With the Union Budget 2025-26 on the horizon, ICRA Limited sheds light on the critical expectations for the Indian hospitality sector, emphasizing its pivotal role in economic growth.

According to Mr. Shamsher Dewan, Senior Vice President and Group Head, Corporate Ratings, ICRA Limited, “Post Covid, the Indian hospitality industry recovered, and the demand rebounded sharply in recent years. Factors like increasing domestic tourism, business travel, growing demand from MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) and weddings, and enhanced connectivity to tier-2/3 cities supported the growth for hoteliers.”

ICRA underscores the importance of targeted measures in the upcoming budget to sustain and accelerate this growth trajectory. Key focus areas include:

• Tourism and Infrastructure Investments: Enhanced support for tourism initiatives and infrastructure development to cater to growing demand.

• Ease of Doing Business: Simplified processes and policies to encourage industry growth.

• Enhanced Connectivity and Accessibility: Strengthening transportation networks, especially to tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

• Tax Rationalization: A more balanced tax structure to improve the industry's operational efficiency.

• Favorable Financing Policies: Policy frameworks that facilitate favorable financing terms, aiding inventory addition to meet rising demand.

With supply growth struggling to match the increasing demand, ICRA stresses the need for innovative and supportive policy initiatives. These measures can bolster the sector’s ability to cater to the surging interest in domestic and international tourism, ultimately contributing to India’s economic development.

As stakeholders eagerly await the Union Budget 2025-26, the hospitality industry remains optimistic about policies that will further drive its robust recovery and expansion.