Budget 2026 Expectations: Hospitality Leaders Share Views Ahead of February 1

Budget 2026 Expectations: Hospitality Leaders Share Views Ahead of February 1

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 1, 2026

With the Union Budget 2026 scheduled for 1st February, voices from the hospitality, travel, and premium lifestyle sectors are sharing their expectations from the upcoming budget. Industry leaders believe the budget presents an important opportunity to strengthen India’s post-pandemic tourism recovery while addressing long-standing structural challenges.

Dr Vikas Katoch, Founder and CEO of Adotrip, noted that India’s travel and tourism industry continues to show strong momentum, driven by rising disposable incomes, better connectivity, and growing interest in domestic, international, and luxury travel. He highlighted that one of the key expectations from Budget 2026 is the rationalisation of the GST framework for the travel and hospitality sector.

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According to him, the existing GST structure remains fragmented and cost-intensive in certain areas, impacting both consumer pricing and business margins. A more unified and streamlined tax framework could improve affordability for travellers, encourage higher spending, and create healthier competition, while also enabling companies to reinvest in service quality, technology, and product development.

He further emphasised the need to simplify regulatory compliance, particularly for startups, boutique hotels, and regional properties that currently face complex approval and reporting processes. Dr Katoch shared that the Budget for 2026 must focus on streamlining regulatory systems, including one-window approvals, to allow businesses to concentrate on innovation, expansion, and geographic development.

Access to credit remains another key concern for the travel and tourism industry. Despite its strong potential to generate employment, boost regional development, and contribute to GDP, the sector, largely dominated by MSMEs, continues to face challenges in securing affordable financial support. Dr Katoch suggested that the Union Budget should look at improving credit accessibility through measures such as inclusion under priority sector lending. Improved access to finance could support expansion into new tourism circuits and niche segments such as eco-tourism, wellness tourism, adventure tourism, and heritage tourism.

Speaking on luxury travel, Dr Katoch pointed out that demand for heritage stays, personalised experiences, and ultra-luxury travel is growing rapidly in India. He stressed that continued investment in infrastructure, road connectivity, cleanliness, and air connectivity would help India attract high-spending international visitors as well as discerning domestic travellers. He added that strengthening this segment would not only enhance India’s global positioning but also generate significant employment across the travel ecosystem. He concluded by stating that continued government support for sustainable tourism, heritage circuits, and domestic travel promotion in Budget 2026 could unlock higher economic value, inclusive growth, and employment through tourism.

Sharing views from the premium beverage segment, Aman Swetta, Cofounder of Cristal Azul, highlighted that the imported alcobev sector is seeking clarity and consistency rather than concessions from the upcoming budget. He said, “As the Union Budget approaches, the imported alcobev sector is looking less for concessions and more for clarity, consistency, and transparency.”

He explained that imported spirits currently operate under a fragmented framework, with central tariffs and state-level excise structures varying widely. According to him, greater standardisation of duties and clearer classification norms would improve price predictability, compliance, and ease of doing business for both international brands and Indian partners. He also welcomed recent progress in trade discussions with the European Union, including proposed tariff rationalisation on certain alcoholic beverages, and suggested that similar balanced engagement with other producing regions such as Mexico could further align India with global best practices.

Aman Swetta added that tequila is seeing growing interest in India’s urban markets, driven by premiumisation and lifestyle shifts. He noted that consumers are increasingly seeking transparency in provenance, ingredients, and production, favouring well-regulated and quality-led categories. From a Budget 2026 perspective, he emphasised that policy coherence across tariffs, state duties, and taxation mechanisms, along with predictable regulatory processes, would support responsible sector growth while ensuring sustained government revenue and wider consumer choice.


Stone Water by Zuper Opens Bali-Inspired Resort in Karjat

Stone Water by Zuper Opens Bali-Inspired Resort in Karjat

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2026

Set amidst flowing river waters and open natural surroundings, Stone Water by Zuper has officially opened its doors, introducing a fresh destination escape near Mumbai. Designed as a Bali-inspired retreat, the resort blends nature, thoughtful architecture, luxury living, and recreation, positioning itself as a standout hospitality offering in Karjat.

The resort features 126 well-designed rooms spread across five distinctive categories, each created to offer a close connection with nature while maintaining modern comfort. Options range from The Whispering Brook, an earth-sheltered stay opening to sweeping river views, to The Cascade Private Pool Cottages, where warm lights glow through surrounding forest greens. Guests can also choose Silver Spring Pool Access rooms with direct pool entry, or the TwinLeaf Pool Cottage, ideal for families and groups seeking private poolside stays.

Dining is a key highlight at the property. A signature restaurant set beside a legacy old banyan tree offers relaxed open-air dining, while a stylish café and bar caters to casual indulgence. Adding to the experience is a boho-inspired pool bar overlooking the river, creating a lively yet laid-back setting for evenings with handcrafted cocktails. For events and celebrations, the resort offers two indoor banquet halls, a poolside lawn, and a large river-facing lawn designed for weddings, social gatherings, and grand occasions.

One of the resort’s most anticipated features is its upcoming exclusive river canopies, positioned right in the middle of the flowing river. These private spaces promise a rare stay experience, surrounded by panoramic views and the calming sound of water, making them truly one of a kind in the region.

