Expressing his happiness over the Budget 2025-2026, KB Kachru, President, HAI, said, “Budget is progressive, especially with its focus on tourism and job creation. The government’s commitment to developing 50 new destinations, improving infrastructure, and leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) is promising. This year’s budget very well highlights the importance of promoting Buddhist tourism with neighbouring countries and simplifying visa processes to enhance international travel. With India’s world-class hospitals, we have great potential in medical tourism, but there is a need to collaborate with the medical fraternity to attract international visitors. The introduction of Mudra loans for homestays will support startups and entrepreneurs in expanding homestay offerings, further boosting tourism. Overall, the initiatives taken by the government in this year’s budget are the steps in the right direction for the industry.”

Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister, GoI, announced “Govt to increase TCS on remittances under RBI’s Liberalised remittance scheme from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh. She also said, “In the budget of July 2024, the delay of the payments of the TDS up to the due date of filing statements was decriminalised; I propose the same from the TCS provisions as well.” Number of rates and thresholds above which TDS is deducted to be reduced Limit for tax deduction on interest for senior citizens to be doubled from ₹50,000 to? 1 lakh Annual limit for TDS on rent to be increased from ₹2.40 lakh to ₹6 lakh Threshold to collect tax at source on remittances under RBI’s Liberalized Remittance Scheme to be raised from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh

Nirmala Sitharamann, Finance Minister, GoI said that medical tourism and ‘heal in India’ to be promoted in partnership with the private sector. In a bid to boost tourism, she revealed plans to promote medical tourism in partnership with the private sector and place special emphasis on destinations linked to the life and times of Lord Buddha. PM Gati Shakti data will be made accessible to the private sector, and the development of the top 50 tourist destinations will be carried out in partnership with state governments while adding that mudra loans to be provided to homestays. Presenting the Budget for 2025-26, Sitharaman also mentioned that hotels will also be included in the harmonised scheme for enhanced tourism infrastructure and financial support would be provided for the Western Kosi Canal project, which will benefit 50,000 hectares in the Mithilanchal region of Bihar.

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.