By:- Mr. Arjun Baljee, Founder of ICONIQA President of Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd.
“The Union Budget 2026 reinforces long-term economic momentum through a strong push on infrastructure expansion, logistics efficiency and ease of doing business, all of which directly strengthen India’s travel and business ecosystem. The proposed ₹2.78 lakh crore outlay in Railways Capital and ₹3.10 lakh crore oulay in Roads & Highways is a fundamental shift which is not just about building infrastructure – it’s about building accessibility to experiences. Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities with rich cultural heritage but limited connectivity will finally enter the mainstream travel circuit. We’re not just looking at improved logistics for our supply chains, we’re looking at millions of new domestic travelers gaining seamless access to hotels, resorts, and experiences that were previously out of reach.
The emphasis on experiential tourism – from developing trekking circuits to curating turtle trails along our coastal ecosystems and enhancing archaeological sites- signals a strong push to evolving traveler preferences. Today’s discerning tourists seek authentic, transformative experiences and these initiatives position India to capture premium segments of the adventure and heritage tourism markets.
Additionally, tax and compliance simplifications, along with measures that ease travel costs and promote seamless mobility, will further stimulate both domestic and business travel demand. As hotel development increasingly follows infrastructure and industrial growth corridors, these measures create a positive environment for sustained hospitality sector expansion. We remain committed to supporting India’s growth story by strengthening quality hospitality offerings across emerging destinations.”