Kindly attribute the quote to Mr. Jai Sreedhar, Joint Managing Director & CEO, Rosetta Hospitality
The hospitality and tourism sector remains one of India’s most labour-intensive and strategically important industries, with significant potential to drive employment, regional development, and foreign exchange earnings. As the sector continues to gain momentum across both domestic and international travel, there is a strong case for structural reforms in Budget 2026.
Recent rationalization within the GST framework has been a welcome step, but several challenges persist, particularly the denial of input-tax credit across certain GST rate bands, at a time when input costs continue to rise. Greater clarity and a more workable credit mechanism would materially improve operational efficiency and financial viability for hotels and resorts across the country.
Another priority for the sector is the long-standing request for recognition as an industry or infrastructure category. Hospitality assets have inherently long gestation periods, and enabling banks and financial institutions to offer more customized, longer-tenor loan products would go a long way in bridging the demand-supply gap for quality tourism infrastructure.
Policy alignment between Central and State authorities, streamlined approvals, and a more coordinated regulatory environment will further strengthen investor confidence and support sustainable expansion.
We remain optimistic that Budget 2026 will build on the sector’s positive momentum and contribute meaningfully to India’s emergence as a premier global tourism destination.
Holiday Inn Express Appoints Priyanka Ahluwalia as Cluster General Manager
New Delhi | January 22, 2026
SAMHI Hotels has announced the appointment of Priyanka Ahluwalia as Cluster General Manager – Holiday Inn Express, effective January 2026. In her new role, Priyanka will oversee operations of 12 Holiday Inn Express hotels across India owned by SAMHI.
A seasoned hospitality professional with over 25 years of experience, Priyanka brings deep expertise across hotels, tourism boards and golf resorts. Her career spans leadership roles in sales, marketing, operations and revenue strategy across India, Afghanistan and the Middle East.
Before joining SAMHI, Priyanka spent 12 years with The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, most recently serving as General Manager – Sales & Operations. During her tenure, she managed a diverse portfolio of hotels in India and the UK, carrying revenue responsibility for over 2,200 keys, while working closely with unit heads to enhance operational performance and service standards.
Commenting on the appointment, Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman, Managing Director and CEO, SAMHI Hotels, said,
“Priyanka’s appointment comes at a defining phase as we continue to scale our Holiday Inn Express portfolio. Her leadership and operational expertise will play a key role in strengthening performance and delivering a consistent guest experience.”
Known for her strategic approach and collaborative leadership style, Priyanka has been instrumental in setting up robust SOPs and managing owner relationships—capabilities that will further reinforce the Holiday Inn Express portfolio.
Speaking on her new role, Priyanka Ahluwalia said,
“I am delighted to join SAMHI and lead the Holiday Inn Express portfolio. My focus has always been on driving operational excellence through a people-first approach. I look forward to working closely with teams across all 12 hotels to deliver smart, efficient hospitality that resonates with today’s travellers.”
Priyanka holds an Executive MBA from Venkateshwara Open University and is widely recognised for driving growth and exceeding business targets across diverse international markets.
