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.


These Women Leaders Are Quietly Reshaping How Indian Businesses Think and Grow

These Women Leaders Are Quietly Reshaping How Indian Businesses Think and Grow

By Hariharan U

Published on March 11, 2026

Something has shifted in how Indian businesses are being led and it's not subtle anymore. Women across industries aren't just entering boardrooms as symbolic additions; they're the ones driving strategy, shaping culture, and making the decisions that define where organisations go next. This Women's Day, we're spotlighting seven women whose leadership is quietly and not so quietly changing things.

Yukti Nagpal, Director at Gulshan Group, is one of the new voices redefining real estate from the inside. Her approach brings together design thinking, sustainability, and a genuine focus on community, building developments that put human well-being first. She's equally intentional about the culture inside her organisation, championing mentorship and inclusive workplace practices in an industry that hasn't always made space for those conversations.

Yamini Agarwal, Director of Marketing & Communications at Nimbus Group, brings over a decade of brand-building experience to a sector where trust and perception matter enormously. She's strengthened Nimbus Realty's positioning through campaigns that combine digital savvy with authentic storytelling  and she's just as vocal about the need for ethical marketing practices and better representation of women in leadership across the real estate world.

Roshy Chhillar, Director at Landmark Group, leads with a global lens, shaped by a strong academic grounding in real estate and economics. Her leadership style balances long-term strategic thinking with a genuinely collaborative approach, building resilient urban spaces while simultaneously focusing on mentorship and people development within her organisation.

Priyamvada Navet, Deputy CEO at Experion Developers, has worked across every stage of the real estate development cycle from business development and project planning right through to execution and asset management. What makes her perspective distinctive is how she weaves personal experience into professional leadership. As a mother of two and a strong advocate for well-being, she believes organisations perform at their best when teams feel genuinely trusted and supported. For her, building capable, motivated teams is just as much a part of strong leadership as delivering on numbers.

Nandini Taneja, CEO of Bhumika Enterprises, brings over two decades of experience in advisory, leasing, and asset strategy to her role. She's known for steering large-scale developments with a clear focus on long-term value creation, combining sharp market intelligence with disciplined execution. But she's equally focused on building leadership pipelines within her teams, reflecting a belief that resilient organisations are ultimately built on empowered people.

Ambika Saxena, Group CEO of TWH Hospitality, leads with entrepreneurial instinct and a strong sense of purpose. Her career spans corporate communications and experiential hospitality, and she's built ventures that place human connection and cultural authenticity at the centre of the business. She's a firm believer that organisations thrive when inclusivity and empowerment are embedded into everyday decision-making, not just stated as values on a wall.

Preksha Singh, CEO of Agrasheel Infratech Pvt Ltd, brings over 15 years of experience across marketing, development management, and business strategy to her role. Currently leading the vision behind Agrasheel's flagship project Aashrayam in Lucknow, she approaches real estate with an analytical, market-driven mindset that's introducing fresh, multidisciplinary thinking to a traditionally structured industry.

What connects all seven of these leaders isn't just their professional success, it's the way they lead. Collaborative, purpose-driven, and deeply people-centric, they represent something that India's corporate landscape genuinely needs more of. As businesses grow more complex and competitive, diverse leadership voices like theirs aren't just good to have. They're essential


Radisson Hotel Group Signs 150-Key Radisson Hotel in Kishangarh

Radisson Hotel Group Signs 150-Key Radisson Hotel in Kishangarh

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 11, 2026

Radisson Hotel Group has announced the signing of Radisson Hotel Kishangarh, marking the brand’s entry into one of Rajasthan’s growing commercial and tourism destinations. With this addition, the group continues to strengthen its presence in the state, where this project will mark its 20th property.

Kishangarh, often referred to as the “City of Marbles,” is widely known for its marble trade and traditional miniature paintings. The city also benefits from its proximity to popular destinations such as Ajmer and Pushkar, which attract steady religious and leisure tourism throughout the year.

The upcoming Radisson Hotel Kishangarh will feature 150 well-appointed rooms and suites. The property will offer contemporary dining options along with flexible meeting and event facilities designed to host business gatherings, social events, weddings and MICE activities. The hotel aims to combine modern comfort with the region’s cultural identity and artistic heritage, creating a memorable stay experience for guests.

