Union Budget 2026 Expectations | 'Hospitality needs infra push, GST relief': EaseMyTrip CEO Rikant Pittie

With just couple of days remaining for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present the Union Budget 2026, India’s travel and tourism industry is looking for continued policy momentum to support long-term, sustainable growth. Rikant Pittie, Co-founder and CEO of EaseMyTrip, said optimism remains high following recent government allocations aimed at strengthening tourism infrastructure and destination development.

Pittie noted that the government’s sustained focus on iconic tourist centres, island development and improved connectivity has positioned tourism as a core driver of economic expansion.

“The government’s continued focus on destination development, including support for iconic tourist centres and island infrastructure, has been widely welcomed by industry stakeholders as a long-term enabler of sustainable tourism growth,” he said.

A key expectation from Budget 2026 is the long-pending demand for infrastructure status for the hospitality sector, which the industry believes will unlock easier access to capital and lower borrowing costs. Pittie also highlighted the need for GST rationalisation on hotels and restaurants, alongside enhanced overseas marketing spends to strengthen India’s global tourism brand. “If implemented effectively, these measures could significantly accelerate tourism-led economic growth while supporting employment generation across allied sectors,” he added.

Overall, he believes continued budgetary support and policy clarity will further reinforce India’s tourism ecosystem. The sector expects that sustained government focus will enhance India’s global appeal while strengthening economic resilience through diversified, tourism-led revenue streams.