The Union Budget 2025 has set the stage for a transformative phase in India’s travel and tourism industry, with key initiatives focused on infrastructure development, regional connectivity, and sustainable tourism. Industry leaders have shared their perspectives on how the budget will impact various sectors of tourism and what it means for future growth.

Strengthening India's Tourism Ecosystem

Aditya Pande, Group Chief Executive Officer, InterGlobe Enterprises, sees the budget as a crucial step toward India's vision for "Viksit Bharat." He highlights the budget’s positive impact on economic growth and the tourism industry:

"This budget outlines a compelling roadmap for a Viksit Bharat. The focus on boosting consumption through targeted tax relief for the middle class, coupled with the government's commitment to streamlining tax procedures, will significantly improve ease of doing business and unlock further economic potential.

At InterGlobe Enterprises, we are particularly encouraged by the strategic investments and vision for strengthening the holistic tourism ecosystem in the country, with the development of infrastructure and focus on skilled workforce. These initiatives lay a solid foundation for sustained economic progress and a brighter future for the country.”

Boosting Adventure Tourism and Regional Connectivity

Rama Mahendru, Country General Manager – India, Intrepid Travel, applauds the government’s focus on infrastructure growth, visa reforms, and sustainable tourism. She emphasizes the role of budgetary measures in making India more accessible to global travelers:

"It's encouraging to see the Hon'ble Finance Minister's announcements take a progressive approach, aligning with the goal of growing India's infrastructure and tourism industry. Streamlined e-visa facilities and visa-fee waivers for certain tourist groups will boost inbound tourism.

The development of the top 50 tourist destinations through state partnerships will create local employment and spread tourism across the country. Additionally, the UDAN scheme will make travel more accessible, promoting both popular and emerging destinations. These initiatives are key to strengthening India's global appeal, benefiting stakeholders and enriching the travel experience.

This budget lays the foundation for a transformative path that combines infrastructure growth, sustainable tourism, and economic dynamism, with a particular focus on boosting adventure tourism in India."

Skilling and Infrastructure: A Win for the Industry

Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson of the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), highlights the budget’s commitment to regional connectivity and workforce development while addressing concerns about taxation policies and international tourism promotion:

"The 2025 Union Budget lays a strong foundation for India's travel and tourism industry, with some much-needed initiatives that will shape its future. Expanding the UDAN RCS scheme to 120 destinations and targeting 4 crore travellers is a crucial step in making regional connectivity more seamless, bringing previously overlooked destinations into the tourism mainstream. Developing 50 key tourism sites in partnership with states, along with granting infrastructure status to hotels in these destinations, is a progressive move that will boost investment, create jobs, and elevate the overall travel experience.

The focus on medical tourism under the 'Heal in India' initiative, along with streamlined visa norms and private sector collaboration, is another strong push in positioning India as a global hub for wellness and healthcare tourism. Similarly, incentives such as MUDRA loans for homestays, performance-linked incentives for states, and e-visa fee waivers for select groups will support local businesses, enhance accessibility, and attract a wider spectrum of travelers.

The announcement of five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling, including dedicated support for hotel management training, is a major win for the industry. Tourism thrives on people, and ensuring our workforce is equipped with world-class skills in hospitality, digital innovation, and sustainable tourism practices will significantly enhance service standards while creating more employment opportunities.

However, given the strides being made, it is a setback that critical concerns raised by travel service providers — such as restoring GST input credit, abolishing TCS, and granting industry status to tourism for tax benefits, have not been addressed. These measures are essential for improving ease of business, boosting liquidity, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector.

The ₹33 crore allocation for international tourism marketing, while a significant jump from last year's ₹3 crore, still pales in comparison to the ₹177 crore allocated for domestic tourism promotion. If we truly want to position India as a premier global travel destination, we need a stronger push in international branding and outreach.

This budget is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, reinforcing tourism's role as a key economic driver. But to truly unlock its potential, there is a need for more industry-centric reforms that provide long-term support and financial ease for businesses across the ecosystem."

Final Thoughts

The Union Budget 2025 has laid out a strategic framework for India's travel and tourism industry, with significant investments in regional connectivity, sustainable tourism, and workforce development. While industry leaders welcome these initiatives, they also emphasize the need for further reforms to enhance ease of doing business and global tourism branding. As India continues to position itself as a leading travel destination, sustained government support will be key to unlocking its full potential.

