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.


Radisson Hotel Group Strengthens Europe Leadership, Eyes 2026 Growth

Radisson Hotel Group Strengthens Europe Leadership, Eyes 2026 Growth

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 26, 2026

Radisson Hotel Group wrapped up 2025 on a strong note with more than 272 hotel signings and openings, further strengthening its position as an owner-focused hospitality group. The performance reflects steady growth across regions and segments, setting a solid base as the group moves into 2026.

In Europe, the group continued to lead the upper-upscale category, with Radisson Blu maintaining its position as the largest brand in this segment, present in 154 cities. The brand also held its ground in the resort space, with Radisson Blu resorts spread across 27 destinations, showing consistent demand for leisure-led travel across the continent.

The year also saw the group entering key partnerships that added to its portfolio. This includes The Medlock, a Radisson Blu Hotel at Manchester City football club’s Etihad Stadium, along with collaborations on projects like “The Butler” with the MIMCO Group and Radisson Hotel Cannes Seaside with Byron Gestion. At the same time, existing relationships remained strong, with a majority of owners continuing to invest, and 65% of them operating more than one hotel with the group.

Sustainability remained a clear focus area. Radisson Hotel Group introduced two Verified Net Zero Hotels, Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre and Radisson RED Oslo City Centre. These developments highlight the group’s push towards responsible growth while also offering long-term value for owners through environmentally conscious operations.

Commenting on the growth, Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, said, "We are grateful for the trust of our owners in our brands and our people. We create more opportunities and possibilities for our investors and guests across continents and segments, from midscale to lifestyle, luxury to resorts, and eventually crossing into alternative segments. The momentum that we achieved over the last years, alongside the competence and grit of our leadership teams, will secure more growth, resilience and opportunities in 2026 and beyond.”

On the global front, China emerged as a key growth driver, with 170 hotels signed and opened during the year, taking the pipeline close to 300 properties. Much of this growth was led by the mid- to upper mid-scale segments, especially through the expansion of Country Inn & Suites by Radisson.

India also stood out as one of the most active markets for the group. Crossing the milestone of 200 hotels in operation and under development, the country continues to play a key role in Radisson’s long-term plans, supported by strong domestic travel demand and investor confidence.

Across EMEA, the group recorded around 70 signings and openings, focusing on markets such as Southern Europe, the UK, France, Germany, and Poland. Key additions included projects in Paris, Bucharest, Egypt, Germany, and Barcelona, reflecting a balanced expansion strategy across both established and emerging destinations.

Leisure-focused growth remained a major highlight, with the group’s resort portfolio crossing 160 properties worldwide. New additions such as Atiara Ubud Bali, a Radisson Collection Resort, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Çeşme, and Radisson Collection The National Hotel in Brussels underline the rising demand for resort and urban-resort experiences.

With strong performance across regions, a focus on sustainability, and steady expansion in key markets like India and China, Radisson Hotel Group is well-positioned to carry its momentum forward into 2026.


IHCL Wins Jamnalal Bajaj Award for Fair Business Practices

IHCL Wins Jamnalal Bajaj Award for Fair Business Practices

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 26, 2026

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has received the 38th Jamnalal Bajaj Award 2025–2026 for Fair Business Practices in the Service Enterprises-Large category. The recognition highlights the company’s consistent efforts in maintaining ethical standards and responsible business conduct.

Sharing his thoughts on the achievement, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO, IHCL, said, “At IHCL, governance and ethics are fundamental to how we conduct our business and create long-term value. Guided by our ESG+ framework of Paathya, we have institutionalised transparent, accountable and fair practices across the organization and the Jamnalal Bajaj Award is a recognition of this legacy.”

The award reflects IHCL’s long-standing commitment to strong governance practices, driven by its ESG+ framework, Paathya. Through this approach, the company has built a system that focuses on transparency, accountability, and fairness across all its operations and stakeholder interactions.

The Jamnalal Bajaj Awards are presented by the Council for Fair Business Practices (CFBP), an organisation established in 1966 by noted industry leaders such as Mr. J.R.D. Tata, Mr. Ramkrishna Bajaj, Mr. Ashok Birla, Mr. Arvind Mafatlal, Mr. S. P. Godrej, Mr. Harish Mahindra, Mr. Naval Tata and others. The council works towards building trust between businesses and consumers by promoting responsible and ethical practices.

Introduced in 1989, the awards are evaluated based on key parameters including customer satisfaction, employee motivation, environmental responsibility, and corporate social responsibility. IHCL’s recognition this year underlines its balanced focus on business growth along with ethical and sustainable practices.


Kaapi Solutions Launches New Coffee Machines, Expands ‘Assembled in India’ Initiative

Kaapi Solutions Launches New Coffee Machines, Expands ‘Assembled in India’ Initiative

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 25, 2026

Kaapi Solutions has announced the launch of its new range of professional coffee machines, along with the expansion of its “Assembled in India” initiative. The move highlights the company’s focus on supporting the growing demand for quality coffee solutions across India.

The newly introduced machine portfolio includes MIRA from the House of CIME, Coffee Master 200 and CW01 from Dr Coffee, JL-37 from Jetinno, and My Espressino from the house of Kaapi Solutions. The range features espresso machines, automatic coffee machines, high performance blenders, and smart brewing systems designed for cafés, hotels, restaurants, and corporate offices.

Built with a focus on consistency, durability, and ease of use, these machines aim to help businesses scale their coffee operations with reliable and efficient equipment.

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“Our focus is to bring the best coffee machines for cafés and hospitality businesses while ensuring strong service support across India,” said Vikram Khurana, CEO at Kaapi Solutions. “This launch strengthens our position as a trusted partner for coffee machine solutions, barista training, and café consulting.”

As part of this expansion, Kaapi Solutions is also strengthening its “Assembled in India” initiative. Under this, select espresso machines and commercial coffee equipment will be assembled locally, helping improve after-sales service, faster installation, and easier maintenance. It also ensures better availability of spare parts and technical support.

By combining global technology with local assembly, the company aims to offer cost-effective solutions, reduce downtime, and meet the needs of India’s fast-growing coffee market.

Along with equipment, Kaapi Solutions also offers barista training programs, SCA-certified coffee training, and complete café setup consulting, supporting businesses in building and growing their coffee operations.

With this launch and initiative, Kaapi Solutions continues to strengthen its role in shaping India’s coffee ecosystem through a mix of equipment, training, and service support.

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