As Union Budget 2026 introduces a wide range of tourism-focused announcements, leaders from India’s hospitality and travel industry have shared optimistic views on the government’s vision to strengthen the sector through connectivity, skilling, sustainability and destination development.

Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director, Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, welcomed the Budget’s emphasis on cultural and regional tourism. He said,

"We appreciate the government's focus in the Union Budget 2026, which reinforces India's commitment to strengthening the hospitality and tourism sector. By reimagining heritage sites, supporting Buddhist circuits, and enhancing connectivity through initiatives such as the Green High-Speed Rail Network, the Budget will increase tourism demand and attract more visitors to culturally, historically, and spiritually significant cities. This, in turn, will strengthen tourism in Tier-II and Tier-III regions, providing a strong platform for hospitality brands to expand alongside India's growth trajectory. Initiatives such as world-class hospitality talent hubs, professional guides, and structured skilling programs are expected to elevate visitor experiences, extend stays, and support local economies. Coupled with digital destination initiatives and sustainable eco-trails, these measures will enhance service standards, create dignified livelihood opportunities for young talent, and give a meaningful boost to the overall growth and competitiveness of India's hospitality sector."

Richa Adhia, Managing Director, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, highlighted the Budget’s focus on workforce development and sustainable tourism. She stated that the government’s efforts to create dignified livelihoods, develop hospitality talent hubs and invest in professional guides will significantly raise service standards while strengthening local employment. She also noted that initiatives around heritage revitalisation, eco-trails, digital destinations, adventure and medical tourism are expected to attract global travellers and enhance visitor engagement.

Sharing a detailed industry perspective, Mr. Sarbendra Sarkar, Managing Director & Founder, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, said Budget 2026 presents a future-ready roadmap for tourism and hospitality. He emphasised that talent development, digital destination platforms, creator-led promotion and improved connectivity through green high-speed rail corridors will boost visibility, travel affordability and inter-city mobility. He added that initiatives covering eco-friendly mountain trails, Buddhist circuits, heritage revitalisation, medical tourism and Purvodaya-led development will diversify tourism beyond traditional markets and support balanced, sustainable growth.

Mr. Sumit Mitruka, Founder & CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, pointed to the transformative impact of high-speed rail connectivity to Siliguri and the Northeast. He noted that faster and more reliable access would reduce travel fatigue, encourage longer stays and support off-beat destinations. He also highlighted that the development of structured trekking routes could unlock experiential tourism while preserving ecological integrity and generating livelihoods for local communities.

Mr Ritwik Khare, Founder and CEO of ELIVAAS, described Budget 2026 as a growth-driven vision that aligns infrastructure, mobility and affordability. He said the announcement of seven high-speed rail corridors will change travel behaviour by enabling shorter and more frequent trips, while the reduction in overseas tour package TCS will improve overall travel sentiment. According to him, these measures support the growing demand for private villas and flexible stay formats across regions.

Offering a regional perspective, Mr. Bhavik Sheth, Chief Operating Officer, Evoke Experiences, welcomed the focus on upgrading Indus Valley Civilisation sites such as Dholavira and Lothal. He said that structured investment in interpretation centres and visitor infrastructure can position Gujarat as a global heritage destination and open opportunities for immersive, experience-led tourism rooted in history and local communities.

Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts, observed that Union Budget 2026 reflects a shift from destination-led tourism to purpose-driven journeys. He highlighted the emphasis on wellness, spiritual circuits, nature-led travel, adventure tourism and regional connectivity. He added that investments in hospitality education, guide skilling and digital knowledge platforms will raise service standards and support responsible, community-led tourism growth.

Overall, industry leaders agree that Budget 2026 creates a strong foundation for long-term growth in India’s hospitality and tourism sector, driven by connectivity, capability building and sustainable development.

The United States has announced a significant trade agreement with India that will reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18%, down from the earlier 50%, in exchange for India agreeing to halt purchases of Russian oil.

