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.


Eros Hotel New Delhi Strengthens Water Conservation Efforts During World Water Week

Eros Hotel New Delhi Strengthens Water Conservation Efforts During World Water Week

By Hariharan U

Published on August 25, 2026

Eros Hotel New Delhi is reinforcing its commitment to responsible water management during World Water Week 2026 by highlighting a range of initiatives focused on reducing water consumption, promoting mindful usage and recycling wastewater across its operations.

Organised annually by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), World Water Week brings global attention to water-related challenges and the importance of responsible water management. The 2026 edition is being held from 23 to 27 August.

At Eros Hotel New Delhi, water conservation has been integrated across guest areas, kitchens, back-of-house operations and public facilities through a combination of water-efficient infrastructure and awareness initiatives.

The hotel has installed water-saving aerators across taps in guest room washrooms, kitchens and back-of-house areas to regulate water flow and improve consumption efficiency. Public washrooms feature sensor-operated taps, helping reduce unnecessary water usage, while guest rooms are equipped with dual-flush WC cisterns that allow guests to use water according to requirements.

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The hotel's sustainability approach also focuses on creating greater awareness among guests and employees. Water conservation tent cards placed in guest rooms encourage visitors to adopt mindful water-use practices during their stay. Awareness posters across kitchens and back-of-house areas further reinforce responsible water consumption among employees and operational teams.

A key element of Eros Hotel New Delhi's water management strategy is the 100% recycling of wastewater. Treated recycled water is utilised for horticulture and cooling towers, reducing the hotel's dependence on fresh water for selected operational requirements while ensuring wastewater is put to productive use.

By combining water-efficient fixtures, wastewater recycling and awareness programmes, Eros Hotel New Delhi continues to integrate resource-conscious practices into its daily operations.

The initiatives reflect the hotel's broader approach to making water conservation a shared responsibility among guests, employees and operational teams while strengthening its ongoing sustainability efforts.

About Eros Hotel New Delhi:

Eros Hotel New Delhi is a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, offering accommodation, dining and hospitality facilities for leisure and business travellers.


Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj Hosts Victoria’s Secret ‘Rome After Dark’ Launch with Triptii Dimri

Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj Hosts Victoria’s Secret ‘Rome After Dark’ Launch with Triptii Dimri

By Hariharan U

Published on August 22, 2026

Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, hosted an exclusive ‘Rome After Dark’ experience by Victoria’s Secret, marking the launch of the brand’s latest Very Sexy Collection and bringing together fashion, luxury and experiential retail.

Inspired by the romance and mystique of Rome, the launch transformed the Victoria’s Secret store into an immersive setting reflecting the collection’s distinctive aesthetic and after-dark appeal.

Actor Triptii Dimri joined the event as the special guest, adding a celebrity and fashion dimension to the evening. Her presence further enhanced the launch, which brought together the brand’s signature fashion identity with an experience-led retail format.

Speaking on the occasion, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said that luxury retail destinations are increasingly defined by the experiences they create alongside the brands they house. He highlighted the mall’s focus on bringing leading international and premium brands together with experiences designed for an evolving, fashion-conscious consumer.

Shahista Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, added that contemporary luxury is increasingly about being distinctive, relevant and ahead of the curve. She noted that the ‘Rome After Dark’ experience combined fashion, trends and a strong sense of occasion, reflecting the evolving retail environment at Ambience Mall.

The Very Sexy Collection takes inspiration from Rome’s timeless romance and after-dark allure. Through the ‘Rome After Dark’ narrative, Victoria’s Secret has created a retail experience centred around discovery and engagement while retaining the brand’s distinctive visual and fashion language.

The launch also underlines Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj’s continued focus on premium and luxury retail. The destination brings together international and Indian brands spanning fashion, beauty, lifestyle and dining, positioning itself as a destination that combines shopping with fashion, culture and entertainment.

Over the years, Ambience Mall has also hosted prominent celebrities for brand launches and engagements, further strengthening its role within Delhi’s premium retail and lifestyle landscape.

With Victoria’s Secret’s latest collection at the centre of the evening and Triptii Dimri adding a celebrity presence, the ‘Rome After Dark’ launch showcased how luxury retail is increasingly moving beyond conventional shopping to create immersive and experience-led brand interactions.


TSG Aura Resort Hosts Special Lunch for Students in Shaheed Dweep

TSG Aura Resort Hosts Special Lunch for Students in Shaheed Dweep

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 22, 2026

TSG Aura Resort hosted a special lunch for students of Government Middle School, Sitapur, Shaheed Dweep, South Andaman, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

The initiative was planned to give the young students a warm and memorable experience. The resort team spent time with the children, interacted with them and shared moments of happiness during the gathering.

More than just providing a meal, the occasion gave the team an opportunity to connect with the students and make them feel valued and appreciated. Through initiatives such as this, TSG Hotels & Resorts continues to engage with the local community and support efforts that contribute to the well-being of people in the destinations where it operates.

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