Revitalizing India's Travel and Tourism Sector

The travel and tourism industry plays a pivotal role in India's economy, contributing significantly to employment and economic inclusivity. With the Union Budget 2025 on the horizon, industry leaders are voicing their expectations and recommendations to further enhance this sector's growth.

Expectations from the Union Budget 2025

Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and group CEO of MakeMyTrip, emphasizes the sector's economic contribution and the need for government support. Highlighting the growth of domestic tourism and the impact of infrastructure investments, Magow calls for industry status, GST rationalization, and an international campaign under the Incredible India initiative to stimulate growth.

Challenges and Opportunities

Mehul Sharma, Founder & CEO of Signum Hotels and Resorts, points out the financing challenges and talent gap in the hospitality sector. He advocates for lower interest rates, skill development programs, and infrastructure upgrades to boost the MICE segment and sustainable practices in hotels.

Industry Status and GST Uniformity

Davinder Juj, General Manager of Eros Hotel, New Delhi, stresses the importance of industry status for the hospitality sector and a uniform GST rate to facilitate growth and streamline operations.

Transforming Travel Experiences

Shreyas Kudalkar, Owner of Kings Hotel & Resort, reflects on the changing dynamics of travel, emphasizing the value of authentic and sustainable travel experiences over luxury.