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By Nishang Narayan
Published on July 25, 2024
The Union Budget 2024-25, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has set the stage for transformative growth in India's hospitality sector. With a forward-looking approach, the budget aims to enhance infrastructure, boost tourism, and create significant employment opportunities, thus setting the course for a hospitality boom.
One of the most notable measures is the allocation of ₹1.48 lakh crore towards education, employment, and skilling, which includes training 20 lakh youth and upgrading 1,000 institutes. This investment in human capital is poised to address the industry's growing demand for skilled workers, enhancing service quality and customer experience across the sector.
In addition, the revised income tax regime and the abolishment of the Angel Tax are expected to ease financial burdens on businesses, encouraging investments and stimulating economic activity within the industry.
Infrastructure and Connectivity: A New Dawn for Hospitality
The budget's commitment to converting 40,000 rail bogies to Vande Bharat coaches and expanding key rail corridors will significantly enhance connectivity, making travel more convenient and accessible. Furthermore, the development of prominent cultural and spiritual sites such as the Vishnupad temple at Gaya, Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya, the Kashi Vishwanath corridor, the Brahmkunda of Rajgir, and Nalanda is set to attract a large influx of tourists.
Industry Leaders React
Snehdeep Aggarwal, Founder-Chairman, Bhartiya Group, expressed optimism, stating, "Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcement in the Union Budget 2024 is a visionary step towards transforming India's travel and hospitality sector. The comprehensive development plan promises to create a robust framework for economic growth by enhancing iconic destinations and promoting spiritual, cultural, and natural attractions. These strategic investments will not only boost tourism but also stimulate job creation and attract significant investments. This initiative is a significant stride towards making India a premier global travel destination." Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, highlighted the budget's impact on travel and tourism, saying, "Enhancing infrastructure around significant temples, pilgrimage sites, and scenic beach destinations will not only elevate the overall tourist experience but also position India as a premier global destination for spiritual and cultural journeys. These initiatives are expected to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and attract substantial investments across various sectors. Improving infrastructure is especially crucial, as it will enhance connectivity, accessibility, and the quality of services, ensuring that visitors have a seamless and enriching experience. Furthermore, the Union Budget 2024-25 has introduced transformative measures for the cruise tourism sector, notably the streamlined tax regime for foreign cruise operators. This will facilitate smoother operations of domestic cruise vessels and significantly bolster our cruise tourism infrastructure. With a remarkable increase in cruise calls and passenger numbers over the past decade, this new policy aims to accelerate our growth trajectory." Ambika Saxena, CEO, TWH Hospitality, emphasized the budget's focus on regional connectivity, stating, "The Union Budget 2024 has brought regional connectivity to centre stage. The strategic investment in the building of new expressways, airports, and rail corridors is going to revolutionize the scene of tourism. These developments will foster easier and quicker travel, promoting domestic and international tourism. They will bring life to the local economies by creating new employment opportunities and promoting active cultural exchange. Such new infrastructure developments are bound to entice more visitors to visit India's diversified destinations--from vibrant urban centers to serene natural landscapes--ensuring that growth and prosperity for the tourist sector continue sustainably."
Snehdeep Aggarwal, Founder-Chairman, Bhartiya Group, expressed optimism, stating, "Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcement in the Union Budget 2024 is a visionary step towards transforming India's travel and hospitality sector. The comprehensive development plan promises to create a robust framework for economic growth by enhancing iconic destinations and promoting spiritual, cultural, and natural attractions. These strategic investments will not only boost tourism but also stimulate job creation and attract significant investments. This initiative is a significant stride towards making India a premier global travel destination."
Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, highlighted the budget's impact on travel and tourism, saying, "Enhancing infrastructure around significant temples, pilgrimage sites, and scenic beach destinations will not only elevate the overall tourist experience but also position India as a premier global destination for spiritual and cultural journeys. These initiatives are expected to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and attract substantial investments across various sectors. Improving infrastructure is especially crucial, as it will enhance connectivity, accessibility, and the quality of services, ensuring that visitors have a seamless and enriching experience. Furthermore, the Union Budget 2024-25 has introduced transformative measures for the cruise tourism sector, notably the streamlined tax regime for foreign cruise operators. This will facilitate smoother operations of domestic cruise vessels and significantly bolster our cruise tourism infrastructure. With a remarkable increase in cruise calls and passenger numbers over the past decade, this new policy aims to accelerate our growth trajectory."
Ambika Saxena, CEO, TWH Hospitality, emphasized the budget's focus on regional connectivity, stating, "The Union Budget 2024 has brought regional connectivity to centre stage. The strategic investment in the building of new expressways, airports, and rail corridors is going to revolutionize the scene of tourism. These developments will foster easier and quicker travel, promoting domestic and international tourism. They will bring life to the local economies by creating new employment opportunities and promoting active cultural exchange. Such new infrastructure developments are bound to entice more visitors to visit India's diversified destinations--from vibrant urban centers to serene natural landscapes--ensuring that growth and prosperity for the tourist sector continue sustainably."
The Union Budget 2024-25 focuses on youth skilling, tax reforms, and infrastructure development, laying a strong foundation for significant growth in India's hospitality sector. By addressing key challenges and fostering a supportive environment, the budget aims to elevate India's hospitality industry to new heights, positioning it as a global leader in travel and tourism.
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Published on July 11, 2025
A luxurious evolution has arrived at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa with the launch of its newly reimagined Beach Villas with Pool. These elegant accommodations replace the resort’s former Beach Bungalows, bringing guests a brighter, more spacious, and stylish retreat just steps from the shoreline.
