Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister, GoI announced that the Modified UDAN scheme will be launched to enhance regional connectivity to connect 120 new destinations and cater to 4 crore passengers over the next 10 years. The scheme will also support helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational and northeast regional districts. She added that Greenfield airports will be facilitated in Bihar to meet the future needs of the state. These will be in addition to the expansion of the capacity of Patna airport and Brownfield airport in Bihta. Financial support will be provided for Western Kosi Canal ERM project in Mithilanchal, benefitting a large number of farmers in the Mithilanchal region of Bihar.

Announcing the tourism sector, Nirmala Sitharamann, Finance Minister, GoI said that an infusion of ₹20,000 crore to increase tourism-led employment is going to help several states that house top tourist locations build infrastructure and boost connectivity. The onus has been put on states to acquire land to build hotels and other required facilities. Also, a continued focus to promote India as key destination on the world map for on spiritual tourism gets a boost – especially projecting it as a birthplace of Lord Ram through the Ramayana circuit, and as the birthplace of Buddha through the Buddhist circuit, roping in south east Asian tourist footfall. They are also likely to get visa fee waivers, so will the medical tourism segment, with a focus on Heal in India, she added.

Presenting the Budget-2025, Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister, GoI announced that three-year pipeline of projects by states to be given that can be implemented in private-public partnership (PPP) mode. Each infrastructure-related ministry is to come up with a three-year plan to be implemented in PPP mode. The outlay of ₹1.5 lakh crore is proposed for 50-year interest-free loans. The government will create a ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund aimed at transforming cities into growth hubs. The fund will finance 25% of the cost of bankable projects, with an allocation of ₹10,000 crore for 2025-26. The remaining 50% will be funded through bonds, bank loans, and public-private partnerships (PPPs), she added.

Unveiling her eighth consecutive Union Budget for the term 2025-2026 in Lok Sabha, Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister, Government of India on Saturday (February 1) announced that five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling will be established with global expertise for Make for India Make for the world to equip the youth with the necessary skills for global opportunities. She promised global skilling partnerships to enable India to become a key player in global manufacturing.

Highlighting IIFA’s Silver Jubilee celebration as a major milestone, Diya Kumari, Deputy Chief Minister, Rajasthan, said the event which is scheduled to take place on 8-9 March in Jaipur will not only celebrate Indian cinema but also boost the state’s cultural and tourism profile worldwide. The recent surge in film projects and the upcoming IIFA event underscore Rajasthan’s growing reputation as a hub for Indian and international cinema.

Ahead of the Union Budget 2025-26, Nishant Pitti, Chairman, EaseMyTrip, said, “With the prevalence of technology increasing by the day, we expect the government to come up with initiatives to redefine travel experiences with modern technologies like AI, IoT, and VR adaptability. The sectors that need more attention are infrastructure development, policies that encourage niche tourism segments, and fund allocation for smart tourism.”

As part of the 13th edition of the annual Traveller Review Awards 2025, Booking.com unveiled the 10 Most Welcoming Places in India and on Earth. Himachal Pradesh was named the Most Welcoming Region in India followed by Kerala and Goa. Bir emerged as the Most Welcoming City in India followed by Mararikulam and Leh.

India’s travel and tourism sector is set for significant expansion. Its valuation is expected to more than double to $523 billion over the next decade. According to Julia Simpson, President, WTTC, the sector, which currently contributes around 7% to India’s GDP and employs approximately 45 million people, is projected to support 63 million jobs by 2034.

KR Naidu, Aviation Minister, GoI, said, “To transform the nation’s aviation landscape, India plans to build 50 new airports over the next five years and establish Delhi as a global aviation hub within two years. Speaking at the WEF 2025, he outlined the government’s strategy to meet the surging demand for air travel and enhance India’s position on the global aviation stage.”

Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, India, said, “Tourism holds a unique place in India’s economy, creating 11 indirect jobs for every direct job. For inclusive growth, no sector matches the potential of tourism. To build a $30 trillion economy by 2047, India’s tourism must grow 22 times, and that requires skill development and creating unique, state-specific experiences, ensuring we drive not just jobs but unforgettable experiences.”