Key Budget 2025 Announcements for the Tourism and Hospitality Industry

Key Budget 2025 Announcements for the Tourism and Hospitality Industry

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.


Emirates Celebrates Valentine’s Day with Champagne, Desserts and Inflight Entertainment

Emirates Celebrates Valentine’s Day with Champagne, Desserts and Inflight Entertainment

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 14, 2026

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.

Celebrating Love in the Sky

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.

Love in the Lounges

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.

Spotlight on Romance with Emirates ice

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.


Vegas Mall Welcomes Kraus Jeans to Its Fashion Destination Portfolio

Vegas Mall Welcomes Kraus Jeans to Its Fashion Destination Portfolio

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

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.


Kairali, The Ayurvedic Healing Village India Announces Exclusive North American Partnership with Sky Vacations

Kairali, The Ayurvedic Healing Village India Announces Exclusive North American Partnership with Sky Vacations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 12, 2026

Kairali – The Ayurvedic Healing Village (KTAHV) has announced its exclusive North American partnership with Sky Vacations, one of North America’s premier luxury tour operators known for curated and culturally immersive travel experiences. The collaboration aims to bring the healing benefits of authentic 5000-year-old Kerala Ayurveda practice to travellers across North America.

Located in the lush foothills of Palakkad and spread across 63 acres, Kairali The Ayurvedic Healing Village has been welcoming global guests for more than 26 years. Recognised worldwide for its authentic Ayurveda-based wellness experiences, the retreat blends traditional healing therapies with modern comfort, personalised care, and a strong focus on sustainability and wellbeing.

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“Bringing travellers the most authentic and enriching travel opportunities is one of our core pillars,” said Richard Krieger, Director of Sky Vacations. “As Kairali The Ayurvedic Healing Village’s exclusive representative partner in North America, we are thrilled to expand our health and wellness portfolio with a property that so perfectly embodies authenticity, excellence, and purpose."

At the heart of Kairali’s offering is a medically guided and personalised wellness approach. Each guest undergoes customised programs supervised by experienced Ayurvedic doctors and therapists. The treatments combine traditional therapies, yoga, meditation, and lifestyle guidance. Supporting this journey is farm-to-table cuisine prepared using organically grown, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that nourishment and healing go hand in hand.

“It is a great honour for us. Ayurveda is a 5000-year-old science, and working with Sky Vacations as our North American partner and representative helps us introduce the benefits of truly authentic Ayurveda and its healing benefits to more North American audiences,” said Abhilash Ramesh, Director of Kairali Ayurvedic Group. “Sky Vacations has a stellar reputation for creating extraordinary global journeys, and their depth of knowledge and experience in India is truly unparalleled”.

KTAHV offers a wide range of wellness programs designed for both preventive and restorative health. These include detoxification and rejuvenation therapies (panchakarma), weight and dietary management, stress relief, energy restoration, women’s wellness, immunity enhancement, pain management, and long-term lifestyle reset plans. Each program is carefully structured to ensure benefits that continue well beyond the stay.

For Sky Vacations, this partnership strengthens its focus on meaningful and transformative travel. With decades of experience in designing high-end journeys across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas and strong expertise in travel to India, the company is well positioned to introduce KTAHV to the North American market.

“This partnership reflects everything our guests expect from Sky Vacations: carefully curated experiences, exceptional quality, healing in a globally recognised Ayurvedic retreat and access to the very best the world has to offer.” Further, continued Mr. Krieger.

At KTAHV, guests can access traditional, medically guided Ayurvedic programs including Ayurvedic Massages (treatments), Detox programs, Yoga, Meditation, lifestyle guidance, diet programs, Farm-to-table food using organic, locally sourced ingredients, and authentic Ayurvedic supplements and medicines, all overseen by experienced Ayurvedic doctors and therapists aligned to each individual requirement.

This exclusive collaboration reflects the growing global demand for wellness travel that delivers more than relaxation. Through this partnership, Sky Vacations and Kairali aim to create a new benchmark for authentic Ayurvedic wellness travel in the North American market.

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