Uttar Pradesh continued to broaden its tourism landscape through stronger infrastructure

This month, Uttar Pradesh continued to broaden its tourism landscape through stronger infrastructure, investment, cultural development, and immersive visitor experiences. From advancing tourism opportunities under the Tourism Policy 2022 and strengthening the Braj circuit to taking its diverse offerings to the JATA Tourism Expo in Japan and engaging with international partners, the state expanded its global tourism outreach. Rural and experiential initiatives brought travellers closer to local crafts, cuisine, traditions, and communities, while preparations for Deepotsav 2026 and new tourism projects reflected a continued focus on enhancing visitor experiences. Together, these efforts highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s evolving approach to tourism – rooted in heritage and spirituality while embracing sustainability, innovation, investment, and community participation.

Expanding Investment Opportunities Across Uttar Pradesh

The Directorate of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh continued to create new avenues for tourism investment through the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Policy 2022. Opportunities included multi-level parking facilities with up to 30% capital investment subsidy, waterbody-based tourism units such as lake attractions and river cruises, and all-weather and seasonal camps supported by capital subsidies, interest assistance and exemptions on stamp duty, land conversion and development charges. Cultural, rural and tourist village initiatives further encouraged experience-led destinations, sustainable tourism and local economic opportunities.

Braj Received a Fresh Impetus for Tourism Development

Braj witnessed continued momentum in tourism development with Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath inaugurating and laying the foundation for the Swami Shri Haridas Auditorium and other development projects in Mathura. Under the Pro-Poor Tourism Development Project, a Tulsimala production centre and flower processing units were also inaugurated. The ninth board meeting of the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad reviewed the Braj Chaurasi Kos Parikrama, parking, transport, water conservation, heritage, cleanliness and security. Shri Amrit Abhijat, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture & Religious Affairs, was present.

Braj Celebrated the Divine Spirit of Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami was celebrated across the Braj Circuit, reflecting Uttar Pradesh’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. In Vrindavan, devotees witnessed the divine darshan of Shri Radha Raman Ji Maharaj, while the sacred abhishek of Bal Gopal brought devotional chants and temple traditions to life. Celebrations extended across Krishna Bhoomi, including Mathura and Chhapaiya Dham in Gonda. The festivities highlighted the enduring spiritual traditions, devotional practices and cultural significance associated with Lord Krishna across Uttar Pradesh.

Teachers Inspired the Next Generation of Tourism Professionals

Teacher’s Day was observed at Manyawar Kanshiram Institute of Tourism Management (MKITM) by celebrating the mentors who contributed to shaping future tourism professionals. Their guidance encouraged curiosity, creativity, confidence and a spirit of exploration among students. The occasion recognised the important role of educators in transforming classroom learning into meaningful professional journeys and nurturing young minds for the tourism sector. The celebration highlighted how teachers continued to inspire students to learn, grow and explore new possibilities.

Braj Tourism Focused on Infrastructure, Heritage and Visitor Facilities

A review meeting chaired by Shri Jaiveer Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism & Culture, examined tourism infrastructure and visitor facilities across Uttar Pradesh. Shri Amrit Abhijat, Additional Chief Secretary, Shri Mridul Chowdhary, Special Secretary & Director, Uttar Pradesh Tourism, Shri Ashish Kumar, Managing Director, UPSTDC, and Shri Pushpa Kumar K., Director Tourism (Eco), participated. The review covered road connectivity, transport, lighting, signage, accessibility, tourist facilities, Tourism Policy 2022, investment applications and development works across Gokul, Barsana, Govardhan and Vrindavan.

Rural Tourism Connected Students with Culture and Community

Rural tourism initiatives across Uttar Pradesh offered students immersive experiences connecting them with local culture, nature and traditional practices. Surana, Ghaziabad, welcomed 37 students who explored Gumshwar Mahadev Mandir, the Hindon River and village traditions. At Moda Tiaiya, Moradabad, 40 students experienced birdwatching, storytelling, lotus cultivation, a temple visit, tractor rides and a local nursery. These experiential programmes demonstrated how rural tourism created meaningful opportunities to learn through community-led activities and living traditions.

2026–27 Action Plan Advanced Future Tourism Projects

A meeting chaired by Shri Jaiveer Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism & Culture, reviewed the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department’s 2026–27 Action Plan.Shri Amrit Abhijat, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture & Religious Affairs, Shri Ashish Kumar, Managing Director, UPSTDC, and Shri Pushpa Kumar K., Director Tourism (Eco), were present. Dussehra was proposed as a window for foundation-laying ceremonies. Future projects discussed included Budhiya Mata Temple in Gorakhpur, Valmiki Vatika in Agra and Tapeshwarnath Temple in Amethi.

Deepotsav 2026 Preparations Focused on a Grand Visitor Experience

A meeting chaired by Shri Jaiveer Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism & Culture, reviewed preparations for Deepotsav 2026 in Ayodhya. Proposals included 30 lakh diyas, a 2,100-drone show, Ramayan-themed gateways and installations, collective Saryu Aarti by 2,100+ batuks, cultural performances and international participation. AI-enabled visitor counting, youth participation and public suggestions through MyGov UP were also discussed. The preparations focused on cultural heritage, innovation, public participation and enhancing the visitor experience.