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EaseMyTrip CMD and Founder Nishant Pitti on Sunday hailed the Union Budget presented by FM Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament. He said that the Budget signals a bold, forward-looking vision for India's travel and tourism sector.
"With the sector recovering rapidly post-pandemic, the government is positioning tourism as a strategic engine for economic growth, regional development, and global competitiveness. At the heart of this vision is a commitment to enhanced connectivity, infrastructure, and immersive experiences. Seven new high-speed rail corridors, expanded air routes, inland waterways, and incentives for seaplane operations will make even India's most remote destinations accessible. These measures, complemented by AI and emerging technologies, promise seamless journeys, operational efficiency, and an elevated travel experience for millions of domestic and international travellers," Pitti said. Pitti said that initiatives like developing the Buddhist circuit will engage travellers in more meaningful journeys. "Heritage, cultural, and adventure tourism are receiving unprecedented attention. Initiatives to develop 15 archaeological and heritage sites, Buddhist and spiritual circuits, eco-tourism trails, and trekking and hiking programs reflect a commitment to sustainable, experience-driven travel. These efforts are designed to preserve India's cultural and natural wealth while engaging travellers in deeper, more meaningful journeys. Medical tourism is another focal point of Budget 2026. By establishing five regional healthcare hubs that integrate modern medical care with wellness and travel facilitation, India is being positioned as a global destination for medical travel. This not only enhances international appeal but also fosters innovation, collaboration, and infrastructure development across healthcare and tourism," he said. The EaseMyTrip CMD also hailed the proposal to offer large scale training to tourist guides and the measures to cut TCS on foreign travel packaged. "Skill development and service quality are integral to this ecosystem. The National Institute of Hospitality, large-scale training programs for tourist guides, and upskilling initiatives in collaboration with IIMs will ensure a professional workforce capable of delivering world-class experiences. A proposal of National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid will further strengthen India's ability to provide accurate, accessible information across cultural and heritage sites. Supporting these broader structural initiatives, the government has also introduced TCS relief on overseas tour packages, bringing it down to a flat 2%. By easing upfront costs, these measures make international travel more affordable and encourage greater participation in global tourism," he said. Pitti said with the presentation of the Budget the journey ahead was exciting. "At EaseMyTrip, we view Budget 2026 as a roadmap for growth, innovation, and inclusivity. By combining infrastructure, destination development, skill enhancement, and enabling policies, the government is creating an environment where travellers benefit immediately, and the industry can expand sustainably for the long term. The journey ahead is exciting, and the government's vision empowers businesses, communities, and travellers alike to reimagine India as a world-class travel destination," he said. The Union Budget placed tourism at the centre of its employment and growth strategy, highlighting its role in job creation, foreign exchange earnings and local economic development. The government outlined a mix of institution-building, skilling, digital documentation and eco-tourism initiatives to strengthen the sector across India. (ANI) Disclaimer: The article cites the views of EaseMyTrip CMD and Founder Nishant Pitti.
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