FM Proposes National Institute of Hospitality, Upskilling 10,000 Tourist Guides

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the establishment of a National Institute of Hospitality by upgrading the National Council For Hotel Management And Catering Technology.
• A pilot scheme will upskill 10,000 tourist guides at 20 iconic sites through a 12-week hybrid training course in collaboration with an IIM.
• A National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid will be created to digitally document cultural, spiritual, and heritage sites, generating new job opportunities.
• Ecologically sustainable Mountain trails will be developed in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Araku Valley, and Podhigai Malai.
• 15 archaeological sites, including Lothal and Dholavira, will be developed into vibrant cultural destinations with immersive storytelling and conservation labs.

Why It Matters: The Budget proposes significant initiatives to boost tourism, skill development, and heritage conservation in India.