Recreation is equally well thought out, with facilities including pickleball courts, paddle courts, bowling alleys, and other activity zones. The mix of leisure, adventure, and social spaces allows guests to strike the right balance between relaxation and energy-filled experiences.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Ajay Badekar, Director of Stone Water by Zuper, said, "This is how dreams turn into reality. Stone Water Resort & Spa is a sanctuary of peace and serenity where guests can create their own moments rather than wait for someone else to make them. This is where nature and design co-exist in absolute harmony & it is not just a destination, but an experience designed to be cherished for a lifetime."

The property is managed by Zuper Hotels & Resorts, a well-known name in Maharashtra’s resort and boutique hospitality space. With over 14 years of experience, Zuper manages premium properties across the state and plays an active role in weddings, corporate events, and large-scale celebrations.

With its layered pools, river-centric design, luxury stays, and vibrant lifestyle offerings, Stone Water by Zuper marks a new chapter in experiential hospitality near Mumbai, offering guests an escape that feels immersive, refreshing, and memorable.


Suba Hotels Limited Strengthens Click Hotels Presence with Three New Signings

Suba Hotels Limited Strengthens Click Hotels Presence with Three New Signings

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2026

Suba Hotels Limited has announced the addition of three new properties under its popular Click Hotels brand. The newly signed hotels will be located in Hyderabad, Ujjain, and Visakhapatnam. With these signings, the company now manages a total of 35 hotels under the Click Hotels portfolio.

Sharing his thoughts on the expansion, Managing Director Mansur Mehta said, "Our brand Click Hotels has been gaining a lot of popularity and acceptance with both guests and owners. We are extremely happy with the response, and the entire team at Suba Hotels will strive hard to ensure that the Click Hotels brand receives more recognition and accolades from everyone."

Commenting on the milestone, CEO Mubeen Mehta congratulated the team and said, "I congratulate the entire team on such a wonderful achievement. It truly shows the utmost commitment of the team. Such results are possible due to dedicated teamwork." He further added that this growth reflects the steady and fast-paced expansion of the Suba Group.

Providing more details about the newly signed properties, VP Operations Abinash Ashok said, "The Click Hotel, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, is a 48-room property and is being developed in association with Multiverse Hotels. The Click Hotel, Ujjain, comprises 53 rooms, and The Click Hotel, Visakhapatnam, is a 32-room hotel developed in association with Abhiram Hotels & Resorts and Indus Group."

Suba Hotels is among India’s largest and fastest-growing domestic hotel chains in the mid-market space. The company operates across upscale, upper midscale, midscale, and economy segments. With a strong presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, Suba Hotels continues to grow through smart market strategies, an asset-light approach, and a focus on delivering quality guest experiences at accessible price points.


United Hospitality Management India expands portfolio with Garner Bhidawi

United Hospitality Management India expands portfolio with Garner Bhidawi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 24, 2026

United Hospitality Management (UHM), a global leader in luxury and mixeduse hospitality management, has entered into a franchise agreement with IHG Hotels & Resorts for Garner Bhidawi. This signing forms a key part of UHM’s ambi;ous growth plans in India and follows its recent acquisition of the boutique brand Rosastays.

United Hospitality Management – India will manage the 45-key hotel, which is scheduled to open in 2027. The property, to developed by Modest Structures Private Limited, will offer modern rooms suited for both short and extended stays, focusing on delivering quality hospitality at an accessible price point. With this addition, Garner Bhidawi becomes the fourth Garner brand property in India. Garner is a midscale conversion brand that prioritises comfort and meaningful experiences.

UHM formally entered the Indian market in Q4 2025 through the acquisition of Rosastays. This move significantly strengthened the group’s footprint in the country, adding 17 opera;onal proper;es across key leisure destinations including Goa, Kasauli, Nainital, Pushkar, and Shimla.

Commenting on the development, Deepika Arora, Managing Director, United Hospitality Management – India, said:

“Our focus in India is on building a diversified and future-ready hospitality portfolio through strategic partnerships and disciplined management. The addi;on of Garner Bhiwadi strengthens our presence in emerging industrial and business corridors, while allowing us to apply United Hospitality Management's opera;onal exper;se to a format that delivers strong owner returns and consistent guest experiences.

As we expand following our entry into the Indian market, we are selectively identifying locations where professional management, global brand systems and local market understanding can collectively unlock long-term value. Garner Bhiwadi reflects this approach and reinforces our commitment to scaling thoughtfully across key growth markets.”

With more than 30 years of exper;se and over USD 1 billion in assets under management, UHM oversees a growing global portfolio across Europe and the Middle East. Its portfolio includes partnerships with global brands such as Marriott, Accor, Hyatt, and Wyndham, along with its own lifestyle ecosystem featuring over 20 specialty food and beverage brands and the award-winning wellness brand, ‘Serenity – The Art of Well Being’.

IHG’s newest midscale conversion brand, Garner, builds on the group’s leadership in the midscale segment. It offers quality stays at an accessible price point, designed around relaxed and flexible experiences. Garner is aimed at value-conscious travellers who priori;se comfort and meaningful experiences, supported by IHG’s global enterprise systems and rewards programme.

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