Ventive Hospitality Ltd is making its public debut through an Initial Public Offering (IPO), offering equity shares to the public to raise ₹1,600 crore. The company, previously known as ICC Realty (India) Private Limited, is now looking to expand its footprint by utilizing the funds raised from this offering to pay off a significant portion of its outstanding debt and address general corporate purposes.

The IPO, which opened on December 20, 2024, is set to close on December 24, 2024. The shares will be listed on the Mumbai NSE with the expected listing date of December 30, 2024. The issue price ranges from ₹610 to ₹643 per equity share, and the lot size is 23 shares. This means that the minimum investment for the IPO is ₹14,030, making it an affordable option for retail investors.

Purpose of the IPO:

The primary objective of this IPO is to reduce debt and bolster the company's capital structure for future growth. By paying off part of its borrowings, Ventive Hospitality aims to strengthen its financial position, making it more resilient in a competitive market. A portion of the funds will also be utilized for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital requirements and other operational expenses that support the company's growth strategy.

Employee Reservation Portion:

In an exciting development for employees, Ventive Hospitality has reserved a portion of the IPO for its eligible staff members. This Employee Reservation Portion allows employees to buy shares at a discounted price of ₹30 per share under the employee category, subject to necessary approvals. This initiative highlights the company’s commitment to rewarding its employees and offering them a stake in its growth.

Subscription Status:

The IPO has garnered significant attention from investors. As of now, the issue has been subscribed to 71%, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company. The healthy subscription rate indicates that there is considerable interest in the stock, suggesting a positive outlook for the listing once the shares are officially listed on the exchange.

Key Details:

• Price Band: ₹610 - ₹643 per equity share (face value ₹1 each)

• Lot Size: 23 shares

• Minimum Investment: ₹14,030

• Listing Exchange: Mumbai NSE

• Listing Date: 30th December 2024

• Issue Size: ₹1,600 crore

• Objective: Repayment of borrowings and general corporate purposes

• Employee Discount: ₹30 per share (subject to approvals)

• Employee Reservation Portion: Reserved for eligible employees

Investors should note that the price band offers a reasonable range, with the floor price being ₹610 per share and the cap price ₹643 per share. The issue is expected to contribute significantly to the company's post-issue equity base, positioning Ventive Hospitality for more ambitious business ventures.

About Ventive Hospitality Ltd:

Ventive Hospitality Ltd operates primarily in the real estate sector, with a focus on hospitality-related developments and investments. The company is committed to creating value for its stakeholders through quality projects and innovative solutions. The IPO is seen as a strategic move to enhance its financial standing and fund further expansion in the competitive hospitality market.

How to Apply:

Investors can participate in the IPO through various methods, including online platforms, brokerages, and by visiting the respective platforms offering the IPO application process. Bids can be placed for a minimum of 23 shares, and further applications can be placed in multiples of 23 shares.

The IPO has gained traction due to the company’s solid track record in the hospitality space and its promising growth potential. This, coupled with its plans to reduce debt and streamline operations, has created a buzz among investors who see this as a great opportunity to be part of Ventive Hospitality’s future journey.

For employees of the company, this IPO provides an opportunity to benefit directly from the company's growth, further solidifying the bond between the company and its workforce.

The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram has been awarded the prestigious "Best Golf Course International" title at the Global Tourism Awards, presented by Travel World Online. This significant achievement highlights the course’s dedication to offering an exceptional golfing experience amidst some of the world’s most stunning landscapes.

Known for its unique design, pristine course conditions, and natural beauty, The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram has consistently been a favorite among golf enthusiasts. This international recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion of the entire team, who have continually strived to create an unmatched golfing environment. The course’s commitment to excellence ensures that every round played at The Bluffs is both memorable and extraordinary.

The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram also extends its heartfelt thanks to its guests, whose support and enthusiasm drive the team to maintain such high standards. The resort is excited to continue welcoming golfers from around the globe to experience its award-winning greens and looks forward to many more outstanding rounds of golf in the future.

Located at the Grand Ho Tram in Vietnam, The Bluffs is celebrated not only for its world-class golf course but also for its luxurious amenities and breathtaking scenery. This award solidifies its position as a top destination for golf lovers worldwide.