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.


WelcomHeritage Curates Mother’s Day Weekend Staycations Across North India

WelcomHeritage Curates Mother’s Day Weekend Staycations Across North India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2026

WelcomHeritage has introduced a curated collection of Mother’s Day weekend staycations across North India, bringing together heritage palaces, wellness resorts, wildlife retreats, and scenic hillside escapes. Designed as experience-led getaways, the stays reflect the growing preference for meaningful celebrations centred around quality time and memorable experiences.

The curated selection spans different travel styles, from peaceful mountain retreats and wellness-focused resorts to immersive outdoor stays. Moving beyond traditional hospitality experiences, the stays encourage families to slow down and spend meaningful time together in unique and character-filled destinations.

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In Himachal Pradesh, WelcomHeritage Natraj offers a calm mountain escape surrounded by nature, making it ideal for guests looking for a relaxed and peaceful retreat. Meanwhile, WelcomHeritage Santa Roza presents a boutique-style experience that combines scenic surroundings with a slower and more intimate atmosphere.

In Uttarakhand, WelcomHeritage Arka Resort & Spa focuses on wellness and rejuvenation, offering guests a refreshing break away from the fast pace of city life. For travellers interested in heritage experiences, WelcomHeritage Kasmanda Palace reflects the brand’s heritage charm through its historic architecture and panoramic valley views.

For guests seeking an outdoor and wildlife-inspired getaway, WelcomHeritage Mount Valley Resort offers a nature-led experience close to one of India’s most popular national parks, blending comfort with opportunities for wildlife exploration.

As staycations continue to gain popularity around occasions like Mother’s Day, travellers are increasingly choosing destinations that allow them to reconnect and unwind in settings that feel personal and immersive. Through these curated experiences, WelcomHeritage aims to offer celebrations that focus more on meaningful moments and less on scale.

For further information and reservations, guests can visit: WelcomHeritage Official Website


Chef Ashish Tiwari Launches “The Culinary Roots” Celebrating India’s Rich Food Heritage

Chef Ashish Tiwari Launches “The Culinary Roots” Celebrating India’s Rich Food Heritage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2026

Celebrated culinary expert Chef Ashish Tiwari has launched his much-awaited book “The Culinary Roots”, a unique blend of personal memoir, culinary anthropology, and regional Indian gastronomy. Published by Storymonk International Publishing, the book is now available on Amazon and other major platforms.

More than just a cookbook, “The Culinary Roots” takes readers through Chef Ashish’s inspiring journey from the lively streets of Old Delhi to globally recognised kitchens. The book reflects his growth as a chef while showcasing the discipline, resilience, and consistency that shaped his career over the years.

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The book is divided into three sections, each offering a different perspective on food and culture. The first section, The Journey, shares personal moments from Chef Ashish’s life, including his early struggles in kitchens and his rise to leadership roles across international culinary destinations.

The second section, Culinary Anthropology, dives deep into the roots and evolution of Indian cuisine. It explores how geography, migration, culture, and history have influenced the country’s diverse regional dishes and flavours over time.

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The final section brings together signature dishes and the stories connected to them, showing how food is closely tied to emotions, memories, and identity. Through these narratives, the book highlights the deeper meaning behind traditional Indian cooking.

Speaking about the launch, Chef Ashish Tiwari said,

“This book is my attempt to go beyond recipes and explore the ‘why’ behind Indian cuisine, why we cook the way we do, and how every dish carries a story of survival, adaptation, and celebration.”

One of the key highlights of the book is its focus on traditional cooking methods like dum and tadka, while also celebrating the cultural stories hidden within everyday meals. By combining professional culinary insights with storytelling, the book offers readers both knowledge and inspiration.

With “The Culinary Roots”, Chef Ashish Tiwari hopes to encourage aspiring chefs, food lovers, and readers to see Indian cuisine not just as food, but as a living history shaped by people, places, traditions, and time.

Availability:
“The Culinary Roots” is available for purchase on Amazon: Amazon India Listing


Mumbai’s Mother’s Day Plans Get More Indulgent with Brunches, Workshops & Asian Feasts

Mumbai’s Mother’s Day Plans Get More Indulgent with Brunches, Workshops & Asian Feasts

By Hariharan U

Published on May 8, 2026

Mother’s Day in Mumbai is shaping up to be a celebration filled with indulgent brunches, interactive experiences, comforting Asian flavours, and thoughtful desserts. Across the city, restaurants and bars are curating unique experiences that go beyond the usual dining outing, turning the occasion into something more personal, social, and memorable.

At Alta Stella in Andheri, the celebrations begin even before Mother’s Day. Guests are invited to share photographs and meaningful memories with their mothers through a special social media contest, with the most heartfelt entry winning a complimentary dinner. On Mother’s Day itself, diners posting a story with their mothers can enjoy a complimentary dessert, adding a sweet touch to the celebration. Known for its elevated ambience and city views, Alta Stella offers the perfect setting for long conversations and family moments.

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Meanwhile, Onrique in Bandra is celebrating the occasion with a Floral Cupcake Workshop designed for mothers, daughters, and friends to spend quality time together. Guests can learn buttercream floral techniques, create edible cupcake bouquets, and take home recipe notes along with their handmade creations. The workshop combines creativity with dessert indulgence, making it a memorable experience beyond a traditional meal.

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For those looking for something playful and interactive, Baamee is hosting a special Brunch x Lip Gloss experience in collaboration with Krása. The concept pairs a relaxed brunch with a hands-on lip gloss making workshop, allowing guests to create customised glosses while enjoying food and conversations in a lively social setting.

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At Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar near Airport Road, Mother’s Day takes a bold turn with a Korean Food Festival. Guests can enjoy smoky grills, comforting bowls, and spice-forward Korean dishes designed for sharing. The experience focuses on flavour-packed comfort food, offering families a vibrant alternative to conventional brunches.

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Asian dining lovers can also head to Tokki and Tora, where the menu brings together sushi platters, ramen bowls, nigiri, and signature rolls for a leisurely Mother’s Day meal. Highlights include California Rolls, Hamachi Nigiri, Korean Ramen, Miso Ramen, and elaborate Sushi Boats crafted for group dining and celebrations.

In Lower Parel, Epitome is introducing its new “House & Brunch” experience on Mother’s Day. The brunch combines indulgent dishes with handcrafted beverages by Chandon and Don Julio, accompanied by live percussion performances by Potatofry Music. The experience also includes thoughtfully curated Jain options, making it accessible for diverse dining preferences.

From intimate workshops and dessert-led experiences to luxurious brunches and Korean comfort food, Mumbai’s hospitality scene is turning Mother’s Day into a citywide celebration of togetherness, flavour, and meaningful moments.

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