With the Union Budget 2026 approaching, India’s hospitality sector is looking to the government for meaningful reforms that can support long-term, sustainable growth. Industry leaders believe the coming year presents a crucial opportunity to strengthen tourism-led economic development, especially as travel preferences continue to evolve.

According to Ms. Amrita Gupta, Director of Manglam Group and CEO of Manglam Spa and Resorts, demand entering 2026 is being driven by experiential travel, destination weddings, and wellness-focused stays. This shift, she notes, highlights the need for policy support that encourages quality-led investments rather than short-term expansion.

“The coming year presents an important opportunity for India's hospitality sector to scale sustainably while deepening its contribution to tourism-led economic growth,” said Gupta. She added that reforms such as granting tourism industry status, rationalising GST, and improving access to infrastructure and green financing could significantly strengthen the sector.

Gupta also highlighted the importance of destination-specific support, particularly for heritage cities like Jaipur. Targeted budgetary allocation for tourism infrastructure, heritage-sensitive development, and sustainable hospitality projects, she said, would help improve global competitiveness while preserving cultural identity.

As India continues to position tourism as a key economic driver, industry voices believe that balanced policy measures in Budget 2026 could play a decisive role in ensuring inclusive growth, employment generation, and long-term resilience for the hospitality sector