Tourism Breaking News
With the announcement of the Union Budget 2025, the tourism and hospitality sector witnessed a new dawn of hope for tourism activities in India, specially for infrastructure development. Appreciating the budget, K Syama Raju, President, FHRAI, said, “The plan to develop the top 50 tourism destinations in partnership with state governments is a major initiative. This collaboration will not only improve infrastructure but also help spread tourism across the country, attracting more visitors and benefiting local communities. Additionally, the inclusion of hotels in the harmonious master list and the granting of infrastructure status to the hospitality sector is a significant move. This aligns with our long-standing request for granting of Infrastructure Status to the hospitality industry. This will facilitate access to cheaper, long-term financing, enabling hotels in these newly developed destinations to upgrade their facilities and offer world-class services, further boosting the sector.”
He further added, “The focus on medical and wellness tourism through the ‘Heal-in-India’ initiative in the Union Budget 2025 is a forward-thinking move that will strengthen India’s position as a global leader in healthcare. India has already earned a reputation for providing world-class medical treatments at a fraction of the cost found in developed countries. By promoting ‘Heal-in-India,’ the government aims to further capitalise on this strength, attracting international patients seeking affordable, high-quality healthcare services. This initiative will not only boost medical and wellness tourism but will also create a platform for India’s healthcare industry to expand its global footprint. With the support of the government, healthcare facilities across the country will be encouraged to offer specialised treatments and services, making India an attractive destination for patients from both developed and developing nations.”
He also highlighted, “The introduction of visa fee waivers and e-visa options for certain tourist groups will make India an even more attractive destination. Simplifying the visa process will encourage more international visitors, boosting tourism and further contributing to the economy.”
The government’s focus on promoting religious tourism is also noteworthy. India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage is a major draw for both domestic and international tourists, and the efforts to enhance infrastructure at key religious sites will create more organised, accessible, and enjoyable experiences for pilgrims and travellers alike. This will help further establish India as a leading destination for religious tourism, driving both tourism revenue and cultural exchange.
The modified UDAAN scheme, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and carrying an additional 4 crore passengers over the next 10 years, is another important initiative. K Syama Raju believes, “This will make travel more accessible to a larger number of people, driving tourism to both popular and emerging destinations and improving economic opportunities for local communities.”
He sees the introduction of Mudra loans for homestay businesses as another positive step. He pointed out, “It will give local entrepreneurs the chance to start and grow small tourism businesses, especially in lesser-known areas. This will help create more jobs and encourage tourism in these regions.”
According to him, “The National Geospatial Mission to improve mapping and spatial data will aid in better planning and development of tourism infrastructure. Overall, these measures show that the government is committed to making India a top global tourism destination and creating new opportunities for growth, jobs, and innovation in the sector.”
