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.”

Sunil Kumar, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), said, “We intend to highlight focus on TAAI’s role in fostering collaboration between us and the industry, enhancing our relevance to our membership, and becoming the representative voice not only for our members but also for passengers and the broader industry. We must set up our own marketplace in India, which is one of TAAI’s objectives—to create a business network among members for connection and collaboration.”

Highlighting the tourism growth, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, GoI, said, “The govt is taking decisive steps to decongest bottlenecks and facilitate budget travellers. Our focus on integrating state tourism policies ensures a robust and unified approach to infrastructure development across India. In the past six months, I have witnessed tremendous efforts across states to harness tourism potential. Together, we must work collectively to elevate India’s tourism to new heights.”