Hospitality Leaders Welcome Union Budget 2026, Call It a Strong Catalyst for Tourism Growth

Hospitality Leaders Welcome Union Budget 2026, Call It a Strong Catalyst for Tourism Growth

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 3, 2026

As Union Budget 2026 introduces a wide range of tourism-focused announcements, leaders from India’s hospitality and travel industry have shared optimistic views on the government’s vision to strengthen the sector through connectivity, skilling, sustainability and destination development.

Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director, Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, welcomed the Budget’s emphasis on cultural and regional tourism. He said,

"We appreciate the government's focus in the Union Budget 2026, which reinforces India's commitment to strengthening the hospitality and tourism sector. By reimagining heritage sites, supporting Buddhist circuits, and enhancing connectivity through initiatives such as the Green High-Speed Rail Network, the Budget will increase tourism demand and attract more visitors to culturally, historically, and spiritually significant cities. This, in turn, will strengthen tourism in Tier-II and Tier-III regions, providing a strong platform for hospitality brands to expand alongside India's growth trajectory. Initiatives such as world-class hospitality talent hubs, professional guides, and structured skilling programs are expected to elevate visitor experiences, extend stays, and support local economies. Coupled with digital destination initiatives and sustainable eco-trails, these measures will enhance service standards, create dignified livelihood opportunities for young talent, and give a meaningful boost to the overall growth and competitiveness of India's hospitality sector."

Richa Adhia, Managing Director, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, highlighted the Budget’s focus on workforce development and sustainable tourism. She stated that the government’s efforts to create dignified livelihoods, develop hospitality talent hubs and invest in professional guides will significantly raise service standards while strengthening local employment. She also noted that initiatives around heritage revitalisation, eco-trails, digital destinations, adventure and medical tourism are expected to attract global travellers and enhance visitor engagement.

Sharing a detailed industry perspective, Mr. Sarbendra Sarkar, Managing Director & Founder, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, said Budget 2026 presents a future-ready roadmap for tourism and hospitality. He emphasised that talent development, digital destination platforms, creator-led promotion and improved connectivity through green high-speed rail corridors will boost visibility, travel affordability and inter-city mobility. He added that initiatives covering eco-friendly mountain trails, Buddhist circuits, heritage revitalisation, medical tourism and Purvodaya-led development will diversify tourism beyond traditional markets and support balanced, sustainable growth.

Mr. Sumit Mitruka, Founder & CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, pointed to the transformative impact of high-speed rail connectivity to Siliguri and the Northeast. He noted that faster and more reliable access would reduce travel fatigue, encourage longer stays and support off-beat destinations. He also highlighted that the development of structured trekking routes could unlock experiential tourism while preserving ecological integrity and generating livelihoods for local communities.

Mr Ritwik Khare, Founder and CEO of ELIVAAS, described Budget 2026 as a growth-driven vision that aligns infrastructure, mobility and affordability. He said the announcement of seven high-speed rail corridors will change travel behaviour by enabling shorter and more frequent trips, while the reduction in overseas tour package TCS will improve overall travel sentiment. According to him, these measures support the growing demand for private villas and flexible stay formats across regions.

Offering a regional perspective, Mr. Bhavik Sheth, Chief Operating Officer, Evoke Experiences, welcomed the focus on upgrading Indus Valley Civilisation sites such as Dholavira and Lothal. He said that structured investment in interpretation centres and visitor infrastructure can position Gujarat as a global heritage destination and open opportunities for immersive, experience-led tourism rooted in history and local communities.

Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts, observed that Union Budget 2026 reflects a shift from destination-led tourism to purpose-driven journeys. He highlighted the emphasis on wellness, spiritual circuits, nature-led travel, adventure tourism and regional connectivity. He added that investments in hospitality education, guide skilling and digital knowledge platforms will raise service standards and support responsible, community-led tourism growth.

Overall, industry leaders agree that Budget 2026 creates a strong foundation for long-term growth in India’s hospitality and tourism sector, driven by connectivity, capability building and sustainable development.


Eros Hotel New Delhi Strengthens Water Conservation Efforts During World Water Week

Eros Hotel New Delhi Strengthens Water Conservation Efforts During World Water Week

By Hariharan U

Published on August 25, 2026

Eros Hotel New Delhi is reinforcing its commitment to responsible water management during World Water Week 2026 by highlighting a range of initiatives focused on reducing water consumption, promoting mindful usage and recycling wastewater across its operations.

