Tag Archives: hospitality

Budget introduces promising initiatives for travel, tourism, & hospitality industry: SKÅL International

Expressing his views, Sanjeev Mehra, President, SKÅL International (India), said, “The Union Budget 2025 has introduced promising initiatives for the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. The focus on developing the top 50 tourist destinations and providing PLI-linked incentives to states will significantly enhance infrastructure, accessibility, and visitor experiences, strengthening India’s position as a global tourism hub.” He further said that the expansion of air connectivity through the modified UDAN scheme, including Patna airport’s expansion and new Greenfield airports, will promote regional tourism and improve accessibility to lesser-explored destinations. Additionally, the allocation of ₹25,000 crore for the Maritime Development Fund will boost cruise and coastal tourism. A key highlight is the emphasis on medical tourism through the “Heal in India” initiative, supported by a PPP model and easier visa norms. India’s high-quality yet affordable healthcare services will make it a stronger global destination for medical travellers. The introduction of MUDRA loans for homestays will further empower small hospitality entrepreneurs, encouraging sustainable and community-driven tourism, he added. This budget is inclusive, ticking the right boxes, though it lacks a major transformative push. However, addressing India’s low per capita income remains crucial for long-term growth. As President of Skål International India and a travel expert for 30 years, I strongly believe that India must now emerge as a global travel business hub like Singapore and Dubai. This budget is a step in the right direction, and we remain committed to making India a world-class travel destination, he concluded.

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‘Progressive budget boosts tourism & medical travel’, says KB Kachru on Budget-2025

Expressing his happiness over the Budget 2025-2026, KB Kachru, President, HAI, said, “Budget is progressive, especially with its focus on tourism and job creation. The government’s commitment to developing 50 new destinations, improving infrastructure, and leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) is promising. This year’s budget very well highlights the importance of promoting Buddhist tourism with neighbouring countries and simplifying visa processes to enhance international travel. With India’s world-class hospitals, we have great potential in medical tourism, but there is a need to collaborate with the medical fraternity to attract international visitors. The introduction of Mudra loans for homestays will support startups and entrepreneurs in expanding homestay offerings, further boosting tourism. Overall, the initiatives taken by the government in this year’s budget are the steps in the right direction for the industry.”

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GRT Hotels’ strategy is to saturate south, ride leisure boom with more properties in scenic locales

Targeting wider expansion, Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts, said, “Our strategy is to saturate the south. With resorts in Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Wayanad, Mamallapuram, and Puducherry seeing surging demand during peak holiday season, the company wants to ride the leisure boom with more properties in scenic locales, such as its upcoming ultra-luxury property in Pachalur.”

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FHRAI expects reforms from Budget 2025-26 to transform tourism and hospitality sector

Outlining its expectations from the Budget 2025-26, FHRAI urges the government to introduce reforms that will address the critical challenges faced by the hospitality and tourism sector. It believes these reforms will increase investment, create employment, and support overall economic growth in the industry. FHRAI’s primary recommendation is to grant infrastructure status to hotel and convention center projects with costs starting from ₹10 crore.

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MMT urges Finance Minister to allow GST credit, allocate resources for global campaign

Ahead of the Union budget, Rajesh Magow, Co-founder, MMT, said, “The travel & tourism sector is a vital pillar of India’s economy. Allowing GST credit for hotel construction & rationalising GST rates will help reduce the cost of accommodation while stimulating domestic tourism & positively impacting inbound tourism. He requested the FM to allocate resources for the global campaign under the Incredible India initiative.

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India is our fifth-largest market in the world; focus now on secondary and tertiary markets: David Marriott

Highlighting that India is an important market for Marriot, David Marriott, Chairman, Marriott International, said, “India is our fifth-largest market in the world. We have 17 brands among which JW Marriott has been a popular one in India. We have 10 hotels open and five are on the way. Due to growing opportunities, our focus is now on secondary and tertiary markets.”

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Explore opportunities in luxury & hospitality domains of Abu Dhabi, attend an exclusive webinar today at 3pm

Explore Abu Dhabi like never before through an exclusive webinar today at 3 pm, highlighting its luxury experiences, culinary adventures, and exceptional hospitality standards. The webinar promises to be a gateway to creating unforgettable memories in Abu Dhabi. For additional information, contact Jaspreet Kaur on +91 9650196532 or at jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com.

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Billa unveils FHRAI’s Centre of Excellence, aiming to map GST, excise duty, & other credible data on hospitality

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, inaugurated FHRAI’s Centre of Excellence in New Delhi. Billa, said, “It will create a comprehensive data ecosystem and play a vital role in generating analytical insights that can guide government policy and help us better support the industry.”

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Sarovar Hotels opens 3 properties in domestic and international destinations

Launches Portico branded hotels in Nepal, Jim Corbett and Haridwar Sarovar Hotels announced the grand opening of three new properties, marking a significant expansion in its international and domestic portfolio. This latest development underscores Sarovar Hotels commitment to offering exceptional experiences tailored to diverse segments. The new properties—Sarovar Portico in Birgunj, Nepal, ABN Sarovar Portico in Jim Corbett and MJ Sarovar Portico in Haridwar—reflect the brand’s commitment to enhancing its international and regional presence. Sarovar Portico, Birgunj, located in the southeastern part of Nepal, marks Sarovar Hotels debut in the country. This property introduces a blend of traditional Nepalese hospitality with 60 elegantly designed rooms and suites, offering modern luxury in the vibrant city of Birgunj. As a bleisure hotel, it aims to redefine standards for both business and leisure travellers in the region, providing a sophisticated and culturally rich experience. ABN Sarovar Portico, Jim Corbett, offers a serene retreat nestled within the lush landscapes of India’s oldest national park. This property, located 4 Kms from the Dhangadi Gate (Dhikala Zone), features 65 elegantly designed rooms and cottages, blending relaxation with natural beauty. MJ Sarovar Portico, Haridwar, situated 5 Kms from Har Ki Pauri, enhances Sarovar Hotels pilgrimage portfolio. Strategically located to serve travellers visiting Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun, this hotel boasts 75 elegant rooms and suites, designed with extensive facilities to meet the needs of spiritual seekers and professional visitors alike. Ajay Bakaya, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels and Director, Louvre Hotels India, commented, “The opening of these three new properties represents a significant milestone for Sarovar Hotels, expanding our footprint both globally and domestically. Each property is thoughtfully designed to cater to different traveller needs—whether for business (Birgunj), leisure …

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