India's tourism and hospitality sector laid out an ambitious and reform-driven wish list during a pre-budget consultation meeting with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on November 19, pressing for industry status, visa policy simplification, GST clarity for hotels, a single-window clearance system for hospitality projects and a stronger global promotion strategy.

According to sources, the meeting saw participation from leading industry representatives across travel, hospitality, medical tourism and allied services, reflecting the sector's hope that Budget 2025 will deliver structural support for one of India's fastest-growing service industries.

The finance minister met top leaders from the sector, including Sangeeta Reddy of Apollo Hospitals, Asmita Joshi of Airbnb, and Rajesh Magow

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