The Interim Budget 2024, presented in the Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has received mixed reactions from the hospitality industry. While industry leaders have applauded the Government’s continued focus on tourism, the sector is still awaiting “infrastructure status to hospitality.”
K B Kachru, Chairman Emeritus & Principal Advisor, Radisson Hotel Group, South Asia, said, “Government of India’s continued focus on domestic tourism in the interim Budget 2024-25 is encouraging. Empowering iconic destinations and local entrepreneurs through interest-free loans and quality ratings will elevate India’s tourism landscape. The projects to enhance connectivity in the country through the development of airports, railways metro lines, ports in our unexplored island including Lakshadweep, and tourism infrastructure, will enhance demand and generate employment. This is not just a boost for tourism, it’s an investment in India’s potential.
“We are optimistic about additional futuristic support from the Government in granting infrastructure status to hospitality and tourism, which will help us achieve a long-awaited status. We foresee that this will have a multiplier impact and drive significant investment from the private sector.”
