Hospitality Leaders Applaud Union Budget 2025's Boost for Tourism & Innovation

Hospitality Leaders Applaud Union Budget 2025's Boost for Tourism & Innovation

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 5, 2025

The Union Budget 2025 has set the stage for significant advancements in India's hospitality and tourism sectors. Industry leaders have expressed optimism about the budget’s strategic focus on tourism infrastructure, enhanced connectivity, and skill development initiatives that are expected to elevate India's global standing as a prime travel destination.

Strengthening Tourism & Hospitality Infrastructure

Mr. Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & MD of Cygnett Hotels and Resorts, welcomed the government’s emphasis on tourism, particularly the development of 50 key destinations under challenge mode. He highlighted how initiatives such as streamlined e-visas and visa-free access for select tourist groups will boost international footfall. He also appreciated the inclusion of new hotels in these destinations in the Infrastructure Harmonized List (HML), allowing hospitality investors to access infrastructure lending under more favorable terms.

“The move to include new hotels in the HML will provide easier access to larger funds through External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs), enabling greater expansion and modernization in the hospitality sector,” said Mr. Sarkar.

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Additionally, he noted the positive impact of the government's modified UDAN scheme, which aims to strengthen connectivity to 120 new destinations, particularly focusing on the northeastern region’s helipad development. The enhanced connectivity will unlock untapped tourism potential, further promoting India’s cultural and historical sites.

Hospitality Industry’s Growth Prospects

Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. K Syama Raju, President of the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), emphasized the budget’s role in developing top tourism destinations in partnership with state governments. He lauded the decision to grant Infrastructure Status to hotels in these areas, which will facilitate long-term, cost-effective financing and improve hospitality standards.

“The inclusion of hotels in the harmonious master list aligns with our long-standing request for Infrastructure Status, allowing access to lower-cost funding for hospitality expansion,” said Mr. Raju.

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Another major highlight was the focus on medical and wellness tourism through the 'Heal-in-India' initiative. With India already being a global leader in affordable, high-quality medical treatments, this initiative is set to attract more international patients, strengthening the country’s healthcare tourism sector.

The government’s focus on religious tourism was also well received. Enhancing infrastructure at key pilgrimage sites is expected to create more organized and accessible travel experiences for both domestic and international visitors. Additionally, the visa fee waivers and simplified e-visa options will further support inbound tourism growth.

Support for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Innovation and entrepreneurship were also key focus areas in the budget, receiving praise from Mr. Sanandan Sudhir, Founder and CEO of On2Cook. He highlighted the government’s Rs 20,000 crore allocation to promote innovation and the introduction of a fund of funds for next-generation entrepreneurs as pivotal measures for fostering global capabilities in India.

“We appreciate the introduction of the National Framework for promoting innovation in tier 2 cities and the proposal for Centres of Excellence in AI for Education. These initiatives, coupled with the Bharat Trade Net platform to enhance international trade, will play a crucial role in positioning India as a global innovation hub,” said Mr. Sudhir.

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However, he also urged the government to reconsider the current tax regime and introduce lower GST rates for sustainable, globally patented products. He further suggested subsidizing international certification costs to ease export market entry for startups.

The Road Ahead

Overall, the Union Budget 2025 has been met with enthusiasm from the hospitality and innovation sectors. With targeted infrastructure investments, enhanced connectivity, and policy support for tourism and entrepreneurship, industry leaders believe these measures will position India as a premier global destination for travelers, businesses, and investors alike.


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.


King Koil and Palaniappa electronics Elevate Hotel Bedding Standards

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 23, 2026

A memorable hotel stay begins with restful sleep. King Koil, one of the world’s most trusted hospitality mattress brands, helps hotels deliver consistent comfort backed by more than a century of global bedding expertise. With millions of hotel rooms furnished worldwide, the brand is built to meet the expectations of guests, GMs, and housekeeping teams alike. Through Palaniappa electronics, hotels can access these reliable and long-lasting sleep solutions.

