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.


Rad Elan Brings Korean Party Energy to Worldmark Aerocity with Punter Soju

Rad Elan Brings Korean Party Energy to Worldmark Aerocity with Punter Soju

By Hariharan U

Published on December 31, 2025

Worldmark Aerocity turned into a vibrant cultural hotspot as the Korea Street Fair brought together global flavours, music and festive energy in New Delhi. Adding to the excitement, Rad Elan Distributors Pvt. Ltd. came on board as the exclusive liquor sponsorship partner, creating a high-energy bar experience that quickly became one of the event’s biggest attractions.

Across all three days, Punter Soju clearly emerged as the crowd favourite. Available in Original, Peach and Green Grape variants, the brand saw a strong response from visitors, ranging from first-time soju drinkers to regular enthusiasts. Long queues at the bar counters reflected its growing popularity, making Punter Soju one of the most talked-about offerings at the fair.

One of the standout highlights was the serving of Soju Bombs, paired with Taiwan Beer, which kept the bar buzzing well into the evenings. The playful and refreshing combination struck a chord with festival-goers and quickly became one of the most ordered drinks during the event.

Alongside Punter Soju, Rad Elan also showcased a selection of kombucha options and peach-based cocktails. These lighter, flavour-forward beverages proved especially popular among younger guests and those looking for refreshing alternatives, further strengthening the brand’s connect with an urban, globally curious audience.

The Korea Street Fair witnessed strong footfall and sustained energy throughout its three-day run, contributing to its overall success. The enthusiastic response reinforced Rad Elan’s growing presence in experiential brand activations and highlighted the rising appeal of soju culture in India’s metro markets.

More than just a food and beverage showcase, the event celebrated shared experiences, cultural exchange and social moments. With upbeat vibes, packed counters and memorable flavours, the Korea Street Fair once again demonstrated how global cultures continue to find a vibrant and joyful expression in India.


Central Park Hosts Annual Flower Show Celebrating Winter Blooms and Community Living

Central Park Hosts Annual Flower Show Celebrating Winter Blooms and Community Living

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 31, 2025

Central Park, a Gurugram-based real estate developer under the Bakshi Group of Enterprises, recently hosted its much-awaited annual Flower Show across Central Park Resorts and Central Park Flower Valley. Both developments were transformed into visually striking floral landscapes, welcoming residents and guests for a celebration that brought together nature, culture and community living.

One of Central Park’s signature community initiatives, the Flower Show featured an elegant display of winter blooms such as chrysanthemums, spider pompons, daisies and other seasonal varieties. Carefully curated floral installations, immersive thematic zones and lush pathways created a refined yet inviting atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage with nature while strengthening community bonds.

The celebrations began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony led by senior citizen residents, setting a warm and inclusive tone. The event also featured soulful live performances that added to the festive ambience. A thoughtfully curated line-up of community-led activities followed, including children’s art sessions, sustainability-focused games, a community fashion show, Christmas tree decoration activities, talent showcases, live singing performances, DJ-led evenings and seasonal gourmet food experiences by St. Jerome, Central Park’s hospitality vertical.

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The strong participation across both locations reaffirmed Central Park’s commitment to hosting the Flower Show as an annual tradition that reflects its broader vision of nurturing meaningful community connections within thoughtfully designed living environments.

Reflecting on the event, Vikram Singh, President, Central Park, said, “The Flower Show has evolved into a valued community tradition, reflecting our ongoing commitment to creating and maintaining environments where nature, thoughtful design, and shared experiences come together to enrich everyday living. The response from residents and visitors reinforces our belief that luxury is most meaningful when it fosters connection through nature, culture, and community.”

Adding to this, Neeraj Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, said, “In a growing township, building community is as important as building homes. Initiatives like this encourage shared responsibility, sustainable habits, and everyday interaction, helping create a place that evolves thoughtfully and remains meaningful for its residents over time.”

This year’s Flower Show once again highlighted Central Park’s focus on harmonising greenery, thoughtful design and vibrant community living, further strengthening its position as one of Gurugram’s wellness-forward residential destinations. The initiative underlined the brand’s commitment to curating meaningful experiences that go beyond the idea of luxury residences.


Malabar Gold & Diamonds Showcases 15th Edition of Brides of India at Omaxe Chowk, Delhi

Malabar Gold & Diamonds Showcases 15th Edition of Brides of India at Omaxe Chowk, Delhi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 31, 2025

Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the world’s most trusted jewellery brands, hosted the Delhi edition of its flagship Brides of India campaign at its Omaxe Chowk, Chandni Chowk showroom. The showcase offered brides and their families a focused bridal jewellery experience inspired by North Indian wedding traditions, while bringing together signature bridal styles from across India under one roof.

Now in its 15th year, Brides of India has grown into one of the country’s most recognised bridal jewellery platforms. The campaign celebrates the diversity of Indian bridal heritage and highlights the emotional and cultural significance jewellery holds across communities and regions. Bridal jewellery continues to play a meaningful role beyond the wedding day, carrying family sentiment, tradition and value across generations.

Sharing his thoughts on the Delhi edition, Mr. M. P. Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group, said,

“Bridal jewellery is never an impulse purchase. It carries the weight of tradition, the pride of family and the emotion of a once-in-a-lifetime milestone. Through Brides of India, we bring together authentic bridal styles from across regions so that every bride can find jewellery that reflects her customs, complements her wedding wardrobe and remains meaningful long after the celebrations. For families in Delhi, Chandni Chowk has long been at the heart of wedding shopping, and this showcase is designed to make that journey more confident, comfortable and complete.”

Chandni Chowk, known for its long-standing association with wedding shopping, served as a fitting location for the showcase. The collection placed strong emphasis on North Indian bridal jewellery, featuring polki and kundan-inspired statement sets, layered neckpieces, bold bridal earrings, bangles and designs created for extended ceremonial wear.

Alongside regional favourites, customers could also explore curated bridal collections from across India, including kasavu-inspired gold jewellery from Kerala, intricate motifs from Bengal, regal polki craftsmanship from Rajasthan and temple-inspired gold designs from South India. The collection reflected the evolving nature of weddings today, where regional aesthetics blend seamlessly with personal expression.

The in-store experience presented jewellery as complete bridal looks, allowing families to visualise combinations across different wedding ceremonies. Customers were guided through curated pairings of necklaces, chokers, long necklaces, bangles, bridal earrings, mangalsutras and rings, with a strong focus on comfort, balance and wearability throughout long celebrations.

With Brides of India in Delhi, Malabar Gold & Diamonds continues to strengthen its connection with bridal shoppers by offering jewellery that respects tradition while adapting to modern wedding formats. Backed by transparent pricing, certified quality processes and reliable service support, trust remains at the core of the bridal experience the brand delivers.

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