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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Published on February 14, 2026
Suba Group of Hotels has proudly opened its Click Hotel property in Bhuntar, Kulllu, marking another step in the brand’s growing presence across India. Click Hotel Bhuntar by Suba Hotel Ltd. officially opened its doors on 13th february 2026.
Strategically located close to the Bhuntar airport, the hotel offers a quiet and comfortable retreat in one of Himachal’s most charming towns. Set along the scenic banks of the River Beas and surrounded by snow-covered peaks and lush green valleys, Bhuntar is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers visiting the Kullu Manali region.
Click Hotel Bhuntar features thoughtfully designed rooms with modern interiors and essential comforts aimed at ensuring a restful stay. The hotel offers a total of 26 well-appointed rooms, designed to balance comfort with convenience for both leisure and business travellers.
Guests can enjoy dining at the on-site multi-cuisine restaurant, which serves a mix of popular favourites and regional flavours in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Blending modern comfort with the calm of a hillside escape, Click Hotel Bhuntar promises a pleasant stay experience for visitors exploring the region.
The hotel offers a range of guest services including elegance-led service standards, free wifi, doctor on call, 24/7 travel support, in room locker facilities, and well-curated dining experiences, ensuring a smooth and comfortable stay.
Address: FRB Khata 107/124 & 108/125 Near BP Petrol Pump, Nagwain, Distt. Mandi, Himachal Pradesh - 175121.
Emirates is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a curated selection of sweet treats, premium rosé Champagne, themed lounge experiences and romantic entertainment across its network on 14 February.
On Valentine’s Day, customers travelling in Economy and Premium Economy Class will receive a mini gift box featuring a raspberry chocolate brownie, while aircraft cabins glow under soft red mood lighting. First and Business Class passengers will be treated to indulgent chocolate brownies and mini raspberry ganache tarts decorated with hearts.
Onboard the airline’s iconic Airbus A380, the Onboard Lounge will offer an assortment of desserts including lemon and raspberry cupcakes, profiteroles and mini tarts, creating a festive ambience at 40,000 feet.
First Class customers will be welcomed with a glass of Dom Pérignon Rosé 2009, an exclusive vintage available onboard Emirates. The cuvée highlights pinot noir with aromas of raspberry and cherry, complemented by notes of cassis, fig, rose, orange oil, saffron, gingerbread and liquorice.
Business Class travellers can enjoy Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial, known for its vibrant fruit profile featuring wild strawberry, raspberry and red cherry, accented by subtle floral notes and a touch of spice.
From 13 to 15 February, Emirates Lounges in Dubai will serve a selection of Valentine’s-themed desserts. First Class guests can savour raspberry vanilla cake, pistachio strawberry cake and red velvet cake, paired with cocktails such as Love Potion and Whispered Hearts. Rosé Champagne will be served alongside gourmet canapés including marinated lobster en feuilleté and truffle cream éclat.
Business Class lounge guests can indulge in red berries crunchy cake, strawberry and pistachio tart, raspberry choux and selections from a dedicated ice cream cart featuring strawberry cheesecake ice cream and raspberry and rose sorbet.
Across Emirates Lounges worldwide, Valentine’s-themed offerings will include heart-shaped ravioli in Rome, Valentine’s cupcakes in Cairo and chocolate-dipped strawberries in Sri Lanka.
For inflight entertainment, Emirates’ award-winning system Emirates ice will feature a dedicated ‘Love Stories’ movie collection. Titles include new releases such as Regretting You, Workmates and Tyler Perry’s Finding Joy, alongside classics like 10 Things I Hate About You, The Notebook, Notting Hill and the full Bridget Jones collection.
The ‘Period Dramas’ folder includes favourites such as Sense & Sensibility, Pride & Prejudice and Sanditon. Romantic K-Dramas including Guardian: The Lonely & Great God, Lovely Runner and What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim will also be available. Customers can further set the mood with curated playlists such as Spotify’s Valentine’s Day Love Mixtape and Emirates’ Romantic Moments collection.
With indulgent flavours, premium Champagne and carefully curated entertainment, Emirates aims to make love truly take flight this Valentine’s Day.
Published on February 13, 2026
Vegas Mall, known as a leading fashion, lifestyle, entertainment and dining destination in Dwarka, has announced the grand opening of Kraus Jeans on the 2nd floor. The new store further strengthens the mall’s fashion portfolio and gives shoppers access to more premium and trend-focused denim and casualwear options.
Kraus Jeans is widely recognised for its high-quality denim and flattering fits designed for women. With its latest collection now available at Vegas Mall, customers can explore a wide range of styles, washes, and silhouettes, all under one roof in the heart of Dwarka. The brand’s presence adds fresh energy to the mall’s already strong fashion offering.
Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Ravinder Choudhary, Vice-President, Vegas Mall, said, “We are delighted to welcome Kraus Jeans to the Vegas Mall family. Fashion is at the core of what we offer here, and Kraus Jeans’ entry underscores our commitment to bringing both established and emerging brands to our shoppers. With the continued growth of our fashion portfolio, we aim to provide even more choices and a superior shopping experience for visitors from Dwarka and beyond.”
Over the years, Vegas Mall has built a reputation as a preferred shopping and leisure destination, bringing together national and international apparel brands, lifestyle outlets, entertainment spaces, and dining options. The addition of Kraus Jeans is in line with the mall’s ongoing effort to enhance the overall retail experience and cater to changing customer preferences.
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