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Tourism Surges in Varanasi, India: Uttar Pradesh’s New 2028 Vision to Influence Global Travel
By 2028, Uttar Pradesh‘s state government has set an ambitious target to increase its tourism sector fivefold, aiming to attract over 80 crore tourists. The effort, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, aligns with his commitment to boost the state’s tourism alongside its industrial development. This initiative is expected to have significant global effects on travelers and the travel industry, offering a mix of spiritual, cultural, and local experiences on an unprecedented scale.Massive Increase in Tourist Influx by 2028
In the previous year, over 48 crore tourists visited Uttar Pradesh, captivated by the state’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Recognizing this potential, the government has set an ambitious goal to attract more than 80 crore tourists by 2028, nearly doubling the current numbers. Such a surge in visitors is anticipated to impact global travel patterns, as more international travelers may be drawn to explore Uttar Pradesh’s renowned religious sites and cultural landmarks.
Economic Growth in the Tourism Sector
The Gross Value Added (GVA) of Uttar Pradesh’s tourism sector stood at Rs 11,000 crore in 2017. However, with the state’s aggressive plans, this figure is expected to escalate to Rs 70,000 crore by 2028. A state government official emphasized this target, reflecting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s commitment to nurturing tourism as a cornerstone of the state’s economic growth. For the global travel industry, such a financial leap signifies a burgeoning market that will likely attract more investments from international hospitality chains, travel agencies, and tour operators.
Enhancement of Religious and Spiritual Tourism
Uttar Pradesh is home to numerous significant religious sites, which draw millions of visitors daily. In the past seven and a half years, there has been a notable increase in tourism in cities of spiritual importance, including Kashi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Chitrakoot, Prayagraj, Naimisharanya, and Gorakhpur. The government is not only enhancing world-class facilities in these cities but also encouraging tourists to explore multiple destinations. This development is likely to place Uttar Pradesh on the global map as a must-visit destination for spiritual tourism, attracting pilgrims and travelers from across the world.
Promoting Local Products and Cultural Experiences
The state’s tourism strategy includes the One District, One Product (ODOP) initiative, designed to promote local products to visitors. This initiative could have a ripple effect on global tourism by highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s unique cultural and artisanal heritage. Tourists, both domestic and international, will be encouraged to immerse themselves in local experiences, thus contributing to the preservation and promotion of the region’s traditional crafts and industries.
Expansion of Accommodation and Infrastructure
As part of its strategy to accommodate the increasing number of tourists, the Uttar Pradesh government is focusing on expanding the availability of hotels, guest houses, and homestays. Plans are also underway to rejuvenate government-run tourist accommodations, including Rahi bungalows. This expansion is poised to significantly impact the travel industry by increasing the state’s capacity to host a larger volume of visitors, thereby supporting the anticipated growth in tourist numbers.
Global Impact on Travelers
The ambitious plans set by Uttar Pradesh’s government are expected to resonate globally, attracting a diverse range of travelers. The state’s enhanced infrastructure, coupled with its rich cultural and spiritual offerings, will likely appeal to international tourists seeking unique and meaningful travel experiences. Additionally, the focus on promoting local products and cultural experiences may attract cultural enthusiasts from around the world, further boosting the state’s global tourism appeal.
In summary, Uttar Pradesh’s strategic initiatives to enhance its tourism sector by 2028 are set to transform the state into a major global travel destination. With the expected influx of tourists, the global travel industry stands to benefit from new opportunities in hospitality, tour operations, and cultural tourism.
Source: Travel And Tour World
