Budget 2026: Cheaper Overseas Travel, Heritage Push to Boost Tourism

One of the most tangible wins for Indian globetrotters is the reduction of Tax Collected at Source (TCS) to 2 per cent on foreign tour packages. (AI generated image)

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News18•01-02-2026, 14:21

Budget 2026: Cheaper Overseas Travel, Heritage Push to Boost Tourism

•Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget 2026 introduces measures to significantly boost India's tourism sector, focusing on both domestic and international travel.
•Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on overseas tour packages has been reduced to 2% from 5% and 20%, making international travel more affordable for Indian globetrotters.
•Fifteen archaeological sites, including Lothal, Dholavira, Sarnath, Hastinapur, and Leh Palace, will be transformed into vibrant cultural destinations to enhance global appeal.
•The budget promotes sustainable and adventure tourism with new trails in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Araku Valley, and Pudigai Malai.
•Development of Buddhist circuits in North-Eastern states (Sikkim, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh) and a pilot program to train 10,000 tourist guides are also key initiatives.

Why It Matters: Budget 2026 slashes TCS on foreign travel and invests heavily in heritage, eco-tourism, and skill development.

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