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 Celebrates Mother’s Day with a Thoughtful Gifting Twist Featuring Yami Gautam Dhar

CaratLane Celebrates Mother’s Day with a Thoughtful Gifting Twist Featuring Yami Gautam Dhar

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 1, 2026

CaratLane – A TATA Product is making a strong presence across television screens in India with its latest Mother’s Day campaign featuring brand ambassador Yami Gautam Dhar. The campaign brings a fresh and emotional take on gifting, centred around the idea of celebrating mothers with diamonds as a symbol of love and gratitude, while also adding a thoughtful twist, gifting yourself a diamond too, because you are her favourite.

The campaign’s first two films gained wide visibility during the ongoing Indian Premier League, with placements across Star Sports and JioHotstar. This was further supported by regional reach through channels like Colours Tamil, Jalsha Movies and Star Utsav Movies, helping the brand connect with audiences across both national and regional markets. Released just in time for Mother’s Day, the campaign highlights the joy of choosing something special for mothers, along with a little something for oneself.

Shaifali Gautam, CMO CaratLane, remarked, “As we return for our second season advertising on the Indian Premier League, the platform allows us to take our stories to millions of households across the country. This Mother’s Day, with Yami at the centre, we’ve focused on celebrating the emotion of gifting in a way that feels both personal and relatable. Because when it comes to a mother’s love, what you share is priceless and the pieces you choose to express it should feel just as special. At CaratLane, we believe that expressing love should feel effortless, and never out of reach.”

Built around thoughtful gifting, the campaign encourages customers to celebrate Mother’s Day with meaningful diamond jewellery. With initiatives like this, CaratLane continues to shape fine jewellery for today’s consumers, making it more personal, easy to wear, and suitable for every special moment.


Celebrate Mother's Day with Timeless Gifting from Candere

Celebrate Mother's Day with Timeless Gifting from Candere

By Hariharan U

Published on April 30, 2026

As Mother's Day approaches, the focus shifts to celebrating the quiet strength, care, and everyday moments that define motherhood. This year, Candere, a lifestyle jewellery brand from Kalyan Jewellers, offers a curated selection designed to feel personal, wearable, and meaningful.

Moving beyond occasion-based gifting, the collection highlights jewellery that seamlessly fits into everyday life, pieces that reflect her individuality while adding understated elegance to daily moments. Each design balances simplicity with thoughtful detailing, making it both timeless and versatile.

The edit includes the Rylie Diamond and Fancy Gemstone Ring, a floral-inspired design that combines vibrant pink stones with delicate diamond accents, bringing a playful yet refined touch. For those who prefer minimalism, the Plain Glimmer Diamond V Ring offers clean lines and subtle sparkle, perfect for stacking or wearing solo.

Adding to the collection is the Classic Treand Diamond Cuff Bracelet, featuring twin motifs with blue stones and diamond detailing, designed to elevate both everyday and occasion wear. The Enchanting Floral Diamond and Fancy Gemstone Oval Bracelet introduces a softer, more playful aesthetic with multicoloured gemstones set against a sleek band.

For statement pieces, the Armida Diamond Earrings stand out with their layered, cascading form that catches light with movement, while the Giselle Diamond Dangle Earrings bring effortless elegance through a graceful drop design and refined brilliance.

With this Mother’s Day edit, Candere focuses on jewellery that feels natural rather than extravagant, pieces that become part of her daily story while holding emotional value. The collection reflects a shift towards gifting that is thoughtful, personal, and enduring, making each piece more than just an accessory.


JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Hosts Immersive Fashion Showcase by Sounia Gohil

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Hosts Immersive Fashion Showcase by Sounia Gohil

By Hariharan U

Published on April 30, 2026

On April 25, EL at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar hosted an exclusive and intimate fashion showcase by designer Sounia Gohil, unveiling her latest collection in association with Volvo, presented by Cedamint by Vinay Singh.

Breaking away from the conventions of a traditional runway, the showcase embraced a more immersive and interactive format. Set against Mumbai’s skyline, EL offered a fluid, open environment where guests could experience the collection at their own pace. Models moved seamlessly through the space, allowing attendees to engage with the garments up close, creating a sense of intimacy rarely seen in conventional showcases.

The evening brought together a diverse mix of guests, from fashion insiders and tastemakers to patrons of luxury mobility and hospitality, reflecting a dynamic convergence of industries. The experience was complemented by a refined food and beverage selection, thoughtfully curated to enhance the evening without overshadowing the showcase.

More than a fashion presentation, the event highlighted a broader shift in how hospitality spaces are being reimagined. EL, known for its elevated dining and panoramic views, is steadily evolving into a multi-dimensional cultural venue that embraces fashion, design, music, and curated social experiences.

With this showcase, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar strengthens its positioning as not just a hospitality destination but a platform for creative expression and community-led experiences in the city.

Commenting on the initiative, Sachin Mylavarapu, General Manager at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, said, “At JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, we’re increasingly looking at how our spaces can go beyond traditional hospitality to become platforms for culture and creativity. Hosting this showcase at EL was a natural extension of that vision. We’re delighted to curate experiences that are refined, progressive, and engaging for our guests.”

Located close to Mumbai’s international and domestic airports, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar offers 588 well-appointed rooms, multiple dining destinations, and expansive event spaces. Its venues, including Romano’s, JW Café, BarQat, and AUTM – JW Lounge & EL, reflect the city’s diverse culinary landscape. The property also features Spa by JW, offering holistic wellness experiences.

Part of Marriott International, the hotel aligns with a global portfolio of over 9,500 properties across 144 countries, continuing to bring world-class hospitality experiences to India

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