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.


Ambience Mall Gurugram Elevates Luxury Home Décor with OMA’s Largest Store in NCR

Ambience Mall Gurugram Elevates Luxury Home Décor with OMA’s Largest Store in NCR

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 17, 2025

Ambience Mall Gurugram has elevated its luxury home décor offerings with the opening of OMA’s first-ever store in the city. Spread across an impressive 10,615 sq. ft., the new outlet is OMA’s largest retail destination in Delhi-NCR and has been designed as a walk-through luxury home that brings together timeless design, global influences and everyday elegance.

The new store marks a significant step in OMA’s journey to bring elevated living closer to modern Indian homes. With a strong focus on craftsmanship, refined detailing and immersive retail experiences, the brand chose Gurugram as a natural destination, given the city’s growing base of design-forward consumers and premium residential developments.

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Moving beyond traditional retail formats, the OMA store has been thoughtfully designed as an inspirational space. Customers can explore distinct zones dedicated to décor, tabletop, bedding, bath, fragrances and home styling accents. Each section is curated to create a visual narrative that highlights craftsmanship, emotion and the art of gifting.

Commenting on the launch, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said, “Our vision at Ambience Mall has always been to bring meaningful, design-led experiences to our visitors, and OMA's entry perfectly aligns with that philosophy. As the largest store in Delhi-NCR, it adds a refreshing, elevated dimension to our premium retail mix by blending craftsmanship, storytelling, and everyday luxury. We believe this opening will resonate deeply with homeowners, design enthusiasts, and gifting customers. It strengthens our mission to curate destinations where global aesthetics meet the aspirations of modern Indian consumers.”

With OMA’s arrival, Ambience Mall Gurugram further strengthens its position as a destination for premium and design-led brands. As the city continues to evolve into a hub for aspirational consumers, the mall remains focused on offering world-class retail, distinctive experiences and a well-rounded environment where fashion, lifestyle, dining and elevated home styling come together seamlessly.


Jockey Strengthens Youth Fashion Play with New JKY Groove™ Winter Drop

Jockey Strengthens Youth Fashion Play with New JKY Groove™ Winter Drop

By Hariharan U

Published on December 16, 2025

Jockey India, operated by Page Industries Ltd, has launched the latest winter drop of its athleisure line JKY Groove™, continuing its push to strengthen connect with Gen Z consumers across India. The new collection blends everyday comfort with fresh seasonal tones and relaxed silhouettes that mirror the easygoing style of today’s youth.

Designed for the winter season, the latest drop features a curated range of modern essentials for both men and women. The collection includes oversized T-shirts, hybrid sweatshirts, wide-leg pants, and utility-inspired pieces, all crafted using comfort-focused fabrics and functional design details.imageThe new range reflects how athleisure has become a key part of youth culture, shaped by relaxed dressing, streetwear influences, and the growing preference for versatile, functional clothing. For Gen Z, fashion is not just about comfort but also self-expression, a shift that JKY Groove™ aims to address through trend-right colours and contemporary silhouettes.

Speaking on the launch, Nihal Rajan, Chief Marketing Officer, Jockey India, said, JKY Groove™ has quickly become one of our strongest youth propositions, and this drop builds on that momentum. We’re sharpening silhouettes, refreshing the colour palette, and focusing on functionality to match how young consumers style themselves across college, work, travel, and social settings.”

The latest JKY Groove™ collection is now available at select Jockey Exclusive Brand Outlets, leading online marketplaces, and on www.jockey.in, with a focused rollout across major metro cities. Supporting the launch is a youth-centric, multi-platform campaign featuring an energetic brand film, strong digital storytelling, and immersive in-store experiences aimed at spotlighting the collection’s blend of comfort, versatility, and modern style.


Malabar Gold & Diamonds Hosts 15th Edition of Brides of India Showcase in New Delhi

Malabar Gold & Diamonds Hosts 15th Edition of Brides of India Showcase in New Delhi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 16, 2025

Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the world’s leading and most trusted jewellery brands, hosted a special edition of its flagship Brides of India campaign at its South Extension Part 2 showroom in New Delhi. The showcase celebrated the wide range of bridal styles and traditions that shape weddings in Delhi and across India.

Now in its 15th year, Brides of India has grown into one of the country’s most recognised bridal jewellery platforms. The campaign honours how every bride carries her rituals, memories and identity into the jewellery she chooses for her wedding. The current national edition features 22 brides from across India along with 10 well-known film personalities, reflecting the cultural diversity and emotional depth that the initiative represents.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Thanseer K K, Showroom Head, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, South Extension Part 2, New Delhi, said, “South Extension Part 2 has always been a starting point for many Delhi families when they plan wedding jewellery. We meet brides who want classic heirloom pieces for traditional ceremonies, lighter designs for destination functions and contemporary sets for receptions, often in a single visit. With the 15th edition of Brides of India coming to our showroom, we created a focused experience around this reality. Our aim is to help every bride and her family find jewellery that respects their customs, sits comfortably through long celebrations and matches the way they have always imagined themselves on their wedding day.”

The event was graced by Ms. Arpanaa Agarwal, Luxury Consultant and Brand Strategist, Founder of Wonder Women Connect, President of Wonder Women Elite Club, India Chairperson – Business Networking, All Ladies League, and Director at Magneto Cleantech, as the Chief Guest. She interacted with guests, brides-to-be and couples, and joined the celebrations that highlighted the importance of jewellery in expressing identity, confidence and personal style during weddings.

The campaign came alive through a thoughtfully curated in-store experience. Select models and customers walked the ramp wearing Malabar’s bridal creations, showcasing complete looks for different wedding functions. An in-store photoshoot with brides-to-be and recently married couples from New Delhi captured how real families plan and build their bridal trousseau with the brand. The atmosphere blended the energy of a fashion showcase with the warmth of an authentic wedding shopping experience.

During the showcase, the South Extension Part 2 showroom presented an extensive range of bridal jewellery, including classic North Indian designs, regional inspirations from across the country and modern silhouettes suited for cross-cultural weddings. Guests explored necklaces, chokers, long necklaces, bangles, bridal earrings, mangalsutras and rings, all crafted with a strong focus on purity, finish and wearability, keeping in mind the multiple events of a contemporary wedding.

With the successful completion of the Brides of India showcase in New Delhi, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has further strengthened its connection with bridal shoppers in the capital who seek jewellery that blends cultural authenticity, thoughtful design and the assurance of a trusted brand.

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