Big boost to tourism in Budget 2026 – National Institute of Hospitality, training of 10,000 guides, digital heritage registry, eco-trails and development of 15 archaeological sites; Also content-creator labs in schools and colleges.
Budget 2026: In the Union Budget 2026, the government has presented a big and visionary roadmap to take the tourism sector to new heights. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced to strengthen hospitality education, tourist guide skilling, heritage digitization and eco-tourism together. The objective of this package is to create employment, increase foreign exchange earnings and strengthen India’s cultural identity at the world level.
Establishment of National Institute of Hospitality
In Budget 2026, it has been announced to upgrade the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology into a National Institute of Hospitality. This institute will act as a bridge between education, industry and government. Its aim is to strengthen India’s service economy and prepare world-class professionals for the hotel, tourism and hospitality sectors.
10,000 tourist guides will get skill upgrade
To improve the tourism experience, the government has launched a pilot scheme to train 10,000 tourist guides at 20 iconic tourist destinations. This will be a 12-week hybrid training program designed in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management. This will provide employment to local youth and better guidance to tourists.
Digital Destination Registry and Heritage Drive
The government will create a National Digital Destination Registry, which will have detailed documentation of cultural, spiritual and historical sites. This will open new opportunities for researchers, historians, content creators and tech partners. Besides, 15 archaeological sites will be developed as major cultural destinations.
Focus on eco-tourism and adventure trails
The budget has announced to develop sustainable mountain trails in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Araku Valley and Podhigai Malai while promoting eco-friendly tourism. Along with this, there are preparations to take India’s tourism story to the country and abroad by setting up ABGC Content-Creator Labs in 1,500 schools and 500 colleges.