As Union Budget 2025 Approaches, Travel and Tourism Sector Awaits Growth Opportunities

With the Union Budget 2025 on the horizon, the travel and tourism sector is buzzing with anticipation. Industry experts have outlined their expectations, ranging from improved infrastructure to sustainable tourism practices and technological advancements.

Mallika Sheth, Co-Founder of TealFeel, emphasizes the importance of supporting small travel businesses in semi-urban and rural areas. She advocates for tax holidays and infrastructure development to encourage tourism in less-explored regions, thereby ensuring employment stability and showcasing India's hidden gems.

Aditya Chamaria, Managing Director of Damodar Ropeway Infra Limited, highlights the need for enhanced ropeway infrastructure. He calls for tax exemptions, easy loan schemes, and public-private partnerships to expand the ropeway network in tourism hotspots, improving connectivity and generating local employment.

Ramalingam S, President of Cox & Kings, is optimistic about the government's commitment to modernizing railways and enhancing regional connectivity. He stresses the importance of sustainable tourism practices, domestic travel encouragement, and leveraging technology to improve traveler experiences. He also sees an opportunity for India to position itself as a luxury travel destination for high-net-worth individuals.

Varun Sarda, CEO of Velocity Travel, hopes for a balanced TCS structure to level the playing field for Indian travel agencies against foreign platforms. He advocates for increased global marketing efforts, streamlined visa processes, and investments in infrastructure to enhance inbound tourism. Additionally, he suggests promoting digital transformation through tax incentives for travel technology adoption and simplifying outbound remittance processes to strengthen the industry's competitiveness.