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.


CaratLane Brings Treasure Chest Jewellery Savings Plan to PhonePe

CaratLane Brings Treasure Chest Jewellery Savings Plan to PhonePe

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 20, 2026

CaratLane, A TATA Product and one of India’s leading omnichannel jewellery brands, has announced the launch of its popular Treasure Chest jewellery savings plan on the PhonePe app. With this move, CaratLane becomes the first Indian jewellery brand to offer a dedicated savings scheme on the PhonePe platform, opening a new digital pathway for planned jewellery buying for millions of users. The CaratLane Treasure Chest on PhonePe has been available for enrolment starting from January.

This integration significantly expands CaratLane’s reach, combining its retail presence across all 28 states and union territories with PhonePe’s user base of over 650 million. Through the PhonePe app, users can now seamlessly enrol in the Treasure Chest scheme, making structured jewellery savings more accessible, flexible, and convenient.

Treasure Chest is CaratLane’s jewellery savings plan that allows customers to make monthly contributions over a fixed tenure. Under the scheme, customers pay nine instalments and receive the tenth instalment as a benefit from CaratLane, offering the popular “9 equals 10” advantage. At the end of the tenure, the accumulated amount can be redeemed for jewellery, with additional benefits, either online or at any CaratLane store.

Commenting on the launch, Saumen Bhaumik, Managing Director, CaratLane, said, “Jewellery is often a planned purchase, especially the kind CaratLane is known for, designed for everyday wear across work, travel, and celebrations. By bringing Treasure Chest to PhonePe, we are enabling millions of customers to plan and save for the jewellery they truly aspire to own, while enjoying the flexibility to shop both online and in-store.”

Sharing her views on the partnership, Niharika Saigal, Head of InApp Categories, Consumer Payments, PhonePe, said that the integration is aimed at offering users a convenient and structured way to save for jewellery. She added that the collaboration simplifies the jewellery-buying journey by providing a seamless and secure platform for customers to plan their aspirations.

By hosting Treasure Chest on PhonePe, CaratLane enables customers to begin their jewellery journey digitally while retaining access to its extensive physical store network. The integration is also expected to encourage early planning for the festive buying season, including Dhanteras, helping customers adopt a more disciplined and rewarding approach to jewellery purchases.


Neworld Developers Onboards Cane-line as Luxury Living Partner for Northern Hills

Neworld Developers Onboards Cane-line as Luxury Living Partner for Northern Hills

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 20, 2026

Neworld Developers has onboarded Cane-line, the globally celebrated Danish design brand, as the Luxury Living Partner for Northern Hills, its flagship luxury residential development. The association introduces internationally recognised Scandinavian design sensibilities to Northern India’s evolving luxury housing landscape.

The onboarding marks a strategic milestone in Neworld Developers’ vision to create residences that extend beyond architectural excellence into thoughtfully curated lifestyle environments. Cane-line’s expertise in contemporary indoor and outdoor living will be seamlessly integrated across Northern Hills’ shared spaces, lifestyle zones, and experiential areas, reinforcing a refined and globally benchmarked living experience.

Rooted in Scandinavian design philosophy, Cane-line is known for its strong focus on comfort, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. The brand’s design approach balances aesthetics with functionality, resulting in spaces that are understated, enduring, and intuitively livable. This collaboration reflects a shared alignment between both brands on quality-driven design, long-term value creation, and environments that prioritise everyday living over visual excess.

Northern Hills has been envisioned as a holistic lifestyle destination where design plays a central role rather than a decorative one. Cane-line’s curated furniture concepts will define key communal lounges, landscaped outdoor areas, and indoor–outdoor transition spaces, ensuring continuity between private residences and shared environments while enhancing the overall sensory experience of the development.

Commenting on the development, Sunil Sisodiya, Founder and Chairman, Neworld Developers, said that onboarding Cane-line reinforces the brand’s commitment to partnering with globally respected design leaders who bring authentic value to residential living. He noted that the association strengthens Northern Hills’ positioning as a project that is internationally inspired while remaining aligned with the evolving preferences of India’s luxury homebuyers.

For Cane-line, the partnership represents an opportunity to extend its design ethos into one of the region’s most discerning residential developments. The collaboration aligns with the brand’s focus on longevity, thoughtful planning, and design integrity in spaces meant for everyday living.

The onboarding further adds to Northern Hills’ growing ecosystem of collaborators across architecture, wellness, certification, and financial services. As the project progresses, the inclusion of Cane-line underscores Neworld Developers’ intent to set a new benchmark for luxury residential living, blending global design excellence with carefully curated lifestyle experiences.


PHA and KPMA Sign MoU at Housekeeping Synergy 3.0 in Bengaluru

PHA and KPMA Sign MoU at Housekeeping Synergy 3.0 in Bengaluru

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 20, 2026

In a move aimed at strengthening industry collaboration and improving hygiene standards, the Professional Housekeepers Association (PHA) and the Karnataka Pest Management Association (KPMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding during a knowledge-sharing programme titled Housekeeping Synergy 3.0. The event was held at Hotel Ramanashree, Bengaluru, on 17th January 2026.

The MoU establishes a strategic partnership between the two associations, focusing on collaboration, knowledge exchange, training initiatives, and the promotion of best practices. The objective is to create cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environments across hospitality, healthcare, commercial, and institutional spaces.

The programme was attended by Mr. PK Mohankumar, Founder & CEO – Turnstone Hospitality LLP, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and appreciated the relevance of the initiative. Addressing the gathering, he said, “Cleanliness and safety are no longer isolated functions; they are interdependent responsibilities. This MoU between the Professional Housekeepers Association and the Karnataka Pest Management Association reflects a progressive mindset and sets a benchmark for collaborative efforts that will benefit the industry and society at large.”

One of the key highlights of the event was a panel discussion titled ‘Power of Collaboration: Redefining Clean and Safe Environments through Housekeeping and Pest Management Synergy’, moderated by Mr. Virender Razdan, Founder & CEO – Incode Hotels & Hospitality. Industry experts shared insights on integrated approaches, regulatory compliance, innovation, and the importance of coordination between housekeeping and pest management teams.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Ravichandra V, President – Karnataka Pest Management Association, said, “This MoU is a milestone for our association. By aligning closely with housekeeping professionals, we can jointly develop holistic solutions that address hygiene, safety, and preventive care more effectively. Collaboration is the future, and this partnership is a step in that direction.”

Sharing her perspective, Mrs. Jayashree Nagaraj, Founder President and Chairperson – Professional Housekeepers Association, said, “Housekeeping today goes beyond aesthetics, it is about health, safety, and sustainability. Partnering with KPMA allows us to create stronger frameworks, shared learning platforms, and unified standards that will elevate the profession and deliver greater value to stakeholders. We should start with renaming the concept of ‘vendors’ into the realm of partnerships and equal stakeholders!”

Housekeeping Synergy 3.0 saw participation from senior housekeeping professionals, pest management experts, solution providers, and industry stakeholders. The MoU is expected to lead to joint training programmes, workshops, awareness initiatives, and industry advocacy, strengthening the overall ecosystem of facility hygiene and safety management.

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