Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh is witnessing an unprecedented tourism boom, with over 121 crore visitors arriving between January and June 2025, marking a record surge that is helping propel the state toward its goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy. The tourism department unveiled a comprehensive development blueprint during the “Developed Uttar Pradesh @2047” stakeholder workshop held at the Yojana Bhawan on Friday.
Blueprint for a Developed UP by 2047
The workshop, attended by senior officials, policymakers and domain experts, discussed the department’s roadmap for transforming Uttar Pradesh into a fully developed state by 2047.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s advisor Awanish Awasthi, Tourism Principal Secretary Amrit Abhijat, and Tourism Director General Rajesh Kumar presented key strategies covering infrastructure, policy reforms, tourism circuits and investment opportunities.
Representatives from the Planning, Culture, AYUSH departments and the State Transformation Commission also emphasized inter-departmental coordination. Experts from NITI Aayog and national institutes provided policy insights.
“Tourism Will Make UP a Developed State”
Advisor Awasthi stated that tourism will be the biggest driver of Uttar Pradesh’s economic transformation. “Tourism is an ever-growing sector. UP ranks first in domestic tourism and fourth in foreign tourist arrivals. With a month still left in 2025, visitor numbers are moving toward an all-time high,” he said, urging stakeholders to work collectively.
Eco-Friendly Tourism and Global Recognition
Principal Secretary Amrit Abhijat highlighted that tourism numbers grew from 22 crore in 2015 to 65 crore in 2024, excluding the massive Mahakumbh footfall. The department is prioritizing eco-friendly tourism and developing new attractions, including a major museum in Mathura.
12 Tourism Circuits, Yoga & Wellness Push
Tourism DG Rajesh Kumar shared that 12 specialized tourism circuits have been created to diversify visitor experiences.
He said the rise of yoga and wellness centres is drawing national and global travellers to Uttar Pradesh.
The state’s tourism potential has surged further with world-class expressways, modern airports, new Vande Bharat corridors and upgraded railway stations enhancing connectivity.
Experts Call for Wellness Tourism, Cleanliness and Longer Stays
State Transformation Commission CEO Manoj Kumar Singh urged the department to boost inbound tourism and adopt Kerala’s model for wellness and Panchakarma tourism. He stressed on robust cleanliness systems around tourist destinations.
Planning Principal Secretary Alok Kumar said the NITI Aayog is supporting UP’s development mission and recommended promoting sites like Sonbhadra’s Fossil Park. He suggested designing tourism packages encouraging at least three-day stays.
UPSTDC Managing Director Ashish Kumar informed that tourism packages are being redesigned to promote longer stays, cultural engagements and modern infrastructure use. Eco-tourism Director Pushp Kumar presented nature-based tourism plans, highlighting Dudhwa, Pilibhit and Katarniaghat as model sites.
Limitless Potential Ahead
With record footfall, massive infrastructure upgrades, a focused government approach and rising global interest, Uttar Pradesh is entering a golden era of tourism. The new blueprint sets a clear trajectory toward achieving the vision of a Developed UP by 2047, with tourism positioned firmly at the center of this transformation.
