Pre-Budget Expectations: Union Budget 2026-27

In this year’s Union Budget, we at Machan Resorts hope for measures that encourage both sustainable and responsible tourism, including incentives for eco‑friendly infrastructure, renewable energy adoption, and low-impact operations.

Beyond sustainability, we also look forward to policies that support the broader hospitality ecosystem such as simplified licensing, financial assistance for small and mid-sized resorts, and improved connectivity to emerging destinations. 

Such initiatives will help resorts like ours not only enhance guest experiences but also contribute meaningfully to local communities, create employment, and showcase India’s unique natural and cultural assets to domestic and international travellers alike.

Pushpendra Bansal

COO, Lords Hotels & Resorts

As we look ahead to the Union Budget, the hospitality industry is hopeful for policies that make it easier to operate, invest, and grow. Rationalizing GST, restoring input tax credits, and simplifying compliance would ease financial pressures and allow hotels to focus on service quality, people development, and digital adoption.

Granting industry status to hospitality would be a meaningful step, helping hotels, especially small and mid-sized properties, access institutional finance, reduce borrowing costs, and invest in long-term infrastructure.

On the demand side, simpler single-window visa processes, faster approvals, and wider e-visa coverage would strengthen inbound tourism and improve India’s competitiveness as a global destination. At the same time, measures that encourage domestic business and leisure travel would help sustain occupancy, boost revenues, and create jobs across regions.

The industry also looks forward to stronger support for sustainability and social impact. Incentives for energy-efficient buildings, green infrastructure, renewable energy, water conservation, and waste management would encourage responsible tourism while aligning with India’s climate goals. Support for sustainable food and beverage practices, including local sourcing and partnerships with farmers and artisans, would further strengthen local economies and enrich guest experiences.

Improved air and road connectivity to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, emerging leisure destinations, and remote locations remains critical. Better regional access, along with improved road safety standards and signage, would boost traveler confidence and unlock new growth opportunities.

With balanced and forward-looking policy support, the hospitality sector can play a vital role in driving economic growth, creating large-scale employment, supporting local communities, and building a more resilient and globally competitive tourism ecosystem for India

Dhinesh Kumar

Director of Finance, Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa

Solar Energy: As we head into this year’s Union Budget, our foremost expectation is a strong, sustained policy push for solar energy—the backbone of India’s clean‑energy ambitions. Continued rationalization of duties on solar modules and key components, coupled with incentives that boost domestic manufacturing, will be vital for reducing project costs and strengthening supply‑chain resilience. We also look forward to measures that enhance grid readiness, expand storage support, and improve access to low‑cost, long‑tenure financing. A budget that prioritizes scale, innovation, and infrastructure in solar energy can significantly accelerate India’s progress toward its renewable‑energy targets while reinforcing investor confidence.

Sanket S

"Ahead of Budget 2026, the food-tech industry is looking for GST simplification and more balanced tax rates on processed traditional foods to ease pressure on MSMEs and bring unorganised players into the formal economy. Increased spending on cold-chain infrastructure, along with steps to improve household purchasing power, can help drive demand across categories. In line with Atmanirbhar Bharat, targeted support for food-tech automation and smoother access to credit will be critical for enabling homegrown brands to scale and establish India as a global centre for preserved traditional foods."

Ishita Malpani

Managing Director, Amruta Tea

"As the FMCG sector navigates a shifting consumption landscape, we look to the Union Budget 2026 to catalyse renewed demand across both urban and rural markets. Targeted fiscal support that enhances disposable incomes through tax reforms and clarity in GST implementation will be crucial for stimulating consumer spending and improving affordability. Continued investment in rural infrastructure, supply chain modernisation and logistics will not only expand market reach but also strengthen the backbone of India’s consumption story. Additionally, measures that reduce the compliance burden and foster ease of doing business will empower homegrown brands to innovate and scale. We are optimistic that the Union Budget 2026 will reinforce growth continuity, support sustainable consumption and unlock meaningful opportunities for the FMCG ecosystem"-

Haresh Karamchandani

Managing Director & Group CEO, HyFun Foods

“With rising domestic and global demand, Budget 2026 presents a strong opportunity to accelerate India’s food processing ecosystem through well-designed, outcome-linked policy support. Measures such as PLI (Production Linked Incentive) schemes for large-scale processors, export-oriented incentives, investments in cold-chain infrastructure, and support for backward integration can strengthen supply chains from farm to factory, attract greater entrepreneurial participation, and unlock the full potential of sectors such as frozen foods. Collectively, these steps can help India scale its role as a dependable global supplier of value-added food products.”