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.


Eight Continents Expands Ocho Homes with New Properties in Belfast and Navi Mumbai

Eight Continents Expands Ocho Homes with New Properties in Belfast and Navi Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 18, 2025

Eight Continents Hotels and Resorts, a luxury hospitality and hotel management group redefining bucket-list travel, has strengthened its Ocho Homes brand with the addition of two new extended-stay properties, one in Belfast, United Kingdom, and another in Parsic Hill, Navi Mumbai, India. The development underscores the group’s mission to provide luxurious, convenient, and home-like stays for modern travellers.

The new Ocho Homes property in Belfast features seven elegantly designed rooms, enhancing the brand’s presence in a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and thriving business community. This addition brings the total number of Ocho Homes properties in Belfast to two, complementing the existing Wellesley Avenue property.

In India, Ocho Homes Living Belapur makes its debut with ten well-appointed rooms in the Parsic Hill area of Navi Mumbai. Located just 22 km from Navi Mumbai Airport and near key landmarks like DY Patil Stadium, the property offers travellers excellent connectivity. Guests can choose from two stay categories: Living and Lux, tailored to suit varied preferences within the extended stay segment.

Ocho Homes stands apart by offering more than just accommodation. With flexible stay options, thoughtfully designed interiors, and a focus on community-driven experiences, it appeals to corporate travellers, expatriates, and leisure guests alike. The emphasis on well-being, connectivity, and local character ensures every stay is both comfortable and memorable.

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Haninder Sachdeva, CEO of Eight Continents Hotels and Resorts, said:

“The addition of two new properties under the Ocho Homes portfolio reflects our focus on building a brand that travellers can consistently trust for extended stays. Our approach is centred on creating thoughtfully designed spaces that balance convenience with comfort, while also carrying the character of the destinations they are part of. By strengthening the Ocho Homes identity across both established and emerging markets, we are ensuring the brand remains a preferred choice for guests looking for reliability, style, and a sense of belonging during their travels.”

With these latest openings, Eight Continents continues to expand the Ocho Homes portfolio across strategic markets in Asia and Europe, aiming to serve the growing demand for extended stay hospitality. By combining innovation, comfort, and personalised service, the brand seeks to set new benchmarks in the evolving landscape of luxury travel.


Devil Circuit Lucknow Debut Draws 5,000+ Thrill-Seekers with Omaxe

Devil Circuit Lucknow Debut Draws 5,000+ Thrill-Seekers with Omaxe

By Hariharan U

Published on September 18, 2025

Lucknow witnessed an adrenaline-packed weekend as Devil Circuit Season 13 made its debut in the city with the support of Omaxe Group. The event, held on 14th September, attracted more than 5,000 participants, including fitness lovers, adventure junkies, and everyday thrill-seekers from across India.

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Touted as one of the toughest obstacle races in the country, Devil Circuit is all about endurance, determination, and teamwork. Competitors pushed themselves through a series of physically demanding challenges, each designed to test agility, strength, and mental grit.

For Omaxe, joining hands with Devil Circuit in Lucknow went beyond just hosting a global-format event. It was about inspiring a culture of fitness, wellness, and community spirit. The Omaxe team itself stepped onto the track, embodying unity and enthusiasm while encouraging others to break barriers. This collaboration follows the group’s earlier partnerships as venue hosts in Delhi, Chandigarh, and Indore.

The roaring success of the inaugural edition in Lucknow has now set a new standard for adventure and fitness gatherings in the region. With its growing popularity, Devil Circuit continues to be more than just a race — it’s a celebration of resilience and the will to go beyond limits.


From the Maldives to the World: Atmosphere Core Sets Its Sights on Global Expansion

From the Maldives to the World: Atmosphere Core Sets Its Sights on Global Expansion

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 17, 2025

Set against the backdrop of a thriving international travel and hospitality sector, Atmosphere Core, a fast-growing hospitality group, gathered its top 30 senior leaders in Dubai on 9th and 10th September 2025 for the annual leadership summit. The central message of the two-day event was clear: global expansion.

During the summit, senior leaders aligned on strategic priorities and reinforced collaboration as the group looks beyond its current presence in the Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal to new destinations across Asia and Europe. The sessions emphasized Atmosphere Core’s progressive approach to leadership and its commitment to creating exceptional guest journeys.

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Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Salil Panigrahi, Managing Director of Atmosphere Core, said, “Global expansion is our new direction. As global nomads, we carry with us the Joy of Giving philosophy, the spirit that defines our brands and our people. This annual gathering ensures we remain united, focused, and motivated to move forward. Leadership is about knowing when to push with clear goals and when to pull by guiding and inspiring. Reliability builds trust, and emotional intelligence connects us to our teams and guests. Together, these qualities will drive us as we extend our vision across continents.”

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Founded in the Maldives just 12 years ago, Atmosphere Core has grown to nine private island resorts and one heritage hotel in India. The group has an ambitious pipeline of 17 hotels across India and upcoming projects in Italy, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. In 2026, Atmosphere Core is set to launch six new properties, further strengthening its international presence.

Atmosphere Core is also credited with reshaping the all-inclusive resort experience in the Indian Ocean through its pioneering ‘Holiday Plan’ concept, which elevated the standard of indulgence and personalization for global travelers.

The 2025 Leadership Summit reaffirmed the company’s commitment to cultivating strong leaders who can build resilient teams, deliver exceptional hospitality, and reinforce Atmosphere Core’s position on the global stage.

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