Budget 2026: Tourism industry reiterates call for 'industry' status

The travel and tourism industry Thursday made a renewed pitch for 'industry status' in the upcoming budget, which will facilitate credit on lower interest rates for one the fastest growing service sectors.

Industry representatives in the customary annual pre-budget session with finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman sought special incentives to promote lesser-known and emerging tourist destinations across the country.

Sitharaman also met representatives of labour unions as a part of her pre-budget consultations.


Industry also demanded that GST tax rates for restaurants which are part of the hotels that charge a tariff of ₹7500 or more per day be delinked from room tariffs.

It pressed for simplification of visa policy, a single-window clearance system for hospitality projects, among others.