Lucknow: The International Buddhist Conclave 2026 concluded in Kushinagar with strong global participation and promising investment prospects, reinforcing Uttar Pradesh’s position as a hub for Buddhist tourism.
Held at the Mahaparinirvana site of Lord Buddha, the three-day conclave saw over 2,300 delegates and tourists, including more than 2,000 monks, scholars, policymakers, and experts, along with 300 international guests from Thailand, Japan, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Nepal.
Discussions during the conclave highlighted potential investments worth approximately ₹3,000 crore in tourism-related sectors. Hospitality firms, real estate developers, bio-CNG, and food-processing companies expressed keen interest in Kushinagar. Plans for two new townships were also discussed, aimed at accelerating urban development and boosting the city’s economic growth.
The conclave emphasized that Buddhist tourism should extend beyond pilgrimage, linking it to cultural exchange, local businesses, and sustainable development. Improved facilities at Kushinagar International Airport and enhanced connectivity were showcased to attract more international visitors.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh stated, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the conclave has positioned Kushinagar as a global center for Buddhist tourism. Participation from domestic and international delegates underscores Kushinagar’s rising stature as both a spiritual and investment destination. The proposed ₹3,000 crore investment will accelerate tourism, hospitality, transportation, and infrastructure development while creating local employment opportunities.”
Additional Secretary of Tourism, Culture & Religious Affairs, Amrit Abhijat, noted that Uttar Pradesh’s Buddhist circuit continues to grow, with over 8.2 million visitors to six major Buddhist sites in 2025, signaling the sector’s expanding popularity.
