This post was originally published on The Economic Times
Union Budget 2026-27: Recognising the significant role of tourism as a sector with immense potential for employment generation, forex earnings, and expanding the local economy, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed setting up a National Institute of Hospitality by upgrading the existing National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology. “It will function as a bridge between academia, industry and the Government,” she said during her Budget speech on Sunday. Sitharaman also proposed a pilot scheme for upskilling 10,000 guides in 20 iconic tourist sites through a standardised, high-quality 12-week training course in hybrid mode, in collaboration with an Indian Institute of Management.
Sitharaman, in her speech, announced that a National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid will be established to digitally document all places of significance—cultural, spiritual, and heritage. “This initiative will create a new ecosystem of jobs for local researchers, historians, content creators and technology partners,” she said.
Delving further into India’s potential to offer world-class trekking and hiking experiences, she unveiled plans to develop ecologically sustainable mountain trails in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir; Araku Valley in the Eastern
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