Budget 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for 2026–27 on the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas. This marked the ninth budget tabled by the finance minister. In her speech, Sitharaman laid emphasis on India’s economic stability, fiscal discipline, and sustained growth. In the journey to steer India towards the 'Viksit Bharat' 2047 goal, the Finance Minister made extensive mention of the boost in the tourism sector.
Finance Minister proposes regional hub for medical tourism
Emphasis on eco-tourism and nature-based travel
What's for heritage and cultural tourism
The Union Budget placed tourism at the centre of its employment and growth strategy, highlighting its role in job creation, foreign exchange earnings and local economic development. The government outlined a mix of institution-building, skilling, digital documentation and eco-tourism initiatives to strengthen the sector across India. "The tourism sector has the potential to play a large role in the employment generation, foreign exchange earnings and expanding the local economy," the finance minister said. The Union Budget placed strong focus on boosting the tourism sector, with proposals ranging from medical tourism hubs and eco-friendly travel trails to skill development, hospitality training and digital documentation of India's cultural and heritage destinations.
