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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on July 30, 2025
In a landmark step towards economic cooperation, India and the United Kingdom officially signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) on July 24, 2025. The deal is set to dramatically alter the landscape for Indian hospitality, agri-exports, and employment by easing trade barriers, boosting investments, and fostering talent exchange.
One of the most immediate beneficiaries of the FTA is India’s hospitality sector, which stands to gain from the phased reduction of import duties on premium UK spirits. With tariffs on Scotch whisky and gin dropping from 150% to 75% immediately, and to 40% over the next decade, Indian hotels, bars, and restaurants can now access and offer high-end imported beverages at competitive prices. This move aligns perfectly with the rising demand for luxury and global experiences among Indian consumers and foreign travelers alike.
The impact extends beyond beverages. The FTA encourages UK investment in Indian hospitality infrastructure, including joint ventures and upscale F&B concepts. Liberalized visa norms under the agreement also pave the way for greater mobility of skilled professionals, chefs, sommeliers, and hospitality managers, facilitating international collaborations and skill-sharing that will raise India’s service standards to global benchmarks.
Meanwhile, the agriculture and food processing industries are equally poised for transformation. The FTA eliminates or significantly reduces tariffs on a wide range of Indian meat, seafood, and vegetable exports. This is particularly impactful for Indian seafood producers, who will now enjoy tariff-free access to the UK’s £5.4 billion seafood market. Industry experts estimate a potential 70% surge in marine product exports, benefitting coastal states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, and improving incomes for lakhs of fisherfolk.
The agreement also grants duty-free access to over 95% of Indian agricultural and processed food products, including pulses, spices, and ready-to-eat meals. Key crop-producing regions like Maharashtra, Punjab, and Kerala will be able to tap into new market opportunities, enhancing farmer income and driving rural employment.
From an employment standpoint, the FTA is expected to create over one million new jobs in India over the next five years. With expanded export markets and rising demand, opportunities will grow across farming, aquaculture, food processing, packaging, logistics, and hospitality services. The deal also includes institutional support for skill development and mutual qualification recognition, making it easier for Indian professionals to find work in the UK or contribute to UK-compliant operations in India.
According to experts, the FTA’s provisions on technology transfer, automation, and real-time distribution will also help modernize Indian hospitality supply chains. Similarly, voices from the seafood and agri-export sectors have hailed the agreement as a long-overdue enabler of market access and profitability.
By reducing tariffs, fostering professional exchange, and unlocking export markets, the India-UK FTA of 2025 emerges as a powerful catalyst for India’s hospitality and agri-based industries. As global tastes converge and trade becomes more seamless, Indian enterprises, from boutique hotels to shrimp exporters are better equipped to meet international standards, serve discerning customers, and scale up with confidence.
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Published on April 27, 2026
Atmosphere Core has announced its partnership with Vision Dempo Hospitality Pvt Ltd to bring a new boutique property, Crown Heritage Panjim by Atmosphere Goa, to its growing India portfolio. The 34-key hotel is set to open in Q1 2027 in Fontainhas, Panjim’s UNESCO-listed heritage district, close to the Mandovi River. The location also offers easy access, with Mopa Airport about an hour away and Dabolim Airport around 40 minutes from the property.
This upcoming hotel will be part of the ‘By Atmosphere’ sub-brand under the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts portfolio. Designed as an intimate and experience-led space, the property will feature deluxe rooms and a rooftop suite, combining heritage-inspired elements with a fresh design approach to offer a personalised stay.
Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Salil Panigrahi, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Atmosphere Core, said, “We’re now building strong momentum in India, with the signing of properties in key destinations, and Goa has always been central to our strategy. With this property, we aim to introduce a fresh, creative and experience-led offering, appealing to a diverse range of travellers, from leisure seekers to those drawn to Goa’s rich cultural heritage, while delivering a setting that is both intimate and distinctive.”
Guests at Crown Heritage Panjim can expect a well-rounded experience, including an all-day dining restaurant, a café lounge, and a rooftop resto-bar serving Goan and global cuisines along with a curated selection of wines and spirits. The property will also feature the award-winning ELE|NA Ayur Spa, offering wellness therapies, along with a swimming pool, outdoor deck, and a fully equipped fitness centre.
Located in Panjim, Goa’s capital city, the hotel sits in the culturally rich neighbourhood of Fontainhas, known for its colourful houses, narrow lanes, and Portuguese-era architecture. The area reflects a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese influences, offering visitors a mix of heritage charm and modern city life.
Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Rajesh Dempo, Founder & Managing Director of Vision Dempo Group, said,
"Atmosphere Core’s distinguished legacy of excellence aligns perfectly with our vision to unveil a world-class boutique hotel in Panjim, Goa. As the destination continues to evolve beyond leisure into a year-round, experience-led market, this partnership will contribute to strengthening Goa’s premium tourism landscape and set new benchmarks in hospitality within its UNESCO-recognised heritage precinct.”
Adding to this, Mr. Souvagya Mohapatra, Managing Director Atmosphere Core India, Bhutan, Nepal & Sri Lanka, said, “Panjim the capital city of Goa, with its awe-inspiring cultural heritage backdrop and timeless appeal, is a natural choice for our expansion. As we enter this extraordinary destination, we look forward to delivering a progressive and immersive hospitality experience, thoughtfully tailored to its surroundings, and redefining boutique indulgence within Fontainhas.”
