Budget 2026: Sitharaman Boosts Tourism with Major Announcements

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth consecutive budget, emphasizing the tourism sector's potential for employment and foreign exchange.
• A National Institute of Hospitality will be established by upgrading the existing National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology.
• A pilot scheme will train 10,000 professional tourist guides in tourism hubs, with support from IIMs.
• Eco-friendly mountain trails will be developed in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Araku Valley, and Pothigai Malai.
• Seven high-speed rail corridors will be developed to connect major cities, acting as 'growth connectors' for sustainable passenger systems.

Why It Matters: Budget 2026 prioritizes tourism development through infrastructure, skill training, and connectivity to boost economy.