US President Donald Trump shared the announcement on social media after a call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that India would now source oil from the United States and potentially from Venezuela. A White House official confirmed that Washington would remove a punitive 25% duty imposed over India’s continued Russian oil imports, which had been added on top of a reciprocal tariff structure.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed the move, calling the revised tariff rate a positive step for Indian exporters. In a post on X, he said India was grateful for the reduction, noting that “Made in India” products would now face lower duties in the US market.

The announcement triggered a strong rally in Indian stocks listed in the US. Shares of Infosys, Wipro, and HDFC Bank closed sharply higher, while the iShares MSCI India ETF also gained, reflecting renewed investor confidence. Indian markets, which had struggled under the weight of higher tariffs and foreign investor outflows in 2025, responded positively to the development.

According to Trump, India has also committed to buying over $500 billion worth of US energy, including oil and coal, along with technology, agricultural products, and other goods. He added that India would move towards reducing both tariff and non-tariff barriers on American products.

While the announcement outlined broad commitments, several operational details remain unclear. The White House has not yet issued a formal proclamation or Federal Register notice specifying when the new tariff rates will take effect or the timeline for India’s exit from Russian oil purchases. Indian ministries have also not released an official statement so far.

Economists believe the agreement brings India closer in line with other Asian economies, where tariff rates typically range between 15% and 19%. Analysts say the deal removes a major drag on Indian exports and could provide stability to the rupee, which had come under pressure amid global trade tensions.

The deal comes shortly after India concluded a landmark trade agreement with the European Union, covering nearly 97% of traded goods by value. Together, these developments mark a shift towards deeper trade integration for India at a time of global economic uncertainty.

India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, has relied heavily on discounted Russian crude since 2022. However, recent data shows that imports from Russia have already begun to slow, suggesting that New Delhi has been preparing for a transition in its energy sourcing strategy

Eco Hotels and Resorts Limited has announced the signing of its first boutique property in Udaipur, marking a key milestone in the company’s brand expansion strategy and its entry into India’s growing boutique hospitality segment.

Located in the city of Udaipur and set amid the Aravali mountain range, the upcoming property will feature 20 thoughtfully designed rooms. According to the company, the rooms will be crafted with artistic elements and attention to detail, offering guests a blend of comfort, elegance and a serene, immersive environment complemented by scenic mountain views.

A major highlight of the property will be GG’s, a pure vegetarian, double-decker rooftop restaurant. Designed with both open-to-sky and covered dining spaces, the restaurant will offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, positioning it as a distinctive culinary destination aligned with Eco Hotels’ focus on quality and innovation.

The Udaipur signing also marks the launch of Eco Hotels’ fourth brand, The Eco Boutique, following its existing brands -The Eco, Eco Xpress and Eco Value. The new boutique brand is aimed at travellers seeking premium, experience-driven stays in culturally rich and scenic leisure destinations.

Commenting on the development, Vinod Kumar Tripathi, Chairman, Eco Hotels and Resorts Limited, said, “With the Eco Boutique Udaipur, we aim to deliver a refined hospitality experience that reflects the cultural richness and natural beauty of the region. This expansion is part of our broader strategy to strengthen our footprint in high-growth markets while maintaining our commitment to sustainability, guest comfort, and operational excellence.”

Sharing a financial and growth perspective, Vikram Doshi, Director – Finance & CFO, Eco Hotels and Resorts Limited, added, “The signing of our first boutique property in Udaipur reflects our focused approach toward expanding into high-demand leisure markets with strong revenue potential. This property is expected to strengthen our portfolio by offering a differentiated guest experience while maintaining operational efficiency and financial discipline. We remain confident that such strategic expansions will contribute positively to the company’s long-term growth trajectory.”

The property is scheduled to go live in March 2026 and is expected to further strengthen Eco Hotels’ presence in India’s leisure hospitality landscape, while offering guests a distinctive blend of comfort, elegance and scenic charm.