More on the News:
- The meeting reviewed UP’s tourism growth, highlighted existing challenges, and outlined plans to make tourism a pillar of UP’s Artha Shakti.
- One of the key discussions highlighted Unnao’s Shaheed Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary, which drew over 12 lakh visitors this year, and has emerged as a major nature destination.
- Tourist footfall: Over 120 crore tourists visited Uttar Pradesh up to September 2025, with the state projecting arrivals to reach 130 crores by the end of the year.
Issues related to Tourism in UP
- Regional Concentration: About 67% of tourists visited just five cities, namely Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, Prayagraj, and Agra, while other notable destinations like Mirzapur, Chitrakoot, and Jhansi accounted for only about 10% of the footfall.
- Although domestic travellers continue to power the sector, foreign tourist arrivals are still below pre-pandemic levels.
- Even Lucknow, despite being a key urban centre and the state capital, draws only 1.3% of total visitors, pointing to branding and positioning gaps.
Plan for Viksit Bharat @2047: Key are in which UP tourism is working
Recent UP Government Initiatives to promote Eco-Tourism
- ‘Buffer Mein Safar Yojana: Launched by Uttar Pradesh Forest and Wildlife Department to promote sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation in the region.
- It focuses on developing safari routes within the buffer zones of major tiger reserves such as Dudhwa, Pilibhit, and Uttar Kheri with specific attention to areas like Bhira and Mohammadi in Lakhimpur Kheri, Sohagibarwa Wildlife sanctuary and Semrai Lake, which is famous for being a bird migration site.
- It also aims to engage and empower local communities by training them as guides and restaurant operators, generating employment and enhancing the tourism experience.
- Vistadome jungle safari train: UP launched a Vistadome coach service connecting Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary (Bahraich) and Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (Pilibhit), making UP the first state to offer a jungle safari via Vistadome train.
- Initiative expected to generate employment and boost the regional economy.
- To promote the state’s forest circuit as “One Destination Three Forests” — Dudhwa, Katarniaghat, and Kishanpur.
- Launched by the UP Eco Tourism Development Board to offer a unique nature trail and jungle safari experience throughout the year.
- Vistadome journey covers 107 km inside the forest, lasts 4 hours 25 minutes, and costs Rs 275 per ticket (Katarniaghat–Dudhwa).
- Initiative aims to strengthen local tourism, create jobs, and support homestays, resorts, and travel agents.