Primary Targets of Uttar Pradesh Tourism Policy (2018)

The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Policy (2018) aims to revitalize and expand the tourism sector in the state. The policy outlines several primary targets to achieve this goal:

**1. Increase Tourist Footfall: The policy seeks to boost the number of domestic and international tourists visiting Uttar Pradesh. This includes leveraging the state’s rich cultural and historical heritage, such as the Taj Mahal, to attract visitors. For instance, the recent “Madhya Pradesh-Kashi” tourism circuit aims to connect significant cultural sites, enhancing tourist interest in the region.

**2. Infrastructure Development: Improving tourism infrastructure is a major target. The policy emphasizes upgrading facilities like transportation, accommodation, and cleanliness. Recent projects include the development of new airports in Kushinagar and Ayodhya, aimed at easing access to major tourist sites.

**3. Promotion of Religious Tourism: Uttar Pradesh, being a key center for religious tourism, focuses on promoting pilgrimages to sites like Varanasi and Mathura. The “Ramayan Circuit,” which highlights locations significant to the Ramayana, is an example of this initiative.

**4. Job Creation and Economic Growth: By promoting tourism, the policy aims to create job opportunities and stimulate local economies. Recent developments, such as the establishment of tourist circuits and eco-parks, are designed to provide employment and foster local businesses.

**5. Sustainable Tourism Practices: The policy emphasizes sustainable tourism to preserve cultural and natural heritage. Initiatives like the “Clean Ganga Mission” aim to ensure that tourism growth does not adversely impact the environment.

Overall, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Policy (2018) targets comprehensive development in tourism to enhance the state’s global appeal and economic growth.