Nikhil Sharma: Union Budget 2026–27 Sets the Stage for Responsible Tourism Growth

The renewed focus on strengthening last-mile infrastructure, expanding rail connectivity, and promoting destination-led tourism beyond major metropolitan centres creates a strong foundation for expanding tourism into new growth markets.

Nikhil Sharma, added, “The focus on sustainable and experiential tourism, including the development of Himalayan trails, the continued push for Buddhist circuits, and the strong policy thrust on the Northeast, will support the growth of diverse tourism segments while enabling more balanced regional development. These measures are expected to encourage longer stays, wider travel dispersal, and stronger demand for quality accommodation and services across tier-2 and tier-3 markets.”

He continued, “One of the key initiatives is the announcement to set up a National Institute of Hospitality and strengthen the Council for Hotel Management, recognising that skilling will be critical to the sector’s long-term sustainability. The hospitality industry has been reinforcing its talent pipelines through structured training programmes, partnerships with hospitality institutes, and focused efforts to build local capabilities.

Overall, the Budget’s integrated approach to infrastructure, destination development, and skill-building creates a positive environment for tourism and hospitality to scale responsibly. Radisson Hotel Group’s expansion across emerging destinations, including the Northeast, and its continued investment in skill development are closely aligned with this direction, supporting the creation of sustainable jobs and resilient tourism ecosystems.”

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