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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Published on May 9, 2025
This Mother’s Day, skip the usual and celebrate with a touch of luxury—right in the comfort of your home. With Troopr, Mumbai’s revolutionary in-home service app, families can now pamper their moms with unforgettable experiences curated by top-notch professionals. Whether it's a private feast, cocktail soirée, or elegant brunch, Troopr helps create lasting memories with zero stress.
The app offers a variety of premium services that are just a tap away, including:
A Private Chef Experience: Leave the cooking to the pros! Troopr connects you with skilled chefs who whip up everything from spicy Maharashtrian thalis to creamy Italian pastas, all tailored to your mom’s taste and freshly prepared in your own kitchen.
Female Bartenders for Glamorous Toasts: Add a splash of fun and elegance with Troopr’s talented female bartenders who serve up refreshing mocktails and custom cocktails. It’s the perfect way to raise a toast to mom with style and sparkle.
Professional Servers: Enjoy the party without the usual host duties. Troopr’s servers manage everything from food and drink service to post-party clean-up, ensuring your Mother’s Day event runs like a dream.
Show-Stopping Grazing Tables: Impress your guests with an artisanal grazing table filled with cheeses, charcuterie, fresh fruits, and sweet treats. It’s an Instagram-worthy spread that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
With Troopr, planning a celebration that feels personal and luxurious is easier than ever. Simply download the app, choose your services, and create a Mother’s Day your mom will cherish forever.
Celebrate love, elegance, and effortless hosting with Troopr this Mother’s Day—and turn your home into the city’s most heartwarming celebration spot.
This Mother’s Day, step beyond traditional gifts and offer something she’ll never forget—an escape into serenity, elegance, and effortless joy. With ELIVAAS, you’re not just giving a stay—you’re giving her an experience where every moment is made for her.
Imagine your mom waking up to birdsong in the hills of Kasauli or sipping tea with a view of the serene waters in North Goa. Whether she seeks stillness or adventure, ELIVAAS’s handpicked luxury villas across India let her choose how she wants to spend her special day.
Each villa is more than a destination—it’s a retreat of warmth and wonder. With private pools, peaceful gardens, candlelit dinners, yoga sessions, and curated experiences, everything is tailored to give her the pampering she deserves.
Exclusive Villas – Ultimate privacy and space to create cherished family memories.
Unbeatable Locations – From lush hills to coastal retreats, discover hidden gems across India.
Personalized Touches – From morning yoga to surprise cake arrangements, it’s all about her.
Choose from ELIVAAS’s exquisite destinations: Alibaug | Dehradun | Delhi NCR | Jaipur | Kasauli | Lonavala | Mussoorie | Nainital | North Goa | Rishikesh | Shimla | Udaipur
Each one a canvas for memories that will last forever. Let her experience a Mother’s Day as extraordinary and beautiful as she is. Book her perfect escape now, Because she deserves nothing less than the magic of time, tranquillity, and togetherness.
Published on May 8, 2025
Muscat Grand Mall, a premier destination under the Tilal Development Company, has partnered with SRED to launch "Little India" as its new social anchor—a vibrant hub showcasing the rich diversity of Indian culture, cuisine, fashion, and heritage. This strategic move sets the stage for Indian brands looking to expand in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region, leveraging Oman’s central location and the growing demand for curated international retail experiences.
Mr. Ali Hosni, Acting CEO/General Manager of Muscat Grand Mall, shared his excitement about the initiative:
"Muscat Grand Mall has always been a canvas for innovation and cultural expression. With ‘Little India’, we are not just creating a retail space—we are creating a bridge between India and the GCC. This is an invitation for Indian brands to be part of a regional success story, backed by strong footfall, premium infrastructure, and a rising consumer base in Oman."
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Shriram PM Monga, Co-founder of SRED, emphasized the broader impact:
"‘Little India’ is more than a commercial concept—it’s a social ecosystem designed to serve the large Indian community in Oman and the wider Gulf. It’s a unique opportunity for Indian brands to plug into a culturally aligned audience, celebrate India abroad, and grow in a region that values authenticity and diversity."
The "Little India" initiative will serve as a permanent cultural anchor within Muscat Grand Mall, offering Indian brands a tailored platform to connect with both resident and tourist consumers in Oman. Fashion labels, food concepts, home décor brands, and artisanal businesses from India will now have a dedicated space to showcase their offerings to an expanding and receptive market.
SRED’s expertise in regional retail development will assist Indian brands with strategic onboarding through customized leasing programs, cultural programming, and integrated marketing initiatives to ensure their long-term success in the region.
Indian brands interested in exploring retail expansion in the GCC are encouraged to connect with representatives from Muscat Grand Mall and SRED to learn how they can be part of this unique cultural and commercial initiative.
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