King Koil mattresses are designed to provide proper back support, pressure relief, and undisturbed sleep. In simple terms, guests can sleep peacefully without tossing, turning, or being disturbed by movement from the other side of the bed. Advanced spring systems and carefully layered comfort materials help absorb motion, reduce noise, and maintain shape even after years of use. For guests, this means waking up refreshed. For hotels, it leads to stronger reviews and repeat bookings.

Unlike retail mattresses meant for homes, King Koil hospitality mattresses are built for high-occupancy usage. They are designed to retain firmness and comfort over a long life cycle, helping hotels reduce replacement frequency and overall ownership costs. With durable construction, fire-retardant fabrics, and dependable warranties, they are suitable for business, premium, and luxury properties.

Rollaway beds are often an area where guest expectations fall short. King Koil addresses this by offering the same comfort-grade mattress used on regular beds for its rollaway beds as well. This ensures that extra guests receive the same level of comfort, avoiding dissatisfaction. The rollaway units are sturdy, easy to handle, and suitable for repeated use without compromising on sleep quality.

A good mattress also needs a strong foundation. King Koil platform bed bases are built to provide a stable and noise-free base that enhances mattress life and sleep quality. Made with durable materials and precise sizing, they support housekeeping efficiency during cleaning and room turnover while reducing wear and tear.

Each King Koil mattress is customized according to the exact measurements provided by architects or interior designers. This ensures a perfect fit with bed frames and room layouts, avoiding gaps or last-minute adjustments and maintaining brand standards.

Many King Koil models are designed for one-side usage, reducing the need for frequent flipping. This makes daily operations easier for housekeeping teams, lowers physical strain, and helps rooms remain guest-ready at all times. For management teams, this translates into smoother operations and predictable maintenance cycles.

With earning of valuable customers and diverse brands through providing best in class products, Palaniappa electronics is the name of trust built by long years in business, delivering quality products, state of the art technology for ever evolving hospitality, and on time assistance and delivery.

For property owners, King Koil represents a long-term investment in durability and brand reputation. For GMs, it supports improved guest satisfaction scores. For executive housekeepers, it offers practicality and ease of management.

King Koil does not simply provide mattresses; it delivers dependable sleep experiences that guests remember, and Palaniappa electronics continues to bring such trusted solutions to the hospitality industry.

For more details, contact Palaniappa Electronics | Mr. Muthu at 9003045685 or muthu@palaniappagroup.com.


Mahindra Holidays Expands Portfolio with New Jim Corbett Resort

Mahindra Holidays Expands Portfolio with New Jim Corbett Resort

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 22, 2026

Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited (MHRIL), India’s leading leisure hospitality company, has announced the launch of Club Mahindra Nadiya Parao Resort in Jim Corbett, further strengthening its footprint in Uttarakhand. This marks the brand’s second resort in the region, reinforcing its focus on expanding across high-demand leisure destinations.

The launch is part of the company’s accelerated expansion strategy and aligns with its ambition to become India’s #1 leisure hospitality player. The growth plan is driven by steady resort additions, portfolio premiumisation, and disciplined capital allocation. With Jim Corbett emerging as one of India’s most preferred destinations for immersive, nature-led travel, the new property adds depth to the brand’s presence in the region.

The addition of Club Mahindra Nadiya Parao Resort supports MHRIL’s near-term goal of adding 1,000 rooms by FY26 and contributes to its longer-term vision of scaling to 10,000 keys under Club M and 12,000 keys overall by FY30.

Commenting on the launch, Manoj Bhat, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited, said, “Our ambition is to lead leisure hospitality in India, with families at the heart of everything we do. The launch of Nadiya Parao is another step forward in our expansion journey, in a destination where demand is strong and growing. As we expand, we’re not just adding resorts; we’re delivering superior experience, sharpening execution, and building for the future”.

Spread across approximately 10 acres, the 57-room resort blends premium leisure stays with extensive event infrastructure. The property features large landscaped lawns, a banquet hall, and riverfront access, allowing it to cater to a wide range of guests. From holidaying families to destination weddings and corporate offsites, the resort is designed to serve multiple demand segments within a single asset.

With this launch, Club Mahindra continues to strengthen its portfolio while responding to the growing demand for experiential and nature-centric travel across India.

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