Organised annually by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), World Water Week brings global attention to water-related challenges and the importance of responsible water management. The 2026 edition is being held from 23 to 27 August.

At Eros Hotel New Delhi, water conservation has been integrated across guest areas, kitchens, back-of-house operations and public facilities through a combination of water-efficient infrastructure and awareness initiatives.

The hotel has installed water-saving aerators across taps in guest room washrooms, kitchens and back-of-house areas to regulate water flow and improve consumption efficiency. Public washrooms feature sensor-operated taps, helping reduce unnecessary water usage, while guest rooms are equipped with dual-flush WC cisterns that allow guests to use water according to requirements.

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The hotel's sustainability approach also focuses on creating greater awareness among guests and employees. Water conservation tent cards placed in guest rooms encourage visitors to adopt mindful water-use practices during their stay. Awareness posters across kitchens and back-of-house areas further reinforce responsible water consumption among employees and operational teams.

A key element of Eros Hotel New Delhi's water management strategy is the 100% recycling of wastewater. Treated recycled water is utilised for horticulture and cooling towers, reducing the hotel's dependence on fresh water for selected operational requirements while ensuring wastewater is put to productive use.

By combining water-efficient fixtures, wastewater recycling and awareness programmes, Eros Hotel New Delhi continues to integrate resource-conscious practices into its daily operations.

The initiatives reflect the hotel's broader approach to making water conservation a shared responsibility among guests, employees and operational teams while strengthening its ongoing sustainability efforts.

About Eros Hotel New Delhi:

Eros Hotel New Delhi is a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, offering accommodation, dining and hospitality facilities for leisure and business travellers.


Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj Hosts Victoria’s Secret ‘Rome After Dark’ Launch with Triptii Dimri

Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj Hosts Victoria’s Secret ‘Rome After Dark’ Launch with Triptii Dimri

By Hariharan U

Published on August 22, 2026

Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, hosted an exclusive ‘Rome After Dark’ experience by Victoria’s Secret, marking the launch of the brand’s latest Very Sexy Collection and bringing together fashion, luxury and experiential retail.

Inspired by the romance and mystique of Rome, the launch transformed the Victoria’s Secret store into an immersive setting reflecting the collection’s distinctive aesthetic and after-dark appeal.

Actor Triptii Dimri joined the event as the special guest, adding a celebrity and fashion dimension to the evening. Her presence further enhanced the launch, which brought together the brand’s signature fashion identity with an experience-led retail format.

Speaking on the occasion, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said that luxury retail destinations are increasingly defined by the experiences they create alongside the brands they house. He highlighted the mall’s focus on bringing leading international and premium brands together with experiences designed for an evolving, fashion-conscious consumer.

Shahista Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, added that contemporary luxury is increasingly about being distinctive, relevant and ahead of the curve. She noted that the ‘Rome After Dark’ experience combined fashion, trends and a strong sense of occasion, reflecting the evolving retail environment at Ambience Mall.

The Very Sexy Collection takes inspiration from Rome’s timeless romance and after-dark allure. Through the ‘Rome After Dark’ narrative, Victoria’s Secret has created a retail experience centred around discovery and engagement while retaining the brand’s distinctive visual and fashion language.

The launch also underlines Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj’s continued focus on premium and luxury retail. The destination brings together international and Indian brands spanning fashion, beauty, lifestyle and dining, positioning itself as a destination that combines shopping with fashion, culture and entertainment.

Over the years, Ambience Mall has also hosted prominent celebrities for brand launches and engagements, further strengthening its role within Delhi’s premium retail and lifestyle landscape.

With Victoria’s Secret’s latest collection at the centre of the evening and Triptii Dimri adding a celebrity presence, the ‘Rome After Dark’ launch showcased how luxury retail is increasingly moving beyond conventional shopping to create immersive and experience-led brand interactions.


TSG Aura Resort Hosts Special Lunch for Students in Shaheed Dweep

TSG Aura Resort Hosts Special Lunch for Students in Shaheed Dweep

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 22, 2026

TSG Aura Resort hosted a special lunch for students of Government Middle School, Sitapur, Shaheed Dweep, South Andaman, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

The initiative was planned to give the young students a warm and memorable experience. The resort team spent time with the children, interacted with them and shared moments of happiness during the gathering.

More than just providing a meal, the occasion gave the team an opportunity to connect with the students and make them feel valued and appreciated. Through initiatives such as this, TSG Hotels & Resorts continues to engage with the local community and support efforts that contribute to the well-being of people in the destinations where it operates.

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