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.


Nimbus Partners with Architect Zafar Masud Chaudhary for Exclusive Clubhouse at The Arista Luxe

Nimbus Partners with Architect Zafar Masud Chaudhary for Exclusive Clubhouse at The Arista Luxe

By Hariharan U

Published on January 22, 2026

Nimbus Realty has joined forces with acclaimed architect Zafar Masud Chaudhary, Founder and Principal Architect of Habitat Architects, to design an exclusive, members-only clubhouse at Tower 5 of Nimbus The Arista Luxe, its premium residential address in Noida.

The clubhouse, envisioned as a tactile and light-filled retreat, reflects Chaudhary’s globally attuned, human-centric design philosophy, prioritising experience, proportion, and understated elegance over ornamentation. Combining texture, light, and spatial layering, the design aims to create an intimate yet expansive environment that resonates with residents on both functional and emotional levels.

Nestled within a 10-acre development comprising 342 finely crafted residences across Towers 5, 7, 8, and 9, Nimbus The Arista Luxe offers expansive landscaped greens, curated water features, and open spaces. The clubhouse will serve as a social sanctuary for residents, fostering community while offering a quiet, contemplative atmosphere.

Sahil Agrawal, CEO of Nimbus Group, commented, “At Nimbus, we approach luxury through intention and longevity. This clubhouse is not ornamental, but instinctive and elegant. Zafar brings a rare sensitivity to scale, materiality, and human behaviour, creating a space that evolves with our residents and becomes part of their daily rituals.”

Zafar Masud Chaudhary added, “Luxury is about atmosphere and the way a space makes you feel. The clubhouse at Nimbus The Arista Luxe is an experiential pause, shaped by light, texture, and continuity. Every detail serves a purpose, creating a subtle yet memorable environment.”

With this collaboration, Nimbus The Arista Luxe reinforces its position at the intersection of architecture, landscape, and lifestyle, offering a refined and emotionally resonant living experience for its residents.


Palaniappa’s Hepi TV Turns Guest Room TVs into Smart Revenue Platforms for Hotels

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 21, 2026

In today’s hospitality landscape, guest experience goes far beyond comfort, it directly impacts reviews, repeat stays, and overall revenue. Addressing this shift, Palaniappa Electronics has introduced Hepi TV, a smart in-room hospitality solution that transforms the traditional guest room television into a powerful, revenue-generating platform designed exclusively for hotels.

Powered by the Palaniappa’s Hepi TV Box, the system replaces passive television viewing with an intuitive home screen built around four smart components that focus on convenience, upselling, and operational efficiency.

One of the standout features is interactive restaurant ordering directly from the TV. Hotels can upload their restaurant menus with visually rich video backdrops for each dish, along with pricing. Guests can browse, select items, choose quantities, and confirm orders using the remote. Once placed, the order is instantly shared via WhatsApp with the kitchen team, room service staff, and management, allowing faster processing and billing without any phone calls. This seamless experience encourages impulse ordering and helps increase F&B revenue.

Hepi TV also simplifies room service requests through one-click options available on the screen. Services such as requesting towels, toiletries, laundry pickup, or spa bookings can be placed instantly. Each request is sent via WhatsApp to the relevant department with the room number, enabling quicker response times. The system also generates service usage reports, helping hotel teams understand guest demand patterns and improve planning.

Another key feature is cab and tour booking through the TV interface. Guests can request transport or tours directly from their rooms, triggering alerts to both the hotel and partnered operators. This adds convenience for guests while opening up commission-based revenue opportunities for hotels.

On the entertainment front, the Hepi TV Premium Package offers access to all paid HD channels across languages, removing the limitation of single regional DTH packs. Popular OTT platforms are available on the same interface, with complete privacy protection as guest login details are automatically erased at checkout. Adding a personal touch, the guest’s name is displayed on the TV screen from check-in to checkout, creating a warm and premium welcome.

Hotels can further use the platform as a marketing tool by uploading up to six branded 4K videos to promote services, offers, or facilities, turning every TV into an in-room communication channel.

All these features are available at ₹400 plus GST per TV per month, with no capital investment required, as the Hepi TV box is provided free of cost. For hotel owners and general managers, Hepi TV positions itself not as an expense, but as a smart investment that enhances guest experience, improves operational control, and generates additional revenue.

Palaniappa Electronics continues to strengthen its standing as a trusted partner for hospitality electronics, known for reliable quality, timely delivery, and dedicated support. Trusted by multiple hotel brands, the company remains a preferred name in the hospitality industry for innovative products and dependable service.

For more details, contact Palaniappa Electronics | Mr. Muthu at 9003045685 or muthu@palaniappagroup.com.


The Piano Man Unveils January 2026 Jazz, Fusion & Symphonic Line-up

The Piano Man Unveils January 2026 Jazz, Fusion & Symphonic Line-up

By Hariharan U

Published on January 21, 2026

The Piano Man is setting the tone for 2026 with a thoughtfully curated January calendar that celebrates musical diversity, collaboration and live performance at its finest. From orchestral pop reinterpretations to genre-blending jazz and high-octane fusion rock, the line-up reflects the venue’s continued focus on quality-driven, immersive music experiences for Indian audiences.

The month opens on January 24 with The Copycats Philharmonic Orchestra, a special symphonic edition of the band’s popular pop-rock repertoire. Known for their energetic sets, The Copycats will perform alongside a full philharmonic orchestra, reworking classics from Motown, disco, pop and rock with sweeping string and horn arrangements. The evening promises a powerful blend of orchestral depth and familiar melodies, reimagined for a grand concert setting.

On January 25, the spotlight shifts to cross-cultural experimentation with the Vishnu • Davis • Haleigh Trio. As part of GOM 26, the project brings together Bengaluru-based Carnatic innovator Vishnu R with American duo Davis & Haleigh. Blending Indian ragas, folk, jazz and blues, the trio offers a soundscape that bridges Eastern traditions and Western harmonies, marking their India and Southeast Asia debut after successful US tours.

January 30 features A Soulful Evening with Lucia, marking the vocalist’s return after a two-year break. The performance unfolds across two contrasting sets, beginning with an intimate jazz-focused collaboration with pianist Aman Mahajan, followed by a fuller R&B-driven sound with backing vocalists, horns and a complete band. The evening builds toward a moving tribute to D’Angelo, celebrating the roots of neo-soul and funk.

Closing the month on January 31 is Freak Audio Lab, led by Swedish guitarist Mattias Eklundh and featuring legendary Indian percussionist B.C. Manjunath. Joined by an international rhythm section, the performance fuses progressive rock with Indian classical rhythms, delivering a technically rich and high-energy finale to the month.

With this January programme, The Piano Man reinforces its position as a key platform for global and Indian artists alike, offering audiences carefully curated performances that balance experimentation, nostalgia and musical excellence.

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