New Delhi, Feb. 1 -- The Centre proposed several measures in the Union Budget 2026 for the tourism sector, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighting its importance in generating employment, earning foreign exchange and boosting local economies.

Niche tourism and eco-trails

Presenting the Union Budget, Sitharaman proposed the development of "ecologically sustainable" mountain trails in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir, and setting up the "National Institute of Hospitality."

"The tourism sector has a large role to play in employment generation, forex earnings and expanding the local economy. I propose to set up a National Institute of Hospitality by upgrading the existing National Council for Hotel Manageme...