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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on February 1, 2025
The Union Budget 2025 has been presented today, The government of India has unveiled several key initiatives that will shape the future of Hospitality and Tourism industries.
One of the standout announcements is the development of the top 50 tourism sites across the country, which will be taken up in a challenge mode with the states. Hotels under this initiative will be included in the harmonized infrastructure list, providing them with necessary resources and support.
In a move to foster employment-led growth, the government plans to launch intensive skill development programs in hospitality management institutes. Along with this, Mudra Loans will be available for homestays, and Performance Linked Incentives (PLIs) will be given to states for effective destination management, including marketing efforts and the provision of tourist amenities. E-visa facilities will also be extended to certain tourist categories, streamlining the travel process for international visitors.
Additionally, medical tourism is set to receive a significant push under the “Heal in India” program. In partnership with the private sector, the government will work towards attracting international patients seeking quality and affordable medical treatment in India. This will be facilitated by improved visa norms and enhanced capacity in the healthcare sector.
The UDAAN regional connectivity scheme, which has already brought air travel closer to the middle class by enabling 1.5 crore people to travel, will see further improvements. A modified version of this scheme will be rolled out to enhance regional connectivity to 120 new destinations, aiming to carry 4 crore passengers in the next decade. The scheme will also support the development of helipads and smaller airports in hilly and underserved regions.
Further development will take place in Bihar with the facilitation of Greenfield airports to meet the growing travel demand. This will complement the ongoing expansion of Patna airport, further boosting connectivity in the state.
In another major move, the government has proposed an extension for startups, allowing a 5-year extension on the period of incorporation, with the new deadline set for 2030 and It’ll shape up the future of food and beverage industry
On the personal finance front, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a relief for taxpayers. The income tax limit for tax-free individuals will be raised from INR 7 lakh to INR 12 lakh, meaning those earning up to INR 12 lakh will not have to pay any income tax starting from the next financial year and this move will gives financial benefits to the small players of food and beverage industry
These announcements showcase the government's dedication to elevating India as a world-class tourism destination and a prominent player in the global medical tourism market, with significant efforts being made to enhance infrastructure and drive growth in these sectors.
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Published on March 24, 2026
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) is celebrating four years of its Taj InnerCircle with NeuPass loyalty programme, inviting guests to enjoy memorable travel experiences and exclusive benefits across its hotel network.
Marking the milestone, the company has introduced special anniversary offers designed to give members more value during their stays. The initiative reflects IHCL’s continued focus on creating smooth and rewarding experiences for its guests across different brands.
Mr. Parveen Chander Kumar, Executive Vice President – Commercial, IHCL said, “Taj InnerCircle and NeuPass represent our commitment to creating thoughtful and seamless experiences across IHCL’s brandscape. As the programme completes four years, we are delighted to celebrate this journey with our members through specially curated anniversary offerings.”
As part of the celebrations, members can avail 20% savings on breakfast-inclusive stays, dining at in-house restaurants, and wellness services such as spa therapies and salon treatments. In addition, guests will also have the opportunity to earn 2X NeuCoins on bookings and eligible spends during their stay.
These benefits are available across IHCL’s portfolio, including Taj, Claridges Collection, SeleQtions, Gateway, Vivanta, Ginger, Tree of Life and amã Stays & Trails, giving members a wide range of experiences to choose from.
The offer is valid on stays booked between 20th March and 20th April 2026, for travel until 30th September 2026 across participating hotels.
With this celebration, IHCL continues to strengthen its loyalty programme by offering meaningful benefits, encouraging guests to explore more destinations while enjoying added value and comfort.
Published on March 23, 2026
FLY91 has completed two years of operations, marking a key milestone in its regional aviation journey. Since its launch in March 2024, the airline has flown over 4,81,802 passengers across India’s growing network of regional routes.
The Goa-headquartered airline has focused on improving connectivity between underserved cities, responding to the rising demand for direct travel options beyond major metro routes. Over the past two years, FLY91 has operated 9,569 flights and recorded 12,896 flying hours, steadily building its presence in the regional aviation space.
FLY91 began its operations on March 18, 2024, with its first flight connecting Manohar International Airport to Bengaluru, marking its entry into India’s aviation market. The airline currently operates from its main base at Manohar International Airport, Mopa, along with a secondary hub in Hyderabad.
Its network now covers nine destinations, including Goa, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Sindhudurg, Solapur, Agatti, and Jalgaon. The airline plans to expand this network to 15 destinations, strengthening its reach across emerging regional markets.
Operating as a regional airline, FLY91 uses ATR 72-600 aircraft, which are suited for short-haul routes and efficient connectivity. The airline has also grown its fleet to six aircraft, supporting its expansion plans.
Manoj Chacko, Founder, Managing Director and CEO of FLY91, said, “Completing two years of operations is a meaningful milestone for our team and partners. When we launched, the objective was clear: to connect underserved cities and enable easier, faster travel for people who often had limited options. The response from passengers across our network has been extremely encouraging. As we grow, our focus will remain on measured growth, disciplined expansion, operational reliability and building a regional airline that communities can depend on.”
The airline has seen strong demand on routes connecting smaller industrial centres with larger cities, with the Jalgaon–Pune route emerging as one of its busiest sectors.
Looking ahead, FLY91 plans to add more destinations such as Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Hubballi, Nanded, Dabolim, and Indore. This expansion aligns with the broader push to strengthen regional connectivity in India, supporting better mobility and economic growth across smaller cities.
With steady growth and a clear focus on regional routes, FLY91 continues to build its position in India’s evolving aviation landscape.
By Hariharan U
West Delhi has been underserved when it comes to quality organised retail and dining, and DLF Malls is doing something about that. DLF Midtown Plaza has opened in Moti Nagar, New Delhi, as a neighbourhood-focused retail and lifestyle destination that's designed to be walked to, not driven to as an occasional outing.
The plaza is part of the larger DLF Midtown ecosystem and already has a solid retail foundation in place. Crossword Bookstores, Nykaa Luxe, and Kama Ayurveda are up and running, giving the destination an immediate character that feels lifestyle-led rather than purely transactional. These aren't filler brands: they're the kind of names that draw regular visitors and create a sense of community around the space.
The more exciting part is what's coming next. A curated F&B lineup is set to open in phases over the coming months, and the roster is genuinely strong. Anardana, Aku's, Caffè Tonino, CBTL, Dasaprakash, Dohful, Draavin Canteen, Mount Fuji, and Underdoggs will bring a mix of destination dining, neighbourhood cafes, and social hangout formats to a micro-market that has historically had limited access to organised eating-out options. For residents of the Midtown development and the wider West and Central Delhi catchment, this is a meaningful change.
The residential foundation around the plaza is substantial. The DLF Midtown ecosystem comprises Capital Greens I, II, and III alongside DLF ONE Midtown, the recently delivered luxury condominium featuring four elegant towers with over 900 well-appointed apartments overlooking nearly 128 acres of green surroundings. Together, these communities house more than 3,500 families, providing a strong and immediate catchment for the plaza's offerings.
The broader vision behind DLF Midtown Plaza reflects a shift in how urban retail is being thought about in India. Rather than building large-scale destinations that require planned visits, the focus here is on everyday convenience and lifestyle value within walking distance of where people live. Cafes, bookstores, dining, and essential services all within one integrated neighbourhood hub is an idea that makes increasing sense as Indian cities grow denser and residents look for quality closer to home.
With the plaza now open and more brands set to activate in the coming months, DLF Midtown is steadily becoming the kind of fully integrated neighbourhood that West Delhi has been waiting for.
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