Lucknow. In the last 9 years, a big change has been seen in the tourism sector in Uttar Pradesh under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said that the state has now moved from 'graveyard economy' to 'temple economy'. Whereas earlier a large part of the budget was spent on the walls of cemeteries, now attention is being given to pilgrimage sites and tourism development.

Religious Tourism UP: Pilgrimage sites become new force for economic development

Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said that major religious places like Ayodhya, Kashi, Prayagraj, Mathura, Mirzapur, Chitrakoot, Naimisharanya and Shaktipeeth of Saharanpur have now become the main centers of tourism. After the construction of Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor, the number of devotees has increased 4-5 times. Due to the Ram temple in Ayodhya, around 30 crore devotees are expected to come in 2025.

Tourism increased due to Deepotsav, Kumbh and Rangotsav

Cultural programs organized in Uttar Pradesh have also promoted tourism. A record was created by lighting more than 26 lakh lamps in the Deepotsav of Ayodhya in 2025. Dev Diwali of Varanasi and Kumbh, Maha Kumbh and Magh Mela of Prayagraj have created global recognition. A record 66 crore tourists arrived in Mahakumbh 2025, which brought huge benefits to the local economy.

UP Tourism Policy 2022: Big increase in investment and employment

After the implementation of Tourism Policy-2022, there has been an investment of more than ₹ 36,681 crore in Uttar Pradesh. This is likely to create around 5 lakh jobs. Also, 1,757 tourism units have been registered. A provision of ₹40,000 monthly stipend has also been made to connect the youth.

Tourist Facilities UP: Emphasis on security, guides and home-stay

For the convenience of tourists, tourism police have been deployed in Agra, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Mathura, Jhansi and Lucknow. 850 trained guides have been appointed. To promote rural tourism, 234 villages have been selected and a target has been set to develop 50,000 home-stays by 2026-27.

Eco Tourism UP: Promotion of wildlife and religious travel

Eco-tourism is being developed in 16 wildlife areas of the state. Also, a grant of ₹ 1 lakh is being given for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and ₹ 20,000 for Sindhu Darshan Yatra, which is further promoting religious tourism.

Tourist Footfall UP: Record increase in the number of tourists

Uttar Pradesh has now reached the first position in the country in domestic tourism. In the year 2025, more than 1 billion 56 crore tourists will come to the state, which includes about 36 lakh foreign tourists. More than 116 crore devotees arrived in Ayodhya, Varanasi and Prayagraj alone.

UP Development Model: Successful confluence of faith and economy

Minister Jaiveer Singh said that in the 9 years of Yogi government, it has been proved that faith and cultural heritage can be converted into economic development. Uttar Pradesh is now emerging as a global center of spiritual tourism.