Budget 2026: Sitharaman Boosts Tourism with New Institute, Guide Training, Heritage Drive

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a major tourism agenda in Union Budget 2026.
• A National Institute of Hospitality will be created by upgrading the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology.
• A pilot scheme will train 10,000 tourist guides across 20 iconic destinations with a 12-week hybrid program.
• A national digital destination registry will document cultural, spiritual, and heritage sites.
• Plans include building ecologically sustainable mountain trails and upgrading 15 archaeological sites into major cultural destinations.

Why It Matters: Budget 2026 focuses on boosting tourism through infrastructure, skill development, and heritage promotion.