Strategically located just off the Delhi–Ajmer Expressway and directly opposite Kishangarh Airport, the hotel enjoys strong connectivity and visibility within an expanding tourism and commercial corridor. The airport connects the city with major domestic hubs including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Surat, Indore and Nagpur. This location is expected to attract corporate travellers, airline passengers and transit guests, while also benefiting from tourism flow to Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Pushkar.

Sharing insights on the development, Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “Kishangarh is emerging as a high-potential hospitality market driven by a combination of commercial travel, religious tourism, and improving regional connectivity. Located within a 30–45 km radius of Ajmer and Pushkar and adjacent to Kishangarh Airport, the city benefits from steady year-round demand, yet has limited penetration of branded hotels. The signing of Radisson Hotel Kishangarh enables us to establish an early-mover advantage in a market where organised hospitality supply remains significantly underdeveloped. Supported by the region’s strong marble and manufacturing ecosystem, as well as consistent social and pilgrimage-led travel, we see sustainable long-term demand across corporate, leisure, and event segments. This addition strengthens our leadership position in Rajasthan and aligns with our strategy to expand in tier-2 markets with clear demand fundamentals and scalable growth potential.”

The property is expected to benefit from its prime airport-facing location and early entry into the market. The hotel is scheduled to open in Q2 2027.

Speaking about the signing, Davashish Srivastava, Senior Director, Development, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “This signing reflects our strategy to expand in underpenetrated yet high-growth markets that offer strong fundamentals and long-term value. Kishangarh’s strategic location between Ajmer and Pushkar, improving air connectivity, and strong demand drivers from the marble trade and tourism ecosystem make it an ideal destination for our Radisson brand. We look forward to developing a landmark hotel that combines global standards with strong local relevance, while creating sustained value for our partners and guests.”

Rajendra Gupta, Partner, Cygnus Township LLP, added, “This partnership with Radisson Hotel Group marks an important milestone for our project in Kishangarh. As the city continues to grow as a centre for trade, travel, and tourism, we saw strong value in working with an internationally recognised brand that brings operational expertise and market reach. We are confident that Radisson Hotel Kishangarh will set new standards for hospitality in the region and contribute meaningfully to the city’s economic and tourism development. We look forward to a long and successful association with the Group.”


IHCL Signs Claridges Collection Hotel in Lucknow

IHCL Signs Claridges Collection Hotel in Lucknow

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 11, 2026

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of a new hotel in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh under its Claridges Collection brand. The project will be developed as a brownfield property and will further strengthen IHCL’s presence in the city’s growing hospitality landscape.

Sharing her thoughts on the development, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President, Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Lucknow has evolved into one of North India’s most promising destinations, supported by the city’s cultural richness, improving infrastructure and rising commercial activity, enhancing its appeal for both business and leisure travellers. The addition of Claridges Collection, Lucknow will further strengthen IHCL’s brandscape in the city. We are pleased to continue our partnership with MD Projects Pvt. Ltd. with this project.”

The upcoming 108-key Claridges Collection, Lucknow will be located on Lohia Path. The hotel is planned to reflect the city’s timeless elegance, taking inspiration from the architectural heritage of Awadh while combining classic design with modern comforts.

Guests at the hotel will have access to a range of dining and leisure experiences. The property will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, two specialty restaurants and a lobby lounge designed as a welcoming social space. The hotel will also offer a swimming pool, fitness centre and a spa with holistic wellness rituals.

For meetings and events, the hotel will include meeting rooms and a banquet hall spanning over 4,000 sq. ft., along with dedicated pre-function areas designed to host gatherings and celebrations.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Saurabh Ladhani, Executive Director, Ladhani Group, said, “This project reflects our long-term commitment to creating landmark hospitality assets in North India. As part of the Ladhani Group, we remain focused on building enduring partnerships and delivering developments that combine scale, quality and vision.”

Mr. Vivek Ladhani, MD Projects Private Limited, added, “We are happy to extend our on-going association with IHCL and collaborate once again to bring the Claridges Collection brand to Lucknow.”

Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, is widely known for its classical arts, rich culture and the famous Awadhi cuisine. The city is home to several well-known landmarks such as the Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza and the lively Hazratganj district, attracting visitors from across the country.

With this signing, IHCL will now have a total of 11 hotels in Lucknow, including six that are currently under development, further strengthening the company’s footprint in the region.

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