Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Hailing Union Budget 2025, Hussain Patel, Director, TripJack, said, “The Union Budget 2025 reaffirms the government’s strategic vision to position India as a world-class tourism destination while driving employment-led growth. The initiative to develop 50 top tourist destinations in partnership with states, backed by improved infrastructure and inclusion of hotels in the infrastructure HML framework, will significantly enhance the country’s hospitality ecosystem. The emphasis on skill development through Institutes of Hospitality Management, easier access to MUDRA loans for homestays, and enhanced connectivity to tourist sites will empower local communities and entrepreneurs, creating sustainable employment opportunities.” He added, “Performance-linked incentives for states to strengthen destination management—covering aspects such as tourist amenities, cleanliness, and marketing—will ensure a superior travel experience for visitors. The continued focus on spiritual and religious tourism, particularly destinations associated with Lord Buddha’s life and legacy, aligns with India’s rich cultural and heritage-driven tourism potential. Simplified e-visa procedures and visa-fee waivers for select tourist groups will also make India more accessible to global travellers, reinforcing its position as a vibrant and diverse tourism hub.”

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 …

Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister, GoI, announced “Govt to increase TCS on remittances under RBI’s Liberalised remittance scheme from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh. She also said, “In the budget of July 2024, the delay of the payments of the TDS up to the due date of filing statements was decriminalised; I propose the same from the TCS provisions as well.” Number of rates and thresholds above which TDS is deducted to be reduced Limit for tax deduction on interest for senior citizens to be doubled from ₹50,000 to? 1 lakh Annual limit for TDS on rent to be increased from ₹2.40 lakh to ₹6 lakh Threshold to collect tax at source on remittances under RBI’s Liberalized Remittance Scheme to be raised from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh

Nirmala Sitharamann, Finance Minister, GoI said that medical tourism and ‘heal in India’ to be promoted in partnership with the private sector. In a bid to boost tourism, she revealed plans to promote medical tourism in partnership with the private sector and place special emphasis on destinations linked to the life and times of Lord Buddha. PM Gati Shakti data will be made accessible to the private sector, and the development of the top 50 tourist destinations will be carried out in partnership with state governments while adding that mudra loans to be provided to homestays. Presenting the Budget for 2025-26, Sitharaman also mentioned that hotels will also be included in the harmonised scheme for enhanced tourism infrastructure and financial support would be provided for the Western Kosi Canal project, which will benefit 50,000 hectares in the Mithilanchal region of Bihar.

Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister, GoI announced that the Modified UDAN scheme will be launched to enhance regional connectivity to connect 120 new destinations and cater to 4 crore passengers over the next 10 years. The scheme will also support helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational and northeast regional districts. She added that Greenfield airports will be facilitated in Bihar to meet the future needs of the state. These will be in addition to the expansion of the capacity of Patna airport and Brownfield airport in Bihta. Financial support will be provided for Western Kosi Canal ERM project in Mithilanchal, benefitting a large number of farmers in the Mithilanchal region of Bihar.

Announcing the tourism sector, Nirmala Sitharamann, Finance Minister, GoI said that an infusion of ₹20,000 crore to increase tourism-led employment is going to help several states that house top tourist locations build infrastructure and boost connectivity. The onus has been put on states to acquire land to build hotels and other required facilities. Also, a continued focus to promote India as key destination on the world map for on spiritual tourism gets a boost – especially projecting it as a birthplace of Lord Ram through the Ramayana circuit, and as the birthplace of Buddha through the Buddhist circuit, roping in south east Asian tourist footfall. They are also likely to get visa fee waivers, so will the medical tourism segment, with a focus on Heal in India, she added.

Presenting the Budget-2025, Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister, GoI announced that three-year pipeline of projects by states to be given that can be implemented in private-public partnership (PPP) mode. Each infrastructure-related ministry is to come up with a three-year plan to be implemented in PPP mode. The outlay of ₹1.5 lakh crore is proposed for 50-year interest-free loans. The government will create a ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund aimed at transforming cities into growth hubs. The fund will finance 25% of the cost of bankable projects, with an allocation of ₹10,000 crore for 2025-26. The remaining 50% will be funded through bonds, bank loans, and public-private partnerships (PPPs), she added.

Unveiling her eighth consecutive Union Budget for the term 2025-2026 in Lok Sabha, Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister, Government of India on Saturday (February 1) announced that five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling will be established with global expertise for Make for India Make for the world to equip the youth with the necessary skills for global opportunities. She promised global skilling partnerships to enable India to become a key player in global manufacturing.

Highlighting IIFA’s Silver Jubilee celebration as a major milestone, Diya Kumari, Deputy Chief Minister, Rajasthan, said the event which is scheduled to take place on 8-9 March in Jaipur will not only celebrate Indian cinema but also boost the state’s cultural and tourism profile worldwide. The recent surge in film projects and the upcoming IIFA event underscore Rajasthan’s growing reputation as a hub for Indian and international cinema.

Ahead of the Union Budget 2025-26, Nishant Pitti, Chairman, EaseMyTrip, said, “With the prevalence of technology increasing by the day, we expect the government to come up with initiatives to redefine travel experiences with modern technologies like AI, IoT, and VR adaptability. The sectors that need more attention are infrastructure development, policies that encourage niche tourism segments, and fund allocation for smart tourism.”