With this addition, Atmosphere Core continues to strengthen its presence in India, bringing in properties that focus on experience, culture, and thoughtful design.
Published on April 26, 2026
India’s aviation sector is on track for strong growth, with passenger traffic expected to reach around 500 million annually by 2030 and nearly 1 billion by 2047. This projection was shared by industry leaders at the Airport 360 Expo 2026, held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre.
The growth is being supported by steady demand, expansion of airline fleets, and ongoing infrastructure development. With over 1,000 aircraft orders already in place, the sector is preparing for a major scale-up in the coming years.
Speaking at the event, BVJK Sharma, CEO, Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd, said, “We are already one of the top three domestic aviation markets in the world, and we are continuing to grow rapidly. In 2025 itself, we handled about 4 million passengers and 3.5 million of cargo, which is around 20 per cent higher than the pre-COVID levels.”
He added that while the sector has historically grown at 10–12 per cent, the pace may gradually stabilise to around 5.6 per cent by 2044. However, in the near term, domestic air travel demand is expected to remain strong, with an initial year-on-year growth of about 17 per cent.
India’s aviation infrastructure is also expanding quickly, with more than 160 operational airports currently and continued investments under national programmes. The sector already contributes nearly USD 54 billion to the economy and supports millions of jobs. Emerging segments like MRO are also expected to play a key role in strengthening the overall ecosystem.
At Navi Mumbai International Airport, development is being carried out in phases, with plans to handle up to 90 million passengers by 2032. The focus remains on building strong connectivity, improving digital systems, and ensuring smooth operations through integrated planning.
Sharad Kumar, Chief Advisor, Airports Authority of India, highlighted that the sector is entering a crucial phase where growth needs to be backed by clear strategy. “Globally, the industry is being shaped by digital transformation, sustainability, and deeper integration across aviation, logistics, tourism, and trade. At the same time, recent geopolitical developments have highlighted the sector's vulnerability, impacting routes, costs, and operational efficiency,” he said.
He also noted that India has a strong advantage with rising demand, better infrastructure, and a long-term vision to expand to around 350 airports by 2047. Initiatives like UDAN have already improved regional connectivity, and the next phase will focus on efficiency, long-term viability, and better network integration.
A key focus going forward will be to reduce reliance on foreign hubs for international travel and create stronger domestic hubs. This includes improving policy support, strengthening infrastructure, and using technology to build a more efficient aviation ecosystem.
Organised by Media Fusion, the second edition of the two-day Airport 360 Expo brought together over 2,500 industry professionals, more than 70 exhibitors, and over 200 aviation experts. Participants from over 10 countries, including Germany, Singapore, Oman, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Thailand, were part of the event.
With strong demand and continued investments, India’s aviation sector is steadily moving towards becoming a global hub in the coming decades.
By Hariharan U
Published on April 25, 2026
In a significant move towards building integrated urban lifestyle destinations, The Phoenix Mills Ltd, in partnership with Ileseum Clubs, has launched Millennium Club in Wakad, Pune. The new development brings together sport, wellness, hospitality, and community into a single, experience-led ecosystem.
Strategically located alongside Millennium Towers and Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, the Club is part of a larger mixed-use development spanning over 2.6 million sq. ft. of commercial and retail space. Designed as a lifestyle extension of the workplace and retail environment, Millennium Club reflects a growing shift towards integrated urban living.
Spread across approximately 62,000 sq. ft. over six floors, along with a pool and terrace, the Club offers a multi-dimensional experience. It features professional-grade sports infrastructure including pickleball, squash, and badminton courts, alongside expansive fitness and wellness zones. The space is designed to seamlessly transition from daytime fitness activities to evening social and hospitality experiences.
Enhancing its wellness offering, the Club has partnered with leading brands such as Fittr, Tattva Spa, and Manah Wellness, creating a holistic ecosystem focused on health and wellbeing.
A key highlight of the destination is Aufside, a sports-led hospitality concept developed by Aufside Hospitality LLP. Designed as a multi-level venue, it combines large-format sports screenings with social dining, catering to both high-energy match days and relaxed gatherings.
Commenting on the launch, Vithal Suryavanshi, CEO – Commercial Real Estate at The Phoenix Mills Ltd, said the Club is a natural extension of the company’s philosophy of building integrated destinations where work, leisure, and community coexist. He emphasised the importance of embedding wellness into everyday urban life rather than treating it as an occasional pursuit.
Pavit Singh, Co-Founder of Aufside Hospitality LLP and Managing Partner at Ileseum Clubs, highlighted that the launch marks a key milestone in expanding sports-led lifestyle destinations across India, tailored for the evolving expectations of modern consumers.
The launch comes at a time when India’s sports industry, valued at over ₹18,000 crore, is witnessing strong growth alongside rising demand for organised, experience-driven formats. Millennium Club responds to this shift by offering a scalable model that integrates sport, wellness, and social engagement within a single platform.
With expansion plans already underway across key cities, Millennium Club is positioned as a flagship prototype for the next generation of community-driven, sport-led urban destinations in India.
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