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.


IHCL and CG Hospitality Global Strengthen Presence in Bhutan with Taj Gangtey Resort and Spa

IHCL and CG Hospitality Global Strengthen Presence in Bhutan with Taj Gangtey Resort and Spa

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 31, 2026

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the opening of Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa in Phobjikha, Bhutan, further strengthening its presence in the region through its partnership with CG Hospitality Global.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “Building on our presence in the region, opening of Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa, is in line with our strategy of growing our footprint in the sub-continent. Bhutan is a well-established leisure destination on the global tourism map offering a combination of nature and culture. We are delighted to partner with Happiness Resort & Spa for this project, a collaboration between Mr. Anan Gurung and CG Hospitality Global a member of the CG Corp Global.”

Located in the pristine Phobjikha valley, the 35-key Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa brings the calm and beauty of the landscape into every room, offering guests a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. The Chang Lounge & Bar invites guests to relax by the fire with a selection of rare blends and spirits, while Vista offers authentic flavours in a traditional Bhutanese setting.

The resort features a J Wellness Circle Spa offering holistic remedies, an indoor heated swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and dedicated yoga instructors. Guests can also enjoy curated experiences such as guided monastery walks, nature trails through the meadows, and crane spotting, allowing them to connect closely with the destination.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Binod Chaudhary, Chairman, CG Corp Global and Mr. Rahul Chaudhary, MD & CEO of CG Hospitality Global, said, “Phobjikha has always been a place of quiet beauty. Partnering with IHCL allows us to introduce a hospitality offering that is in harmony with the destination, its people and its traditions.”

Mr. Anan Gurung, CEO, Happiness Resort & Spa, Bhutan, added, “Steeped in culture and the timeless spirit of the Himalayas, Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa offers a window to Bhutan’s soul. We are proud to partner with the iconic Taj, World’s Strangest Hotel Brand for this hotel.”

Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s most scenic glacial valleys, known for its open meadows, untouched natural beauty, and a cultural landscape that has remained timeless over the years.

The partnership between IHCL and CG Hospitality across the Indian Sub-Continent and the Middle East currently includes Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa and Taj Paro Resort & Spa in Bhutan, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa and Taj Coral Reef Resort & Spa in Maldives, Taj Samudra in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers in Dubai, two Vivanta hotels in Nepal, and Taj Safaris, the luxury wildlife lodges in India and Nepal.


Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa Returns to Cinemas on Valentine’s Eve, 24 Years After Its Original Release

Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa Returns to Cinemas on Valentine’s Eve, 24 Years After Its Original Release

By Hariharan U

Published on January 31, 2026

In a move set to delight romance lovers and cinema nostalgists alike, True Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. has announced the theatrical re-release of the 2002 romantic drama Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa. The film will return to cinemas across India on 13 February 2026, just in time for Valentine’s Day celebrations, nearly 24 years after its original theatrical run.

Directed by Kuku Kohli, Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa was one of the notable box-office performers of its time and remains remembered for its sweeping romance, popular soundtrack and big-screen appeal. Notably, the film has never been released on any OTT or satellite platform, making this re-release the first opportunity in years for audiences to experience it in a cinema setting.

Kuku Kohli is a well-established name in Hindi commercial cinema and is best known for launching Ajay Devgn in Phool Aur Kaante (1991), a film that became iconic, particularly for its memorable opening bike-split sequence. Over the years, Kohli has directed films such as Suhaag, Haqeeqat, Zulmi and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa, and also introduced actors Karan Nath and Jividha Sharma through this romantic entertainer. The film’s music, released under Tips Music, continues to enjoy strong popularity, with its songs frequently ranking high on chartbusters even today.

Starring Karan Nath and Jividha Sharma, Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa has retained its appeal despite the absence of a digital release. For its 2026 theatrical return, the film has been carefully re-edited to align with contemporary viewing sensibilities and has been re-certified by the CBFC.

True Entertainment, led by Shailendra Mandowara, has been active in film production and distribution for over two decades. Mandowara had earlier released and distributed the cult classic Tujhe Meri Kasam, whose recent re-release received an encouraging response.

Speaking about the decision, Shailendra Mandowara of True Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. said, "At True Entertainment, we strongly believe that certain films belong only in theatres, and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa is one of them. It has never been released on Satellite and OTT, and that was a conscious decision to bring it back to theatres for today audience. After the overwhelming response to the re-release of Tujhe Meri Kasam, bringing this film back felt like a natural step. This is about celebrating cinema that audiences still want to experience on the big screen."

Director Kuku Kohli also shared his thoughts on the film’s return, saying, "Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa was made for the big screen -- the scale, the music, the emotions, everything was designed to be experienced collectively in a theatre. I'm genuinely happy that a new generation will get the chance to discover the film the way audiences did in 2002. Romantic films have a huge audience base today and the film will cater to young viewers. Cinema has a long memory, and when a film connects honestly, it always finds its way back to the audience."

The nationwide theatrical re-release of Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa on 13 February 2026 aims to tap into both nostalgia and renewed interest in big-screen romantic cinema, offering audiences a chance to revisit or discover, a film that continues to hold a special place in Bollywood’s romantic legacy.


STAAH Crosses 30,000 Live Properties Worldwide, Strengthens Global Presence

STAAH Crosses 30,000 Live Properties Worldwide, Strengthens Global Presence

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 30, 2026

STAAH, a global hospi-tech solutions provider, has announced a key milestone with over 30,000 live properties now using its platform across the world. This includes more than 8,000 properties in India, underlining the brand’s strong growth in the domestic market alongside its expanding global footprint.

The achievement reflects the growing confidence hoteliers place in STAAH’s cloud-based solutions at a time when global travel is steadily regaining momentum. From independent hotels and resorts to groups and chains, STAAH’s technology is helping properties simplify daily operations, improve distribution, and drive better revenue outcomes.

STAAH’s product portfolio includes Channel Manager, Booking Engine, Review Management, Global Distribution System, and other hospitality technology solutions. Together, these offerings support over 30,000 properties in managing online visibility, optimising bookings, and adapting to an increasingly digital hospitality environment.

Commenting on the milestone, Tarun Joukani (Director, STAAH) said, "Reaching 30,000 live properties is a testament to our relentless focus on innovation and customer success. We've seen explosive growth in key markets like India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, where hoteliers are embracing digital transformation to boost occupancy, streamline operations, and maximize revenue. This milestone positions us to empower even more properties as global tourism rebounds."

Headquartered in New Zealand, STAAH is a well-established hospitality technology platform that supports accommodation providers including hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. The company enables properties to grow online bookings and revenue through a user-friendly system that manages Online Travel Agents, direct bookings, and online reputation.

Founded by Gavin Jeddo in 2008, STAAH currently partners with over 20,000 properties across 90 countries. Its operations span New Zealand, Australia, India, UAE, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the UK, and Europe. The company continues to deliver solutions across Channel Management, Booking Engine, Websites, Vouchers, Reputation Management, and Global Distribution System, reinforcing its position as a trusted technology partner for the hospitality industry.

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