Boosting India's Hospitality Sector: A Look at Budget Policies in 2024

Boosting India's Hospitality Sector: A Look at Budget Policies in 2024

By Author

Published on January 8, 2024

India, a land of diverse landscapes and cultural wonders, has long been a sought-after destination for both leisure and business travelers. The travel and hospitality industry, although impacted by the recent pandemic, is making a robust comeback, presenting significant growth potential for the Indian economy. With a focus on boosting this sector, the Union Budget 2023 laid the groundwork by investing in infrastructure, including airports, railways, roads, and waterways, enhancing last-mile connectivity to remote destinations.

The Hotel Association of India's recent report predicts substantial growth for the Indian hotel market, projecting a contribution of $1,504 billion to the country's GDP by 2047, up from $65 billion in 2022. This growth, however, necessitates strategic government interventions to bridge the gap between room supply and demand.

The industry has long advocated for tax rationalization, incentives, and easier access to finance, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. One critical concern is the restructuring of indirect taxes, especially the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on hotel tariffs and restaurant services within hotels. A reduction in the current GST rate of 18% to a globally competitive rate of 12% is seen as crucial for the global competitiveness of Indian hotels.

image

Aligning with tax benchmarks observed in competitor countries like Singapore and Thailand, where hotel taxes range between 5-7%, would position India as an attractive destination, especially for inbound travel. Additionally, according hotels the status of an infrastructure industry, similar to highways and ports, could incentivize local investments and reduce operational costs for hotels.

To foster a conducive environment for hotel growth, streamlining the approval process is essential. Reducing the number of licenses and creating a single-window system for approvals would expedite hotel projects and operations. This move aims to cut down on the time and costs associated with acquiring licenses.

Furthermore, investing in skill development within the tourism workforce is crucial for delivering high-quality services. Government support for skill development initiatives ensures direct and indirect employment opportunities, enhancing the overall quality of the sector.

Encouraging sustainable practices within the tourism sector is imperative for preserving India's natural and cultural heritage. Allocating funds to promote eco-friendly accommodations and tourist sites aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, fostering long-term preservation and positive engagement with conscious travelers.

Leveraging the vast potential of hotels can contribute significantly to job creation, economic growth, and the realization of India's vision for 2047 – a 'New India.'


From Hospitality Heritage to Retail Hotspots: NCR Malls Ride High on H1 2025 Footfall

From Hospitality Heritage to Retail Hotspots: NCR Malls Ride High on H1 2025 Footfall

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 19, 2025

The first half of 2025 has seen an impressive rise in footfall across the National Capital Region's leading malls. From luxury retail to street-style heritage, and from lifestyle destinations to modern entertainment hubs, these malls have emerged as more than just shopping spaces—they’re cultural and experiential hotspots.

Ambience Malls: Curated Luxury Meets Everyday Delight

image

Both Ambience Malls in Vasant Kunj and Gurugram have recorded a 10% rise in footfall compared to the same period in 2024. According to Arjun Gehlot, Director, this growth is the result of a carefully curated brand mix and consistent innovation in guest experience.

In Gurgaon, the addition of brands like Dior, JJ Valaya, Lego, True Religion, and Kalyan Jewellers has expanded the mall’s premium and family-friendly footprint. Meanwhile, Vasant Kunj welcomed PF Chang’s, Blue Tokai, New Balance, and Domino’s, blending global dining with casual fashion and everyday favourites. Together, these additions are positioning Ambience as a space for both indulgence and accessibility.

Omaxe Chowk: Old Delhi’s Soul in a Modern Shell

image

Bringing order to the charming chaos of Chandni Chowk, Omaxe Chowk continues to gain momentum by modernising heritage retail. Executive Director Jatin Goel says their success comes from "respecting traditional shopping culture while offering modern conveniences."

New launches in 2025 include House of Surya, Twamev, PALMONAS, Khan Baba, KD Salon, and more—each contributing to a rich mix of ethnic fashion, regional food, and wellness. Anchors like Tanishq, Kalyan Jewellers, Imperfecto Mehfil, and Ghoomar remain crowd-pullers, enhancing the mall’s appeal among families and culturally curious tourists.

Vegas Mall, Dwarka: A Full Lifestyle Ecosystem

image

Vegas Mall in Dwarka has expanded significantly in H1 2025 with an intentional focus on fashion, wellness, and lifestyle experiences.
According to Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President, their goal is to create a “lifestyle ecosystem” where every visit feels immersive.

Recent additions include Bewakoof, Libas, AND, Being Human, and Centre for Sight, making the mall a well-rounded destination for shopping, dining, and wellness—all under one roof.

Gaur City Mall: Premium Retail in Greater Noida West

image

Positioned as the go-to lifestyle hub for Greater Noida West, Gaur City Mall is redefining destination shopping. With eight major jewellery stores including Candere by Kalyan and CaratLane, it has firmly staked its claim as a jewellery hotspot.

The addition of Van Heusen Women, Libas, Theobroma, Starbucks, and the soon-to-launch Funcity enhances the mall’s family-friendly image. As Sarthak Gaur, Director, Gaurs Group, shares, “We’re creating more than a shopping centre—we’re building a community destination.”

What’s Driving This Footfall Surge?

