DISAPPOINTING FOR THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY
I am pleased to welcome Budget 2026 and delighted to see that several initiatives we had proposed during our meeting with the Finance Minister have been incorporated. The proposal to set up the first-ever National Institute of Hospitality, which I have been advocating for over time and had discussed with the Finance Minister during budget consultations. This initiative will be transformative for hospitality education and skill development, creating a future-ready workforce for India’s growing tourism and hospitality sector.
Reducing TCS to 2% is a welcome, pro-growth move that eases compliance and boosts liquidity, I have been advocating for this since I was the TAAI President & reiterated this in our November meeting with FM, this will make international travel more affordable and bring in ease of doing business is a very positive move, it will boost tourism, encourage global exposure, and benefit both travelers and the travel industry. Coupled with a focus on eco-friendly initiatives and enhanced tourism connectivity, the budget opens new avenues for travel service providers, driving sustainable growth and enriched experiences for travellers
For tourism, the focus on positioning India as a global hub for affordable, high-quality healthcare is visionary. Improved last-mile connectivity to remote destinations will boost tourism, while strengthening spiritual tourism in the North East will attract global pilgrims and foster cultural exchange.
The pilot to train 10,000 guides at iconic destinations, supported by IIMs, reflects a strong commitment to grassroots skilling and enhancing visitor experiences.
Infrastructure development is another positive step, laying the foundation for improved connectivity, economic growth, and long-term sectoral development.
Although the budget includes several positive measures, it’s disappointing that the Tourism Ministry has again not received dedicated marketing funds. India must urgently strengthen its marketing presence, as other countries are investing heavily to attract and position themselves as top tourist destinations.
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