Pre-Budget Expectation Quote :- Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel – Union Budget 2026

The quote reflects perspective on the travel and tourism sector and its expectations ahead of the Budget announcement.

Key Recommendations from SOTC Travel (Vishal Suri, MD & CEO)
- GST Procedural Reforms: Move beyond rate rationalisation to enable centralized registration, single returns across states, and simplified compliance.
- Flat 1% TCS: Replace the current multi-tier tax collection at source (5%/20%) with a universal 1% rate to reduce liquidity strain while maintaining audit trails.
- Industry Status for Tourism: Recognize tourism formally as an industry to unlock growth potential.

Key Recommendations from Thomas Cook India (Mahesh Iyer, MD & CEO)
- Industry Status Benefits: Access to affordable financing, lower interest rates, and institutional credit—especially for MSMEs.
- Infrastructure Investments: Focus on under-served regions, spiritual destinations, and Tier II/III cities, supported by single-window clearance for hospitality projects.
- Inbound Tourism Boost:
-- Policy support for niche segments (medical, sustainable, MICE tourism).
-- Faster e-visa processing, expanded categories, and targeted visa-on-arrival schemes.
-- Enhanced funding for global campaigns like Incredible India.
- Digital & Tech Adoption: Incentives for AI and blockchain in travel and financial services to improve efficiency and traveler experience.
- Government Partnership: Industry readiness to collaborate in making India a global tourism hub.

Overall Message
Both companies see Union Budget 2026 as a pivotal opportunity to:
- Simplify taxation,
- Strengthen infrastructure,
- Support MSMEs,
- Enhance inbound tourism, and
- Drive digital transformation in the travel sector.