The Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, has
welcomed the Union Budget 2026–27, stating that it provides unprecedented and
far-beyond-expectations encouragement to the tourism and culture sectors. In a
message shared on social media, the Minister described the Budget as forward-
looking and transformative, saying it will accelerate development and firmly
position India as a global tourism hub and cultural leader.

He extended heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his
visionary leadership and expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt.
Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a Budget that gives an unparalleled boost to
heritage, spirituality, skills, and sustainable tourism growth.

The Budget outlines a wide range of initiatives aimed at strengthening tourism
infrastructure, preserving cultural heritage, promoting eco-tourism, and
enhancing skill development.

Major Announcements

The Budget proposes the development of thematic tourism trails across India,
including:

• Mountain Trails in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir
• Eco & Nature Trails in Araku Valley (Eastern Ghats) and Podhigai Malai (Western Ghats)
• Turtle Trails along key nesting sites in Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala
• Bird Watching Trails at Pulicat Lake in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu

A major cultural initiative includes the development of 15 archaeological sites
such as Lothal, Dholavira, Rakhigarhi, Adichanallur, Sarnath, Hastinapur, and Leh
Palace into vibrant, experiential destinations blending conservation with visitor
engagement.

To strengthen spiritual tourism, a new scheme for Buddhist Circuits in the North-
East will be launched, covering Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Manipur,
Mizoram, and Tripura. The scheme will include preservation of temples and monasteries, pilgrimage interpretation centres, improved connectivity, and pilgrim amenities.

Skill development receives a significant push with a proposal to provide world-
class training to 10,000 tour guides across 20 major destinations through a pilot
project in collaboration with the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) using
both online and offline modes.

In a major education reform, the National Council for Hotel Management will be
developed into a National Institute of Hospitality, strengthening professional
training and aligning hospitality education with global standards.

To promote India as a medical tourism hub, the Budget proposes support to
states for establishing five regional medical tourism hubs.

India will also host the first Global Big Cat Summit, bringing together leaders and
ministers from 95 countries, further reinforcing India’s leadership in wildlife
conservation and eco-tourism diplomacy.

Additionally, the Budget envisions the creation of five major tourism destinations
in the Purvodaya States, supporting balanced regional development.

Shri Shekhawat emphasized that these initiatives will generate employment,
promote sustainable practices, strengthen local economies, and deepen global
engagement with India’s civilizational heritage.

Key Highlights

1. Thematic Tourism Trails launched across mountains, coasts, wetlands, and biodiversity zones.
2. 15 Iconic Archaeological Sites to be transformed into experiential heritage destinations.
3. Buddhist Circuit Development in North-East with preservation, connectivity, and pilgrim facilities.
4. 10,000 Tour Guides to Receive IIM-led World-Class Training.
5. National Council for Hotel Management to Become National Institute of Hospitality.
6. Five Regional Medical Tourism Hubs & Global Big Cat Summit to Boost Niche Tourism.