UP Unveils New Tourism Policy to Boost Private Investment and Economic Growth

The Uttar Pradesh government is planning a new tourism policy to boost private investment, create jobs, and accelerate economic growth. The policy aims to promote different forms of tourism, including heritage, rural, religious, and fort tourism. The government has directed officials to chart a revised roadmap, similar to Rajasthan, and identify key tourism sites. Homestays in villages reflecting tribal cultures will also be introduced.

Uttar Pradesh (UP) is set to unveil a new tourism policy aimed at attracting private investment, creating jobs, and accelerating economic growth. The policy, which is being developed in line with the state's goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy, seeks to promote various forms of tourism, including heritage, rural, religious, and fort tourism [2].

The policy's revision is modeled after Rajasthan's successful tourism strategy. The UP Tourism Department has been directed to identify key tourism sites and introduce countryside homestays in villages reflecting tribal cultures such as ‘Tharu’ [2]. This initiative is part of the broader effort to boost the state's tourism sector, which has seen significant growth over the past decade.

The new policy also emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships (PPP) in developing tourism infrastructure. The government is exploring ways to strengthen ties with countries like Japan, with a focus on the Buddhist Circuit, which is deeply intertwined with the life of the Buddha [3]. The state is preparing an elaborate plan to showcase investment opportunities in meditation centers, hotels, and cultural infrastructure under the PPP mode.

The state's tourism sector has witnessed a three-fold rise in tourist footfall over the last eight years, reflecting the government's focused strategy and global engagement [3]. In 2016, nearly 28 lakh tourists visited the Buddhist sites in UP, a number that nearly tripled by 2024. Kaushambi, for instance, saw a massive jump from just over 2 lakh tourists to more than 24 lakh visitors [3].

The new tourism policy is expected to further enhance UP's tourism offerings and attract more global tourists. By promoting sustainable tourism practices and fostering community engagement, the policy aims to preserve the state's rich heritage while promoting economic growth.

References:

[1] https://cgscopus.com/index.php/journals/article/view/440
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/fresh-tourism-policy-on-anvil-for-investment-economic-growth-in-up-125072801163_1.html
[3] https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/buddhist-circuit-in-focus-up-looks-to-strengthen-tourism-investment-ties-with-japan-10147923/