Union Budget 2025: Strengthening Hospitality & Tourism with Infrastructure and Skilling Initiatives

Union Budget 2025: Strengthening Hospitality & Tourism with Infrastructure and Skilling Initiatives

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 4, 2025

The Union Budget 2025 has unveiled significant initiatives aimed at strengthening India's hospitality and tourism sector. With infrastructure status granted to hotels in 50 top tourist destinations, the government seeks to enhance financial access and investment opportunities. Additionally, the introduction of Mudra loans for homestays and a focus on skill development through National Centres of Excellence signal a promising shift toward sustainable tourism growth. Industry leaders weigh in on the impact of these measures.

Dr. Vikram Kamat, Chairman of the VITSKAMAT Group, expressed optimism about the budget’s impact on the sector. "The infrastructure status for hotels in top tourist destinations is a significant step forward, allowing easier financing and encouraging investments. The emphasis on homestays through Mudra loans empowers small entrepreneurs while providing travelers with authentic experiences. Additionally, the focus on skill development through five National Centres of Excellence ensures that India's workforce remains globally competitive. However, addressing GST input credit for hotels and structured tax benefits would further strengthen the sector’s growth."

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Dinesh Yadav, Founder and MD of Fine Acers, lauded the government’s commitment to developing the top 50 tourist sites in collaboration with state authorities. "This initiative, alongside Mudra loans for homestays, will stimulate private investments and promote regional tourism. Additionally, leveraging medical tourism and cultural attractions like those associated with Lord Buddha's history will diversify India's tourism offerings. Improved infrastructure will encourage long-term investments in hotels, resorts, and allied services, making this an opportune period for hospitality sector expansion."

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Pranav Rungta, Co-founder and Director of Nksha restaurant and Vice President of NRAI Mumbai, welcomed the tax relief measures but highlighted the restaurant sector's ongoing challenges. "The government's move to reduce income tax outlay, leading to Rs 1 lakh crore in citizens’ savings, is expected to boost discretionary spending. This could elevate our sector’s projected growth rate from 8.3% to 10-12%. While infrastructure status for hotels is a positive step, the restaurant industry’s long-standing demand for industry status remains unmet. Additionally, the lack of recognition as a labor-intensive sector and the continued challenge of GST input credit remain major concerns for our growth. The budget presents a mixed outlook for the restaurant sector, with some positive steps but crucial gaps left unaddressed."

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With these developments, the hospitality industry anticipates accelerated growth and increased investment, though further policy refinements could unlock even greater potential for the sector.


Shaping the Future of Nightlife in India: A Vision from Playboy Clubs

Shaping the Future of Nightlife in India: A Vision from Playboy Clubs

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 31, 2025

 With a legacy rooted in global sophistication, Playboy Clubs are bringing a new standard of nightlife to India—one that blends international luxury, immersive experiences, and high-end hospitality. Today’s discerning guests expect more than just a night out. They’re looking for exclusive, tech-driven, and unforgettable moments and that’s exactly what Playboy Clubs are made to deliver.

Whether it's our high-energy nightclubs, stylish beer gardens, or intimate Bunny Bars, each space under the Playboy banner is thoughtfully designed to elevate entertainment and create lasting impressions. Through every detail from world-class interiors to exceptional service we set the bar for what nightlife can be.

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“At Playboy Clubs, we’re not just building venues—we're curating premium lifestyle experiences that reflect the evolving aspirations of India’s modern generation,” shares Rohit Malhotra, CEO & Owner of Playboy Clubs.

 Recognising the shift in expectations, Play Clubs have integrated cutting-edge technology across all their venues. AI-powered bartenders, personalised VIP services, and augmented reality features—all tailored to create one-of-a-kind experiences. But innovation doesn’t stop at tech. Sustainability is equally central to our vision. We’ve implemented zero-waste cocktail programs, eco-conscious designs, and more, because we believe in building a future that’s as responsible as it is glamorous.

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 Our commitment is backed by a ₹250 crore investment over the next five years as we expand into major cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Goa. This journey is not about scale alone—it’s about delivering quality, exclusivity, and global experiences rooted in Indian hospitality.

“We’re not here just to follow global nightlife trends. We’re here to shape them—right from India,” says Malhotra.

 and he also shared, "Our focus will always remain on crafting venues that embody immersive themes, luxury, and forward-thinking design, catering to a young, affluent, and experience-hungry audience."

At Playboy Clubs, Rohit Malhotra and his team is setting the tone for the future of nightlife in India—where every night is more than an event; it’s a memory in the making.


ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Expands Footprint with Hotel Blue Magnets in Dalhousie

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Expands Footprint with Hotel Blue Magnets in Dalhousie

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 31, 2025

In a continued stride of strategic expansion, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts proudly welcomes Hotel Blue Magnets in Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, to its growing collection. This addition marks the brand’s 10th hotel, showcasing its commitment to bringing quality hospitality experiences across India under both the ALIVAA and The Hoften brands.

Hotel Blue Magnets will now operate under The Hoften brand, known for offering smart, efficient, and high-value services that cater to the modern traveller. This move aligns with ALIVAA’s goal of redefining midscale hospitality with consistency and care.

Akash Bhatia, CEO – ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts (Managed & Franchise), shared,

“We’re thrilled to welcome Hotel Blue Magnets to The Hoften family and the broader ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts collection. Dalhousie is a truly enchanting destination, and this partnership allows us to offer our guests an even wider array of exceptional experiences.”

Vikramjit Singh, Founder of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, highlighted the milestone,

“We aspire to be the fastest growing Indian brand and our 10th signing in less than a year of our first opening validates our endeavour.”

Inderpal Batra, Co-founder, added,

“This expansion into Dalhousie with Hotel Blue Magnets is a testament to our robust growth strategy and our belief in the immense potential of India’s most scenic destinations.”

Paramjit Singh Khurana, owner of Hotel Blue Magnets, expressed optimism about the collaboration,

“Joining forces with ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts and bringing Hotel Blue Magnets under The Hoften brand is a momentous occasion. Their expertise and commitment to guest satisfaction perfectly complement our vision for Dalhousie.”

With this latest signing, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts continues to carve a niche in the Indian hospitality landscape, offering reliable and memorable experiences across a growing network of distinctive destinations.


The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group Celebrates Pride Month 2025 with a Powerful Line-Up of Inclusive Initiatives

The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group Celebrates Pride Month 2025 with a Powerful Line-Up of Inclusive Initiatives

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 31, 2025

Leading the way in inclusive hospitality, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group is once again championing Pride Month 2025 with a dynamic and deeply meaningful line-up of celebrations and initiatives. Going beyond symbolic gestures, this year’s programming reflects the Group’s long-standing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) under the leadership of Dr. Jyotsna Suri, along with Deeksha Suri and Keshav Suri.

 Across all Lalit properties, the month kicks off with the iconic #PureLove Parade and Flag Hoisting ceremonies. These inclusive events bring together hotel staff, corporate partners, artists, NGOs, and guests in a united display of pride.

 Celebrations continue with Drag Bingo, Queer Quizzes, storytelling sessions, and themed room experiences such as “Walls of Love”, custom décor, special menus, and Pride-themed keycards and hampers to create a fully immersive guest journey.

At The Lalit New Delhi, guests can engage with a curated art residency for queer artists, a filmmaking workshop led by Tushar Tyagi, and an awareness walk on inclusive practices in hospitality by chef Ritu Dalmia and the Lalit School team.

 The Keshav Suri Foundation (KSF) will launch Pride Pathways, a mentorship program for LGBTQIA+ professionals, and co-host the Trans Employment Mela in partnership with the TWEET Foundation. Other KSF highlights include:

  • The Rainbow Networking Event

  • The Aditya Nanda Award for Best Mental Health Film

  • A panel at KASHISH Mumbai Queer Film Festival

 Engaging conversations continue with a Diplomatic Drag Queen Story Hour at OKO, Queer Content Creators Meet at The Lalit Mangar, and PridePitches where college students propose DEI strategies. DEI trainings and the “My Identity, My Pride” sharing circles further deepen awareness.

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 At The Lalit Golf & Spa Resort Goa, guests are invited to a Pride Escape, with Group-wide social media campaigns spotlighting queer team members and allies. Interactive email quizzes, digital events, and the Queering the Law campaign (with Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy) broaden the celebration online. The new edition of Elphie, a children’s book, will also be released in collaboration with Westland Books.

 Pride Month will conclude with the launch of Karma Care, a mental health initiative focused on affirmative therapist training, and a virtual Pride Gathering led by the Group’s DEI team and senior leadership.

Dr. Jyotsna Suri shared,

“At The Lalit, we have always ensured that diversity and inclusion are not just campaigns, but the very conscience of the hotel. Pride Month provides a moment to remind us of the strength in diversity and the impact of supporting with a clear vision. We are proud to stand with the LGBTQIA+ community, not only in June but all throughout the year.”

With this powerful and heartfelt approach, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group reaffirms its role as a true advocate for inclusivity, ensuring Pride is more than a celebration—it's a core value.

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