Page 38 - NIS English 16-28 Feb, 2026

COVER STORY BUDGET
UNION

2026-27

Tourism Boost
Giving a Boost to

Tourism, Culture

and Heritage

The central government is working to strengthen
India’s cultural roots while opening up new
opportunities for tourism-based development.
This was reflected in this year’s budget. The Union
Budget places special emphasis on spiritual tourism,
destination development, and empowering India’s
vast cultural ecosystem. This year’s budget is set
to give new momentum to tourism, taking India’s
culture and heritage to new heights…

Proposal to develop ecologically sustainable
mountain trails in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand,
and Jammu and Kashmir, as well as in the Araku
Valley of the Eastern and Western Ghats.

Proposal for the Establishment of Decision to Develop 15 Archaeological Sites
a National Hospitality Institute n A proposal to develop 15 archaeological sites such as Lothal,
Dholavira, Rakhigarhi, Adichanallur, Sarnath, Hastinapur, and Leh
n A proposal to establish a National into vibrant and experiential cultural destinations. This proposal will
Hospitality Institute by upgrading the establish India’s ancient culture on the global stage.
existing National Council for Hotel
Management and Catering Technology. Construction of 5 tourism destinations in 5 North-Eastern states
This will provide skill development and
employment opportunities for youth and n Proposal for the development of an integrated East Coast
further strengthen the tourism sector. Industrial Corridor with improved connectivity nodes in Durgapur,
construction of 5 tourist destinations in 5 Northeastern states, and
n A pilot project will be launched to upskill provision of 4000 e-buses.
10,000 guides at 20 tourist destinations
through a standardised, high-quality 12- n New scheme for the development of the Buddhist Circuit in
week training course in hybrid mode in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.
collaboration with the IIM. n This scheme will help in the preservation of temples and
n A National Destination Digital Knowledge monasteries, establishment of pilgrimage interpretation centres, and
Grid will be established to create digital connectivity and pilgrim amenities.
documentation of all places of cultural,
spiritual, and heritage significance. New opportunities for tourism-based development
n This initiative will create a new ecosystem n Turtle breeding sites and turtle trails will also be developed in
providing employment opportunities Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala.
for local researchers, historians, content n Birdwatching trails will be developed along the Pulikat Lake in Andhra
creators, and technology stakeholders. Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to promote tourism and biodiversity. n

36 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || February 16-28, 2026