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.


Tribe Stays Partners with CCI India to Accelerate Enterprise-Led Expansion

Tribe Stays Partners with CCI India to Accelerate Enterprise-Led Expansion

By Hariharan U

Published on February 9, 2026

Long-stay coliving and hospitality brand Tribe Stays has announced an exclusive strategic partnership with CCI IndiaChamber of Commerce and Industry, aimed at accelerating the company’s expansion across enterprise and institutional accommodation segments. The collaboration has been formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), under which CCI India will act as Tribe Stays’ exclusive strategic partner for enterprise and institutional business.

As part of the alliance, CCI India will facilitate access to large corporates, national and international universities, institutional clients, expat housing programmes and multi-city accommodation mandates across India and select global markets. The partnership is designed to unlock high-impact opportunities across enterprise housing, workforce accommodation, student living, institutional residences and premium long-stay solutions for global professionals and organisations, with potential collaborations involving government bodies and public sector institutions where relevant.

CCI India will support Tribe Stays through strategic introductions, market intelligence, business development support and cross-border expansion opportunities. Together, both organisations aim to scale the Tribe Stays portfolio to over 10,000 beds over the next two years, with an initial focus on the Delhi NCR region, followed by expansion into other key states and strategic markets across India.

Commenting on the partnership, Munindra Kumar, Director General, CCI India, said, “Tribe Stays has built one of the most differentiated long-stay hospitality platforms in the country. Their product quality, brand positioning and operational maturity make them an ideal partner for enterprise and institutional programs. As a government body focused on enabling high-growth companies, CCI India will actively support Tribe in unlocking large-scale opportunities across corporate housing, universities, expat communities and global markets.”

Yogesh Mehra, CEO, Tribe Stays, added, “This partnership with CCI India is a strategic step in Tribe’s expansion journey. Our focus is on building a globally relevant long-stay platform across enterprise housing, student living and institutional accommodation. CCI’s mandate, network and deep institutional access will significantly accelerate our ability to scale across India and internationally.”

Structured as a long-term exclusive alliance, the collaboration reinforces Tribe Stays’ position in the premium long-stay hospitality segment, while strengthening CCI India’s role as a catalyst for scaling high-potential Indian enterprises.


Chennai Comic Con 2026 Turns Valentine’s Weekend into a Celebration of Fandom

Chennai Comic Con 2026 Turns Valentine’s Weekend into a Celebration of Fandom

By Hariharan U

Published on February 9, 2026

This Valentine’s Day weekend, Chennai is swapping roses and candlelit dinners for capes, cosplay and comic books as Comic Con India brings Chennai Comic Con 2026 to the Chennai Trade Center (CTC), Nandambakkam, on February 14 and 15. Presented by Maruti Suzuki Arena and powered by Crunchyroll, the event invites couples, friends and families to “Fall in Love with Fandom,” offering a vibrant alternative way to celebrate the season through shared passions for comics, anime, gaming and pop culture.

Headlining the international guest lineup is celebrated comic book writer Ron Marz, whose three-decade career includes iconic runs on Silver Surfer, co-creating Green Lantern Kyle Rayner, and contributions to major franchises such as Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2. He will be joined by 16 prominent Indian creators, including Savio Mascarenhas of Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle, illustrator and Graphicurry founder Prasad Bhat, Instagram sensation Shubham Khurana known for his sharp takes on work life, and Rajesh Nagulakonda, whose art has shaped over 150 murals in Ayodhya - together representing the pulse of India’s visual storytelling community.

The main stage promises high-energy entertainment with stand-up performances by Azeem Banatwalla, Vivek Muralidharan, Daniel Fernandes, RamKumar and Kumar Varun, alongside live music by Chennai hip-hop artist Kenzo Y2K, multilingual singer-composer Célinedee Matahari, and concert partners Louis Lancien and Olga.

Adding to the experience, fans can explore exclusive merchandise, rare collectibles and interactive zones such as the Maruti Suzuki Arena Zone, Crunchyroll Zone and NODWIN Gaming Arena, making Chennai Comic Con 2026 a full-scale celebration of love for fandom itself


Tivoli Hospitality Group Officially Launches Omnia Convention by Tivoli in Gurugram

Tivoli Hospitality Group Officially Launches Omnia Convention by Tivoli in Gurugram

By Hariharan U

Published on February 8, 2026

Tivoli Hospitality Group has officially opened Omnia Convention by Tivoli in Bhondsi–Badshahpur, Gurugram, marking a significant addition to the region’s growing hospitality and events landscape. The grand unveiling event brought together hospitality professionals, event planners, industry experts and prominent guests from Delhi and NCR, offering a first look at the group’s newest luxury convention-led hotel.

Speaking at the launch, Akshay Gupta, Executive Director, Tivoli Hospitality Group, said, "Omnia Convention by Tivoli in Bhondsi–Badshahpur, Gurugram, was envisioned as a destination that goes beyond luxury, serving a wide spectrum of needs across leisure, MICE, weddings, and corporate events. While weddings remain an important focus, the property has been designed to cater equally to business requirements and premium staycations. After announcing the project last year, we are pleased to officially open the property and showcase it to the industry." He further highlighted the strategic location of the hotel, noting that it addresses the rising demand for purpose-built, large-scale venues in the Gurugram market.

The property features two expansive banquet halls of approximately 16,000 sq. ft. each, designed to host weddings, conferences, exhibitions and large corporate gatherings. The flexible layout allows seamless adaptation for both formal business events and social celebrations.

Commenting on the operational vision, Amit Sood, CEO, Tivoli Hospitality Group, said, "Omnia Convention by Tivoli in Bhondsi–Badshahpur has been developed as a complete ecosystem for events and stays. The combination of high-capacity banqueting, comfortable accommodation, and strong dining offerings makes it ideal for residential conferences, destination-style weddings, and MICE programs. Our focus has been on scale, convenience, and consistent service delivery."

Beyond events, Omnia Convention by Tivoli positions itself as a preferred destination for short leisure stays and staycations for guests from Delhi-NCR and nearby cities such as Jaipur and Chandigarh. The hotel offers well-appointed rooms focused on comfort and functionality, complemented by a spacious on-site restaurant serving multi-cuisine dining for resident guests and event attendees alike.

With Bhondsi–Badshahpur emerging as a key growth corridor within Gurugram, supported by improving infrastructure, strong connectivity, and a large corporate ecosystem, Omnia Convention by Tivoli is well placed to serve corporates, travellers, MICE clients, event planners and leisure guests,” added Akshay Gupta.

The launch event showcased the property’s scale and versatility through multiple décor styles, curated event setups and an extensive culinary presentation. Founder and Chairman Rohit Gupta, along with Executive Directors Ishan Gupta and Aryaman Gupta, were present at the unveiling, underlining the group’s leadership involvement in this milestone

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