Monday, August 26, 2024 Uttar Pradesh aims to become India’s top tourism hub by 2028, targeting 80 crore visitors through rich cultural heritage, strategic initiatives, and infrastructure upgrades. Uttar Pradesh is poised to emerge as a leading tourism destination in India, with an ambitious goal to attract 800 million visitors by 2028. The state, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, is gaining global attention in the tourism sector through comprehensive efforts, enhanced infrastructure, and strategic development plans.
Renowned for hosting iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal in Agra and the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh is home to some of India’s most celebrated tourist attractions and national parks. Recognizing its immense tourism potential, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched a comprehensive plan to draw more visitors and significantly boost the sector’s growth in the coming years. Central to these efforts is the revitalization of key tourist destinations and the improvement of local transportation infrastructure.
A government spokesperson noted that these initiatives have already led to a substantial increase in visitor numbers. In 2023 alone, Uttar Pradesh welcomed over 480 million tourists, marking a significant increase from previous years. The government aims to expand this figure to over 800 million by 2028, with a corresponding increase in the tourism sector’s Gross Value Added (GVA) to INR 70,000 crore, a significant jump from the INR 11,000 crore reported in 2017.
To achieve this, Uttar Pradesh is focusing on several strategic initiatives, including the development of 12 new tourism circuits across the state. Preliminary work on these circuits is already underway, with surveys, gap analyses, and planning in progress to enhance and promote key destinations. In recent years, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a significant rise in tourist arrivals, with the number of visitors increasing from 230 million in 2016-17 to 480 million in 2023-24, reflecting a growth of approximately 51%.
This surge underscores the state’s potential to attract even more visitors with the right strategies and improvements. The state government is also focused on enhancing accommodation options to meet the growing demand. By expanding lodging facilities in major cities, Uttar Pradesh aims to offer diverse and comfortable options for travelers.
Additionally, the state is placing a strong emphasis on spiritual tourism, drawing millions of devotees to religious sites such as Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura, Naimisharanya, and Prayagraj. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has stressed the importance of promoting tourism alongside industrial development. His vision is to harness Uttar Pradesh’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage to offer world-class experiences and facilities, ensuring the state becomes a top destination for both domestic and international tourists.
With these extensive initiatives, Uttar Pradesh is poised to revolutionize its tourism sector, striving to establish a dynamic and inviting atmosphere for millions of travelers in the years ahead..
