement. India holds such vast potential for Los Angeles and appointing a full-time, regional director to oversee all of our tourism activity is a natural evolution of our commitment to the market,” stated Kathryn Smits, Vice President, Tourism for Los Angeles Tourism. “Seema’s most recent experience with DMOs has her well-positioned to be successful in this new role.”
On her newly appointed role, Kadam stated, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the travel fraternity in India, to showcase the diversity and depth of experiences that destination Los Angeles has to offer. With over 25 years in the Indian travel industry, I anticipate that this new role is most likely going to be the most exciting and challenging chapter yet. I am eagerly looking forward to utilizing my knowledge and experience to contribute to the destination’s business goals. It is an honor to be representing a destination like Los Angeles that promotes values like cultural diversity and inclusivity which connect strongly with me personally.”
Kadam, who graduated from Mumbai University, also holds diplomas in Standard and Advanced Travel Management. Over the course of her career, she has worked with leading Indian travel players like Thomas Cook India, Kuoni Travels India, Finnair Plc, Switzerland Tourism and Tourism Fiji.
In addition to her exceptional pan-India travel network created over the years, Seema is also skilled at establishing and implementing strategies that are business driven and result-oriented. With her strong product knowledge and business development strengths, she is aptly empowered to navigate any micro or macro challenges during her tenure.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
