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.


Yes Madam Partners with CarryMen to Make Shopping More Comfortable with Complimentary Massages

Yes Madam Partners with CarryMen to Make Shopping More Comfortable with Complimentary Massages

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 1, 2026

Yes Madam, India's leading at-home beauty and wellness platform, has partnered with CarryMen, India's on-demand human assistance platform, to introduce a unique shopping experience that blends convenience with wellness.

As part of the collaboration, shoppers using CarryMen's assistance service at Lajpat Nagar are invited to the CarryMen booth after completing their shopping, where trained wellness professionals from Yes Madam provide complimentary massages. The initiative is designed to help shoppers relax and recover after walking through busy markets and carrying heavy shopping bags.

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The partnership combines CarryMen's assistance service with Yes Madam's wellness expertise to make shopping more comfortable from start to finish. While CarryMen helps shoppers manage heavy purchases, Yes Madam addresses the physical fatigue that often follows long hours of shopping.

By bringing together convenience and personal care, the two brands aim to transform a regular shopping trip into a more enjoyable and refreshing experience.

Commenting on the collaboration, Aditya Arya, Co-Founder and CEO, Yes Madam, said, "We, at Yes Madam, always believed that wellness should seamlessly become a part of people's everyday lives. Recognizing CarryMen's innovative approach to solving everyday consumer needs, we saw an opportunity to complement that experience with our expertise. This collaboration brings together convenience and care in a way that enhances the overall shopping journey. As we continue to innovate, our focus will remain on building solutions that don't just deliver services but enrich everyday experiences. Collaborations like these redefine how consumers experience convenience and wellness in their everyday lives."

The collaboration highlights how brands can work together to create meaningful consumer experiences by combining practical services with wellness. By making shopping both easier and more relaxing, the initiative sets a new benchmark for experience-led services in India's retail ecosystem.


Royal Ranthambore Whisky Reaffirms Tiger Conservation Commitment on World Tiger Day

Royal Ranthambore Whisky Reaffirms Tiger Conservation Commitment on World Tiger Day

By Hariharan U

Published on July 31, 2026

Royal Ranthambore Whisky, the premium whisky brand from Radico Khaitan Ltd., has reaffirmed its commitment to India's tiger conservation efforts on the occasion of World Tiger Day through its ongoing partnership with The Corbett Foundation.

The collaboration supports conservation initiatives focused on habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring, veterinary care, livestock health camps, and community-led programmes that promote coexistence between wildlife and local communities living around forest landscapes.

India is home to more than 70% of the world's wild tiger population. According to the latest All India Tiger Estimation, the country's tiger numbers increased from 2,967 in 2018 to an estimated average of 3,682 in 2022, reflecting an annual growth rate of 6.1%. Since the launch of Project Tiger in 1973, the country's network of tiger reserves has expanded from nine to 58 reserves covering nearly 84,500 square kilometres across 18 states.

The company highlighted that nearly one-third of India's tigers now live outside designated tiger reserves, underlining the importance of wildlife corridors, habitat connectivity, and community participation in long-term conservation efforts. Protecting tigers also contributes to the preservation of forests and numerous other species that share these ecosystems.

Earlier this year, Royal Ranthambore introduced its Royal Ranthambore Heritage Collection, featuring six limited-edition collectible packs inspired by iconic Indian tigers and showcased through traditional Indian art forms. The collection combined wildlife conservation, storytelling, and cultural heritage while drawing attention to the legacy of India's celebrated tigers.

Commenting on the initiative, Kunal Madan, Chief Marketing Officer, Radico Khaitan Ltd., said the tiger has always been central to the Royal Ranthambore brand identity and represents India's rich natural and cultural heritage. He added that the partnership with The Corbett Foundation reflects the brand's commitment to supporting meaningful conservation efforts and preserving this legacy for future generations.

Launched in 2022, Royal Ranthambore Heritage Collection Whisky has emerged as one of Radico Khaitan's premium brands, receiving international recognition at the Monde Selection Awards and The Fifty Best. The brand also recorded more than 50% growth during FY2026, strengthening its presence in India's premium whisky segment


Underdoggs Arena Debuts in Gurugram with Immersive Entertainment and Social Experiences

Underdoggs Arena Debuts in Gurugram with Immersive Entertainment and Social Experiences

By Hariharan U

Published on July 31, 2026

Underdoggs has unveiled Underdoggs Arena in Gurugram, introducing its largest and most immersive entertainment destination to date. Spanning 30,000 sq. ft., the flagship venue represents the brand's evolution from a sports-viewing destination into a multi-experience social hub where gaming, dining, entertainment, and community come together.

The Arena officially launches on the day of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final, capitalising on one of the world's biggest sporting events. Designed as more than a venue for live match screenings, the destination aims to extend the excitement beyond the game through immersive entertainment, interactive experiences, and social engagement.

Built on over 14 years of brand legacy, Underdoggs has established a presence across more than 12 cities in India. Over the years, the brand has hosted several international sporting personalities, including David Warner, Roberto Carlos, Quinton de Kock, and Dale Steyn, strengthening its association with sports and popular culture.

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Developed over nearly four years, Underdoggs Arena marks a new chapter for the brand by introducing an experience-driven format centred around participation rather than passive entertainment.

The venue brings together multiple attractions under one roof, including immersive arcade gaming zones, modern bowling alleys, private karaoke rooms, and an in-house brewery. Inspired by the nostalgia of retro arcades while embracing contemporary design, the space is intended to encourage guests to play, compete, perform, and socialise in an interactive environment.

According to Team Underdoggs, the brand was built around a passion for sports, music, and shared experiences, creating a community-driven culture where guests feel a sense of belonging.

The food and beverage programme complements the entertainment offering with globally inspired comfort food, signature cocktails, and craft beer, creating a complete lifestyle destination for groups, families, and young professionals.

The Gurugram Arena also reflects the company's long-term expansion strategy. Following the signing of ten new locations during 2024, Underdoggs is targeting significant growth across India while preparing for international expansion into Dubai and London. The company expects its expansion plans to generate over 2,700 new employment opportunities.

Gurugram was selected as the flagship location due to its rapidly growing young, urban audience and increasing demand for immersive entertainment experiences. The company believes the city provides an ideal environment for a destination that blends sport, culture, dining, and interactive leisure.

With the opening of Underdoggs Arena, the brand aims to redefine experiential entertainment by creating a destination where guests actively participate in experiences rather than simply watch them, reinforcing its vision of building community-driven social spaces across India and beyond.

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