Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the UP government has prioritized tourism from the very beginning. The continuous development of tourism infrastructure and the introduction of new experiences have made the state a significant attraction for domestic and international tourists. Over the past eight years, the number of tourists has increased by over 410 million. 2017, the state welcomed approximately 24 crore tourists, which rose to nearly 65 crore in 2024. Since 2022, Uttar Pradesh has maintained the top position in domestic tourism, and efforts are ongoing to achieve a similar feat in international tourism.

UP Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh shared this information, highlighting the state’s development of 12 mega tourism circuits. These circuits encompass adventure tourism, historical and cultural sites, religious destinations, and natural heritage. From the forts of Bundelkhand to the tribal culture of the Tharu community, and from places like Naimisharanya and Shravasti to wildlife sanctuaries like Dudhwa and Vindhya, each circuit offers unique attractions. With continuous improvements in infrastructure and amenities, Uttar Pradesh has become India’s most preferred tourist destination.

The tourism minister stated that the state recently hosted the grand Maha Kumbh 2025, attracting over 66 crore devotees. To enhance visitors’ experiences, the tourism department introduced initiatives such as Uttar Pradesh Darshan Mandapam, water laser shows, drone shows, and a grand tent city.

In 2024, 538 tourist attractions and 678 departmental properties were mapped and uploaded on the PM Gati Shakti portal, earning national recognition. Additionally, a hotel star grading system was introduced, and the tourism department is being restructured.

CM Dashboard Achievements: In January 2025, the tourism department was among the top five departments in Uttar Pradesh. In 2023, it ranked first in the Data Quality Index for eight months; in 2024, it maintained this position for six months.

To attract international tourists, the government focuses on modern tourism sectors such as medical tourism, eco-tourism, wellness tourism, rural tourism, youth tourism, and spiritual tourism. Major sites like Mathura, Vrindavan, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Vindhyachal, Naimisharanya, Chitrakoot, Garhmukteshwar, Gorakhpur, and Kushinagar are being developed. Additionally, expansions of the Ramayana Circuit, Braj Circuit, and Buddhist Circuit are in progress. Helicopter services are being launched to offer a colourful, safe, and enriching tourism experience.

The UP government has also established various religious development councils, such as UP Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad and Shri Ayodhya Teerth Vikas Parishad, to boost tourism further. The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model is being leveraged to accelerate tourism development, with ropeway projects being implemented in places like Chitrakoot, Ashtabhuja-Kalikhoh (Vindhyachal), Gorakhgiri (Mahoba), and Lalapur (Chitrakoot).

Under the tourism expansion initiative, historical sites and forts are being restored for cultural preservation and tourism. Six heritage properties, including Chunar Fort (Mirzapur), Barua Sagar Fort (Jhansi), Chhatar Manzil (Lucknow), Kothi Roshan-ud-Daula (Lucknow), Shukla Talab (Kanpur), and Barsana Water Palace (Mathura), have been selected for development. Thirteen other sites are also undergoing similar development.

Investment in Tourism: Under the state plan, projects worth Rs 23,833.40 lakh have been inaugurated, with an additional Rs 73,630.74 lakh allocated for upcoming projects. The Swadesh Darshan Scheme has funded Rs 69.45 crore for tourism development in places like Shringverpur (Prayagraj) and Chitrakoot Dham. In contrast, Rs 127.21 crore has been allocated for integrated tourism development in Ayodhya. Similarly, Rs 87.89 crore has been used to develop Buddhist Circuit sites such as Kushinagar, Kapilvastu, and Shravasti.

Cultural Tourism Events: The grand Diwali festival in Ayodhya, initiated in 2017, has grown significantly. In 2024, 2,512,585 lamps were lit, securing a Guinness World Record. Similarly, Dev Deepawali in Kashi was celebrated with grand events, including hot air ballooning, laser shows, and cultural performances. Other festivals, including Holi in Mathura and Krishna Janmashtami, have also been enhanced with new tourism facilities.

Tourism Policies and International Participation: The UP Tourism Policy-2022 has facilitated investments worth Rs 27,575.93 crore through 1,183 registered tourism units. The state has also introduced the Water-Based Tourism and Adventure Sports Policy-2023 to promote activities in various water bodies and adventure tourism zones.

UP actively participated in international tourism fairs and exhibitions, including the Arabian Travel Market (Dubai), Korea International Tourism Show, PATA Thailand, ITB Singapore, and WTM London. National tourism events such as the Ayodhya Convention and various tourism marts in Jaipur, Kolkata, and Bangalore showcased the state’s tourism potential. A major campaign was conducted in Thailand under the “Buddh Bhoomi” program to attract Buddhist tourists.

The state has organized familiarization trips for travel operators, bloggers, influencers, and journalists worldwide to promote tourism further. The government has also initiated youth tourism clubs in educational institutions, encouraging voluntary tourism activities. Seventy-five villages have been selected for rural tourism development to create employment and improve living standards.

With these sustained efforts, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a leading tourism destination, significantly contributing to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision of a one-trillion-dollar economy.

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