Youth Skilling and Tax Reforms: Union Budget 24-25 Paves the Way for a Hospitality Boom

Youth Skilling and Tax Reforms: Union Budget 24-25 Paves the Way for a Hospitality Boom

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

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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."

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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."

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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.


Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Introduces ‘Renew & Restore’ Wellness Experience

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Introduces ‘Renew & Restore’ Wellness Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 20, 2026

As Mumbai experiences rising temperatures and intense humidity during the summer season, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai is offering guests an opportunity to slow down and recharge through a new wellness experience at The Spa.

Called "Renew & Restore," the specially curated treatment has been designed as a seasonal wellness journey that aims to provide a refreshing escape from the city's fast pace and summer heat. Focused on relaxation and overall wellbeing, the experience is crafted to ease stress, support balance and leave guests feeling lighter and refreshed.

The wellness journey begins with a calming welcome ritual and a soothing foot cleanse to create a sense of relaxation from the very beginning.

Guests are then taken through a 90-minute customised massage designed to reduce physical tension and encourage deeper relaxation. This is followed by a 60-minute personalised facial tailored to refresh the skin and bring out a natural glow.

To further enhance the experience, mindful breathing techniques and gentle stretches are integrated throughout the treatment, helping create a feeling of calm and balance.

The journey concludes with a nourishing closing ritual, leaving guests with a sense of renewal and restoration aligned with the needs of the summer season.

The complete Renew & Restore experience is available for a duration of 150 minutes, offering guests a dedicated wellness break within the heart of Mumbai.


Kairali Ayurvedic Group Launches Villa Raag, a Yoga-Inspired Ultra-Luxury Retreat in South Goa

Kairali Ayurvedic Group Launches Villa Raag, a Yoga-Inspired Ultra-Luxury Retreat in South Goa

By Hariharan U

Published on May 19, 2026

Kairali Ayurvedic Group has announced its entry into ultra-luxury hospitality with the launch of Villa Raag by Kairali, a yoga-inspired beachfront boutique retreat located at Agonda Beach in South Goa.

Designed as a private sanctuary for global travellers, the property blends Ayurvedic wellness philosophy with contemporary luxury living, offering an experience focused on privacy, mindfulness, and personalised healing. Spread across two acres, the retreat features just six elegantly designed rooms within a single exclusive beachfront villa.

The property offers a curated luxury experience with private butler and concierge services, direct beachfront access, yoga and meditation spaces overlooking the sea, a temperature-controlled saltwater pool, Zen gardens, a rooftop meditation pavilion, and a gourmet in-house kitchen. 

According to Abhilash K Ramesh, Executive Director of Kairali Ayurvedic Group, Villa Raag is designed to deliver a five-star wellness experience where nature, comfort, and refined living come together seamlessly. He described the property as a sanctuary that blends serenity, exclusivity, and personalised hospitality, with a strong focus on privacy and experiential luxury.

The architectural vision of Villa Raag has been crafted by Kochi-based Durga Sarath Architects, bringing together coastal design, natural landscapes, and wellness-centric spatial planning to create a quiet, immersive environment for guests.

Each villa room features bespoke interiors, premium amenities, and private terraces overlooking the Arabian Sea, ensuring a highly personalised and secluded stay experience tailored for individuals, couples, families, and small groups.

The retreat places a strong emphasis on customised wellness journeys rather than structured group programs. Guests can access one-on-one yoga sessions, meditation guidance, and holistic healing programmes designed around individual needs, fitness levels, and wellness goals.

Future offerings at Villa Raag are expected to include curated wellness experiences such as Hatha and Vinyasa yoga, restorative therapies, mindful nutrition workshops, and transformational wellness programmes like Mind Renewal, Joint Revival, and Metabolic Reset.

Located in the Canacona region, Agonda Beach has increasingly emerged as a preferred destination for wellness travellers and slow tourism seekers, known for its tranquil coastline and growing reputation as a luxury wellness hub.

With over a century of Ayurvedic heritage, Kairali Ayurvedic Group brings its legacy into the hospitality space through Villa Raag, expanding beyond its established wellness centres and award-winning healing village in Kerala into experiential luxury retreats.

The launch marks a significant step in redefining Goa’s hospitality landscape by positioning wellness, Ayurveda, and slow living at the centre of luxury travel experiences.


Sayaji Hotels Expands Presence with Effotel by Sayaji, Gangtok

Sayaji Hotels Expands Presence with Effotel by Sayaji, Gangtok

By Hariharan U

Published on May 18, 2026

Sayaji Hotels has announced the launch of Effotel by Sayaji, Gangtok, marking the brand’s entry into Gangtok, one of India’s most sought-after hill destinations.

Located in the peaceful neighbourhood of Tathangchen near the iconic Ridge Park, the hotel brings a refined and contemporary stay experience to the city known for its mist-covered mountains, monasteries, scenic valleys, and vibrant local culture.

Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,650 metres, Gangtok is widely recognised for its panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak. The city blends natural beauty with urban energy, attracting both leisure and experiential travellers throughout the year.

Strategically positioned close to Ridge Park and within easy reach of MG Marg, the city’s bustling pedestrian boulevard, Effotel by Sayaji offers guests convenient access to Gangtok’s cultural and social hotspots. Ridge Park, lined with Himalayan flora and scenic pathways, remains one of the city’s most visited attractions for both tourists and locals.

Designed for modern travellers, the property features 32 rooms across categories including Deluxe King, Deluxe Twin, and Suite accommodations. The interiors combine clean contemporary aesthetics with functional comfort, catering to both business and leisure guests.

The hotel also houses The Cube, an all-day dining restaurant serving a multi-cuisine menu in a relaxed setting designed for travellers looking to unwind after exploring the region.

Speaking on the launch, Rajendra Joshi said, “We are delighted to bring the Effotel by Sayaji experience to Gangtok, a destination that continues to grow in prominence among both leisure and experiential travellers. With this launch, we aim to offer a smart, comfortable, and well-connected stay option that complements the city’s unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Gangtok represents an exciting addition to our expanding footprint in emerging leisure markets across India.”

Sharing his views on the opening, Sangay Tenzing Norbu added, “We are proud to introduce Effotel by Sayaji to Gangtok, a city that holds immense potential as a year-round travel destination. This hotel has been envisioned as a space that reflects the region's warmth and spirit while delivering the quality and consistency for which Sayaji is known.”

The hotel is conveniently accessible from Bagdogra Airport and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, making it a well-connected option for travellers visiting Sikkim.

With this addition, Sayaji Hotels continues to strengthen its presence across emerging leisure destinations in India, reinforcing its focus on delivering personalised and contemporary hospitality experiences.

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