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.


FIFA World Cup 2026: Paraguay Stuns Germany as Late-Night Food Orders Rise in India

FIFA World Cup 2026: Paraguay Stuns Germany as Late-Night Food Orders Rise in India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 1, 2026

Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup 2026 history by defeating four-time champions Germany 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the Round of 32 clash ended 1-1 following 120 minutes of play.

The victory marks Paraguay's biggest-ever World Cup triumph. The South American side, which last reached the quarter-finals in 2010 and had not qualified for the tournament since, booked its place in the Round of 16 with a memorable performance.

Paraguay took the lead late in the first half through a header from Julio Enciso, before Kai Havertz equalised for Germany in the 52nd minute. The match remained level through extra time, forcing a penalty shootout. Jose Canale converted the first sudden-death penalty, while goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two crucial saves to seal Paraguay's historic victory.

In another Round of 32 fixture, Brazil edged past Japan with a 2-1 victory to progress to the next stage. Morocco also booked its place in the Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.

While football fans continue to enjoy thrilling knockout action, the tournament is also influencing late-night food habits in India. With FIFA World Cup matches being played at 12.30 am, 3.30 am and 6.30 am IST, food delivery platforms and restaurant chains have witnessed a rise in overnight orders.

According to data shared by Swiggy Food Marketplace, nearly half of all late-night food orders placed between 11 pm and 3 am during June 11 to June 24 were made between 11 pm and midnight, making it the busiest hour for deliveries on match nights.

Football fans largely preferred comfort food, with pizzas, burgers, fries and beverages topping the order list. The most popular items included Pepper Barbecue Chicken Pizza Mania, Crispy Chicken Burger Peri Peri Meal, Crispy Veg Burger Peri Peri Meal and Garlic Breadsticks.

Among metro cities, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai recorded the highest number of late-night football-related orders, while Surat, Thiruvananthapuram and Patna emerged as the leading cities among India's growing markets.


Aditya Birla Housing Finance Expands Delhi Presence with Shahdara Branch

Aditya Birla Housing Finance Expands Delhi Presence with Shahdara Branch

By Hariharan U

Published on June 30, 2026

Aditya Birla Housing Finance Limited (ABHFL), a subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital Limited, has expanded its presence in New Delhi with the launch of a new branch in Shahdara. With this addition, the company now operates four branches in the capital, strengthening its distribution network in one of India’s key housing finance markets.

Shahdara, a well-connected and steadily developing residential locality, continues to witness consistent housing demand supported by strong metro and rail connectivity and proximity to key commercial hubs across Delhi and the NCR region. ABHFL’s new branch aims to improve accessibility to tailored housing finance solutions for homebuyers in the area.

The company offers a wide range of housing finance products including affordable housing loans, prime housing loans, construction finance, and loans against property. These services cater to salaried individuals, self-employed professionals, and emerging income groups, supported by a digital-first onboarding system that enables faster approvals and improved transparency.

To mark the launch, ABHFL has introduced a limited-period offer featuring zero login fees along with spot loan sanctions of up to ₹50 lakh. The offer is valid from June 24 to June 30, 2026, and is designed to encourage quicker and more affordable access to home financing.

Speaking on the expansion, Pankaj Gadgil, MD & CEO of Aditya Birla Housing Finance Limited, said that New Delhi remains a key growth market for the company. He added that ABHFL is focused on deepening customer engagement by combining its expanding physical presence with strong digital capabilities to simplify the home loan journey.

The expansion aligns with ABHFL’s broader strategy of strengthening its retail lending portfolio while promoting financial inclusion and delivering a smoother, customer-centric “Happy Home Loan Journey” for borrowers across India.


Ginger Strengthens Presence with New Hotels in Siwan and Agra

Ginger Strengthens Presence with New Hotels in Siwan and Agra

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 30, 2026

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India's largest hospitality company, has expanded the footprint of its Ginger brand with the opening of Ginger Siwan, Chapra Road in Bihar and Ginger Agra Fatehabad Road in Agra.

Commenting on the expansion, Ms. Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – Hotel Openings & New Businesses, IHCL, said, "With the launch of Ginger hotels in Siwan and Agra, Ginger continues to strengthen its presence across India’s commercial and cultural cities. Siwan is rapidly emerging as a center for trade and commerce in Bihar, while Agra remains one of the country’s most iconic tourist destinations with strong demand from both domestic. The openings of Ginger Siwan and Ginger Agra reflect our strategy to expand in high-potential markets."

Located on Fatehabad Road, Ginger Agra Fatehabad Road features 70 keys, offering modern amenities and cityscape views. Guests can dine at Qmin, Ginger's signature in-house restaurant, which serves a selection of Indian, Mughlai and international cuisine. The hotel also includes a bar, providing a space for guests to relax and socialise.

In Bihar, Ginger Siwan, Chapra Road offers 30 keys designed for convenience, comfort and hassle-free stays. The hotel also features Qmin, the brand's all-day dining restaurant, serving a mix of local favourites and international dishes.

Both Ginger Siwan and Ginger Agra Fatehabad Road are equipped with banquet halls and meeting venues, making them suitable for corporate events as well as social gatherings.

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