With expectations rising ahead of Union Budget 2026, industry leaders across hospitality, travel and food services are collectively calling for policy measures that move beyond short-term relief and address structural challenges limiting sustainable growth. From destination development and connectivity to taxation reforms and easier access to capital, the sector believes the upcoming Budget can play a defining role in shaping India’s tourism trajectory.

Shruti Shibulal of Tamara Leisure Experiences highlighted the need for a more diversified tourism map, with greater emphasis on developing new destinations and strengthening regional connectivity through schemes such as UDAN. She stressed the importance of sustainable tourism frameworks, simplified visa processes for wellness-led travel, and deeper rural participation to ensure tourism growth translates into local employment and long-term economic value.

From the food services segment, Pranav Rungta of Nksha Restaurant drew attention to persistent financial pressures faced by operators. He underscored the need for GST relief, revival of SEIS benefits, improved access to SME financing and formal industry recognition for food services, which could collectively ease cash flow constraints and support organised growth in the sector.

Amrita Gupta of Manglam Group pointed to the steady rise in experiential, wedding and wellness travel, particularly in heritage-rich destinations such as Jaipur. She advocated for quality-led investments, green financing options and focused policy support for heritage cities, allowing tourism growth to align with sustainability and cultural preservation.

Dinesh Yadav of Fine Acers echoed long-standing demands from the hospitality industry, calling for infrastructure status, GST reforms, innovative financing models and single-window clearances. According to him, these measures are critical to reducing project costs, improving viability and sustaining expansion across both established and emerging destinations.

Highlighting the strength of domestic travel, Govind Gaur of WanderOn and Dr Vikas Katoch of Adotrip emphasised the importance of continued investment in infrastructure, GST rationalisation and easier access to credit. They also reiterated the need for sustained focus on sustainable and heritage tourism, which they see as key drivers of inclusive, long-term growth.

As Budget 2026 draws closer, the unified message from the industry is clear: targeted reforms, policy clarity and long-term vision will be essential to unlock the next phase of growth for India’s hospitality, travel and food services ecosystem