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.


Smarter Hotel Communication with Samsung Signage by Palaniappa electronics

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 17, 2026

Clear and timely communication plays a key role in shaping a guest’s experience at any hotel. Samsung Signage Displays: QB, QM, and QH series, that are designed to make this communication smarter, faster, and visually refined. Presented by Palaniappa electronics, these displays help hotels showcase information, promotions, and event updates in a seamless and professional manner, while also easing the workload for marketing and IT teams.

Built for flexibility, Samsung Signage supports both horizontal and vertical orientations, allowing hotels to design content based on the space available. With Samsung’s Content Management Software, teams can schedule content in advance, update displays instantly, and control everything remotely with just a system and internet access. This eliminates the need for manual updates and reduces operational effort.

Marketing and IT teams no longer have to redesign layouts repeatedly, carry pen drives to each screen, or depend on unstable third-party media players with complex wiring. With ready-made templates, centralized control, and reliable built-in media players, the system ensures consistent branding across the property while saving time and reducing errors.

Across hotels, Samsung Signage Displays serve multiple touchpoints. In lobby areas, they can display banquet schedules, welcome messages, and promotional offers. At banquet hall entrances, they guide guests with event names and agendas. Fine-dine restaurant entrances can highlight menus, offers, and timings. Lift lobbies can share hotel information and in-house promotions, while spa and pool areas can present service details, safety information, and operating hours. Each display can run location-specific content, scheduled according to time or event, ensuring that guests always receive relevant updates.

For spaces where wall mounting may not be feasible, Palaniappa electronics provides elegant integration solutions. These include floor-standing kiosks, A-type kiosks, and K-type kiosks that enhance visibility while adding a modern and fashionable touch to hotel interiors. Ideal for lobbies and high-traffic areas, these solutions combine stability with strong brand presence.

With long years of expertise in hospitality based electronics and bringing quality products that define long lasting function for years, Palaniappa electronics continues to be trusted by many customers for reliable and durable solutions.

For hotel owners, GMs, and marketing teams, Samsung Signage Displays offer a clean, scalable, and professional communication platform without unnecessary complexity. Hotels still relying on pen drives or third-party media players can now consider upgrading to a more streamlined system.

For more details, contact Palaniappa Electronics | Mr. Muthu at 9003045685 or muthu@palaniappagroup.com.


Boost to India’s Hospitality Sector: JK Lakshmipat University Students Honoured for ITDC Systems Design Project

Boost to India’s Hospitality Sector: JK Lakshmipat University Students Honoured for ITDC Systems Design Project

By Author

Published on February 17, 2026

In a moment of pride for design-led education in India, five students from the Institute of Design at JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU) were felicitated for their Systems Design project developed for the Taj Restaurant under the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC). The honour was conferred by Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on 13 February at The Ashok Hotel, New Delhi.

The recognition highlights the growing importance of industry-linked academic projects and the role of design thinking in addressing complex, real-world systems within India’s hospitality and tourism sector. The project reflects how academic institutions are increasingly contributing practical solutions to public-sector organisations.

The interdisciplinary student team included Harsh Warrier, Susnitha Sivaraju, Yashika Bhatt, Rashi Bhagre, and Ritika Malik. The project was carried out under the mentorship of Binil Mohan, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Design, JKLU. The team conducted extensive initial research for both the Taj Mahal and ITDC, which formed the foundation for the systems design interventions proposed.

The final presentation was divided into three well-defined segments. The first segment focused on research related to the Taj Mahal, followed by the development of a solution framework led by Harsh Warrier, Rashi Bhagre, and Susnitha Sivaraju. The second segment presented research and detailed solutions for India Tourism Development Corporation, developed by the same team members. The final segment showcased the specific solution work and contributions undertaken by Ritika Malik.

“The felicitation is a proud moment for the university and underscores the impact of industry-linked, research-driven design education in addressing complex systems,” said A Balasubramaniam, Director, Institute of Design, JKLU.

The recognition reinforces JKLU’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, academic excellence, and meaningful engagement with industry partners. It also stands as a testament to the quality of work being produced by students at the Institute of Design.

The students were felicitated during a double commemoration event celebrating 60 years of ITDC and 70 years of the Ashok Hotel. Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram also graced the ceremony with his presence.


Novotel New Delhi City Centre Completes a Successful First Year

Novotel New Delhi City Centre Completes a Successful First Year

By Hariharan U

Published on February 17, 2026

Novotel New Delhi City Centre marked its first anniversary, celebrating a year since commencing operations in the heart of the capital. The occasion was attended by Ranju Alex, Chief Executive Officer, Accor South Asia; Vineet Mishra, Vice President – Premium, Midscale & Economy, South Asia; and Saumitra Chaturvedi, General Manager, reflecting on a year defined by operational excellence, guest satisfaction and strategic market positioning.

Over the past year, the hotel successfully completed its launch phase, beginning with a grand press conference and media showcase that supported strong corporate onboarding. A key highlight was the introduction of The Flying Trunk, a distinctive food and beverage concept that enhanced the hotel’s culinary portfolio and broadened its appeal among resident and non-resident guests alike.

Since opening, the property has positioned itself as a preferred choice for both business and leisure travellers, supported by its central location, contemporary accommodations and thoughtfully curated dining and wellness facilities. During its pilot phase, the hotel also received early industry recognition, underscoring its consistent service standards and operational performance.

Speaking on the milestone, Saumitra Chaturvedi said the inaugural year focused on building strong operational foundations and fostering a service culture aligned with Accor’s people-centric hospitality values. He added that the encouraging response from guests and partners continues to drive the team toward delivering refined and consistent experiences.

As it steps into its second year, Novotel New Delhi City Centre aims to deepen guest engagement, expand its food and beverage offerings and further strengthen its standing as a leading hospitality destination in central New Delhi.

Part of Accor, Novotel operates over 600 hotels across more than 60 countries and participates in the ALL Accor loyalty programme, offering guests access to a wide range of rewards and experiences worldwide.

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