The new villas double the outdoor space to 285 sq. m. (3,068 sq. ft.), feature redesigned interiors spanning 70 sq. m. (753.5 sq. ft.), and are crafted to perfectly blend indoor comfort with the beauty of the Maldives. Ideal for couples, honeymooners, and small families, each Beach Villa comfortably accommodates three adults or two adults and two children under 12.
Commenting on this final phase of the resort’s regeneration project, General Manager Didier Jardin shared, “Kuda Huraa has long been a haven for those seeking an intimate Maldivian home-from-home but we recognised the limitations of our bungalows in terms of layout, light and space. Our first ever Beach Villas embody the spirit of the island, where comfort, care, and the magic of the Maldives come together in a seamless flow.”
What’s New:
Light & airy design:
Deep wood tones have given way to sun-inspired palettes of teal, turquoise, and tangerine, evoking a fresh island vibe.
Smarter layout: A breezy porch leads into an ensuite bedroom with ocean-framed daybed, study, dining space, and a reconfigured walk-in closet seamlessly linked to the bathroom.
Upgraded outdoor living: The plunge pool has transformed into a generous 36 sq. m. (388 sq. ft.) pool oriented towards stunning ocean views. A chic pergola with a round custom swing sets the scene for relaxed lounging or eye-catching Instagram moments.
Elegant touches: High-end designer pieces like the B&B Italia armchair and organic architectural curves ensure the villas harmonise beautifully with their surroundings.
Guests can also enjoy thoughtful inclusions like daily fresh fruit, Kuda Spring water, coffee and tea, twice-daily housekeeping with evening turndown, and beach essentials for children.
For a seamless start to paradise each day, the resort’s Bed & Breakfast package offers a lavish buffet breakfast at Café Huraa, included for two guests per bedroom (or more in family units), available for stays until December 20, 2026.
To be among the first to experience these stunning new villas, guests can email reservations.mal@fourseasons.com or call +960 66 00 888.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport invites city dwellers to break free from routine and embrace the charm of the rainy season with its all-new Monsoon Weekend Escape. Exclusively available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, this package is designed to offer an indulgent and relaxing stay packed with gourmet flavours, curated experiences, and pampering touches.
Guests can start their weekend retreat with the option of a complimentary room upgrade, subject to availability. The experience continues at Ode Spa, where signature treatments come with a 30% discount, promising the perfect monsoon unwind.
As twilight falls, head over to ARK Bar and Lounge for an hour of unlimited cocktails and hors d'oeuvres from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by an elegant Awadhi dinner at Ummrao, the hotel’s signature restaurant. The next morning, guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast at MoMo Café or opt for a relaxed in-room Continental breakfast anytime, thanks to the 24/7 service.
Saturdays are all about creating joyful family memories. The hotel’s poolside turns into a lively family zone, featuring kids’ activities and a charming Hi-Tea from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, paired with lounge music. As evening sets in, guests can experience the Saturday Serenade in the lobby from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, offering a soulful musical backdrop to their MoMo Café dinner.
Sundays begin with morning melodies from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, easing into the hotel’s Brunch Society from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at MoMo Café. With upbeat brunch beats, indulgent cuisine, and lively ambiance, it’s the perfect way to close a well-spent weekend.
Whether you're planning a family outing, a romantic weekend, or just a break from the rains, the Monsoon Weekend Escape at Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport promises an experience that’s indulgent, vibrant, and refreshingly different.
Sterling Holiday Resorts has expanded its presence in Uttarakhand with the launch of Sterling GK Exotica, a boutique 36-key business hotel in Dehradun. Located in the heart of the city on Saharanpur Road, the hotel is Sterling’s ninth resort in Uttarakhand and second property in Dehradun, strengthening its foothold in India’s growing business-leisure travel segment.
Just five hours from Delhi NCR and six from Chandigarh, the hotel offers easy connectivity to Haridwar, Roorkee, and Saharanpur. With sweeping views of the Shivalik range and a central location, it appeals equally to corporate guests and weekend travellers.
The hotel offers four room categories from Classic Rooms to Executive Suites with double washrooms and city skyline views. Crowning the property is Skyline, the highest rooftop restaurant and bar in Dehradun, featuring Himalayan herb-infused cuisine, creative cocktails, and a panoramic 270° Shivalik view.
Event spaces include Summit, a rooftop banquet for up to 100 guests, and Mirage, a pillar-free indoor hall with a 150-seat capacity in theatre-style—both ideal for corporate events, offsites, and social gatherings.
Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts, shared, “Sterling GK Exotica firmly establishes our base in Dehradun and strengthens our Himalayan circuit. Dehradun’s expressway growth, upgraded airport, and emerging knowledge economy make it North India’s key business-leisure node. With GK Exotica and Sterling Marbella, we offer two contrasting but complementary experiences within one city.”
Aman Bagga, Owner of Global Hospitality Pvt Ltd, added, “Partnering with Sterling was an easy decision. With their solid Uttarakhand roadmap and nationwide sales reach, GK Exotica gains immediate visibility. We aim to position this hotel as Dehradun’s urban retreat for both boardroom and leisure travellers.”
Sterling’s Uttarakhand portfolio now includes:
Sterling GK Exotica and Sterling Marbella in Dehradun
Sterling Mussoorie
Sterling Palm Bliss Rishikesh
Sterling Mantra Haridwar
Sterling Corbett
Sterling Vanvasa Lansdowne
Sterling Nainital
Sterling Kastoori Rudraprayag
Together, these properties support the brand’s ‘drive-to’ strategy, offering seamless travel options from business meetings to yoga retreats and tiger safaris, all integrated through expressway access, digital booking tools, and curated Himalayan travel circuits.
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