Jan 1: The past month has marked a significant milestone for Uttar Pradesh Tourism, reflecting strong progress through global cultural recognition, strategic policy planning, and vibrant cultural showcases across the state. From UNESCO acknowledgment to focused efforts on faith, water, and eco-tourism, Uttar Pradesh continues to strengthen its position as one of India’s most diverse and dynamic tourism destinations.
A moment of immense pride came with Deepavali being inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, a recognition that holds special significance for Uttar Pradesh. Ayodhya, the sacred land of Lord Ram and the spiritual origin of Deepavali celebrations, stood at the heart of this global honor, reinforcing the state’s cultural and spiritual legacy on the world stage.
Strengthening Faith and Cultural Tourism
Uttar Pradesh Tourism highlighted the immense faith and cultural potential of the Braj region at the NBT Samvad – Braj Conclave, organized by Navbharat Times in Lucknow. Senior tourism officials shared insights on experiential travel, infrastructure development, heritage conservation, and sustainable tourism practices, positioning Braj as a key pillar of the state’s evolving tourism vision.
Preparations for Magh Mela 2026 in Prayagraj also gained momentum, reaffirming the city’s enduring spiritual importance and the government’s commitment to enhancing pilgrim facilities and visitor experiences.
Advancing Cruise, Water, and Eco-Tourism
Focused initiatives were undertaken to promote cruise tourism, inland waterways, and waterbody-based tourism across Uttar Pradesh. The state participated in a special session organized by the UP Inland Waterways Authority on “Navigating Growth: Inland Waterways in the Forefront of Future Transport and Logistics,” graced by Shri Daya Shankar Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Transport (Independent Charge), Government of Uttar Pradesh. Shri Rajesh Kumar, Director General, Uttar Pradesh Tourism, highlighted investment opportunities and infrastructure development initiatives aimed at strengthening cruise and water tourism.
Further reinforcing this direction, the Directorate of Tourism promoted private investment in lake- and river-based tourism units, offering policy support and incentives to ensure safe, sustainable, and high-quality water tourism experiences across the state.
Eco-tourism development also took center stage through a joint meeting of the Tourism and Forest Departments, chaired by Shri Jaiveer Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism & Culture, and Shri Arun Kumar Saxena, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Forest, Environment, Zoological Gardens & Climate Change. The meeting emphasized coordinated planning through the Eco Tourism Development Board to promote responsible and sustainable tourism growth.
Celebrating Cultural Vibrancy
Cultural vibrancy was on full display at Repertwahr Festival Season 13, held at Janeshwar Mishra Park, Lucknow. Showcasing music, theatre, comedy, and literature, the festival’s theatre segment was inaugurated by Shri Jaiveer Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism & Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, in the presence of senior officials and dignitaries. The three-day festival further enhanced Lucknow’s appeal as a hub for experiential and cultural tourism.
Strategic Reviews and a Renewed Tourism Vision
To drive long-term growth, the Directorate of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, held multiple high-level review meetings chaired by Shri Jaiveer Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism & Culture, GoUP. These meetings, attended by Shri Amrit Abhijat, Principal Secretary, Tourism & Culture and Religious Affairs; Shri Rajesh Kumar, Director General, Uttar Pradesh Tourism; Shri Ashish Kumar, Managing Director, UPSTDC; Ms. Eesha Priya, Special Secretary, Tourism; Shri Pushpa Kumar K., Director Tourism (Eco); and other senior officials, focused on reviewing recent initiatives and shaping a new vision to establish Uttar Pradesh as a premier global tourism destination.
Infrastructure and Heritage Focus
As part of on-ground development efforts, Shri Jaiveer Singh conducted an inspection of Prerna Sthal at Vasant Kunj, Lucknow, envisioned as a symbol of nation-building inspired by the ideals of great leaders. The site is intended to reflect the vision of a New India and a progressive New Uttar Pradesh.
Through global cultural recognition, strategic planning, and sustained focus on faith, water, eco, and cultural tourism, Uttar Pradesh Tourism continues to move decisively towards becoming a world-class, sustainable, and experiential tourism destination.