Union Budget 2026 | Industry Perspective on Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

The Budget makes a strong and much-needed push for services, travel, and tourism, says Varun Chadha, CEO, TIRUN Travel Marketing.

Major Relief on TCS

One of the most significant moves for the outbound travel industry is the proposal to bring TCS on overseas tour packages down to a flat 2%, without any threshold. Chadha notes, "This has been a long ask from the industry. For travellers, it is a huge positive—making international travel more affordable, improving cash flow, and removing a major friction point at the time of booking."

Boosting Connectivity and Experiences

The emphasis on tourism-led growth, including cruise tourism, signals a clear intent to diversify India's offerings. Equally important is the focus on seaplanes and last-mile connectivity, which Chadha believes can unlock remote destinations and improve access to island and coastal regions.

"Together, these measures support a more inclusive, customer-centric, and future-ready tourism landscape," he adds.