  • Balanced brand mix: Premium, mass, and experiential

  • Dining & entertainment: A focus beyond retail

  • Cultural relevance: Especially evident in malls like Omaxe Chowk

  • Accessibility: Catchment areas are expanding

  • Repeat engagement: Via events, promotions, and seasonal campaigns

Looking Ahead: Festive-Ready for H2 2025

With the festive and wedding seasons around the corner, these malls are gearing up for even stronger footfall and premium brand launches. The focus remains on curating holistic, culturally connected experiences—where shopping meets community, tradition meets innovation, and every visit brings something new.


Global Investors Flock to ROMM Convent’s Rare Wellness Penthouses in Bangkok

Global Investors Flock to ROMM Convent’s Rare Wellness Penthouses in Bangkok

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 6, 2025

Bangkok’s luxury real estate scene just got hotter. Proud Real Estate has unveiled a rare opportunity for global investors with the release of two duplex sky penthouses at the award-winning ROMM Convent in the city’s prestigious Sathorn-Silom CBD. These homes are more than just residences—they're a bold blend of wellness, luxury, and investment value.

Spanning 418–467 sqm with soaring 6.45-meter ceilings and private rooftop gardens, these penthouses are the only units of their kind at ROMM Convent. With panoramic views of Bangkok’s skyline and wellness-focused design backed by a 2-Star Fitwel certification, they are already turning heads among discerning investors. Rental yields range from 4% to 5.8%, with capital gains between 3% and 5.4% annually, making this a standout asset in Southeast Asia's fast-rising property market.

A Crown Jewel in Bangkok's Wellness Real Estate
ROMM Convent has already earned accolades from the Asia Pacific Property Awards and PropertyGuru, including Best Wellness Residences Development and Best Architectural Design. This reputation, combined with wellness-integrated amenities and smart home systems, positions the development at the forefront of lifestyle investments.

Residents enjoy world-class features such as:

  • A private rooftop garden visible from both living and bedroom spaces

  • Full-height glass windows with cityscape views including MahaNakhon and One Bangkok

  • Gourmet kitchen with an Ice Jade island, Gorenje ORA ITO appliances, and a 46-bottle wine cellar

  • Walnut wood flooring, stone-clad kitchens, and luxury bathroom fittings

  • Four bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a multi-use space for entertainment or work

image

Health Meets Hospitality

ROMM Convent takes luxury a step further with health-first services. Residents enjoy access to a 24/7 Health Butler Concierge, exclusive VVIP privileges at BNH Hospital and BeDee by BDMS, and six levels of wellness amenities designed for mind-body well-being. Its 2-Star Fitwel Certification marks it as one of Bangkok’s few health-optimized luxury addresses.

Strong Market, Limited Availability

Bangkok’s luxury market has grown consistently, with large-format residences in prime districts witnessing rising demand from international buyers. With foreign quotas nearing capacity, Proud Real Estate has introduced a limited-time Early Investor Package—available until June 30, 2025. This includes bespoke layout customization and access to premium healthcare services, adding more weight to its already strong value proposition.

Attractive Entry Point in Prime Bangkok

Priced from THB 290,000 per sq.m., the duplex sky penthouses offer compelling value compared to global luxury capitals. Investors gain not only a home but also a globally benchmarked lifestyle, tailored wellness services, and a strategic long-term asset in one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.

A Final Call to Wellness-Led Luxury

As Bangkok’s skyline evolves and demand for wellness-integrated living surges, ROMM Convent’s duplex penthouses stand at the intersection of legacy, luxury, and long-term investment. With only two units available, this is a unique moment for global investors to secure a foothold in Thailand’s most exclusive wellness residence.

For more details, visit Proud Real Estate or call +662-026-8999.


HUMAN MADE Implements Centric PLM to Fuel Global Growth

HUMAN MADE Implements Centric PLM to Fuel Global Growth

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 5, 2025

HUMAN MADE Inc., the parent company of the renowned Japanese lifestyle brand HUMAN MADE, has successfully rolled out Centric PLM™ to enhance its product development process and support long-term revenue growth. The move reflects the brand’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and scaling operations in the dynamic world of fashion retail.

Launched in 2010 by designer and cultural icon NIGO, HUMAN MADE is best known for its philosophy—"The Future Is In The Past"—which blends nostalgic American casualwear with craftsmanship-driven design. Drawing from NIGO’s extensive vintage archives, the brand has created a distinct aesthetic that bridges workwear, military, outdoor, and sportswear influences.

In its search for a solution to manage growing complexities in product development and supply chain processes, HUMAN MADE Inc. selected Centric Software’s Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) platform. The platform’s apparel-specific capabilities, intuitive interface, and global reputation for successful deployment made it the ideal fit.

“We are excited about the successful PLM rollout with HUMAN MADE Inc. and the impressive results they have achieved to date,” said Fabrice Canonge, President of Centric Software. “We look forward to a lasting partnership and supporting the brand’s continued success and global growth.”

Centric PLM is designed to help lifestyle brands plan, design, source, and sell products more efficiently—delivering not just operational streamlining, but also greater speed to market and improved cross-team collaboration. For HUMAN MADE, this digital transformation initiative signals a strategic step forward in navigating today’s competitive global fashion landscape.

As HUMAN MADE expands its presence and evolves its offerings, the PLM integration will play a key role in maintaining the brand's high standards of quality, creativity, and craftsmanship while enhancing efficiency and adaptability.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.