[UPPSC-UP Special Syllabus Decoded] Tourism in Uttar Pradesh: Issues and Prospects

1. The Tourism Landscape of UP (Types & Potential)

Trend: Shift from “Pilgrimage only” to “Multi-Sectoral Tourism” (Eco, Heritage, Wellness).

A. Religious & Spiritual Tourism (The Core)

• The Big Three: Ayodhya (Ram Mandir), Varanasi (Kashi Vishwanath Corridor), Mathura-Vrindavan (Banke Bihari Corridor).
• Buddhist Circuit: Sarnath, Kushinagar (International Airport), Kapilvastu, Shravasti.
• Sufi Circuit: Deva Sharif (Barabanki), Fatehpur Sikri (Agra), Dada Miyan (Lucknow).

B. Eco-Tourism & Wildlife

• Tiger Reserves: Dudhwa, Pilibhit, Amangarh, and Ranipur (Chitrakoot – UP’s 4th Tiger Reserve).
• Wetlands: 10 Ramsar Sites (e.g., Nawabganj, Bakhira) promoting bird watching.
• New Focus: River Tourism (Catamaran in Ayodhya/Varanasi) and Night Safaris (Kukrail Night Safari, Lucknow – India’s first).

C. Heritage & Rural Tourism

• Heritage Arc: Agra-Lucknow-Varanasi circuit.
• Rural Tourism: Developing “Tourism Villages” where tourists experience farm life and ODOP crafts (e.g., Nizamabad for Black Pottery).

 Current Affairs Linkage :

• Tourist Footfall: In 2024-25, UP consolidated its position as the #1 destination for Domestic Tourists (approx. 48-65 Crore visitors), surpassing Tamil Nadu.
• Mahakumbh 2025: The “Mega Event” strategy is projected to attract over 40 Crore visitors, turning tourism into the largest employment generator for the year.

2. Issues and Challenges in UP Tourism

Trend: Critical analysis of “Carrying Capacity” and “Infrastructure Gaps.”

A. Infrastructure & Connectivity Gaps

• Last Mile Connectivity: While expressways are excellent, interior roads to sites like Chitrakoot or Sravasti remain inconsistent.
• Accommodation Deficit: Severe shortage of quality hotels in Tier-2/3 tourist towns (Ayodhya faced a 300% demand surge post-2024).

B. Governance & Sustainability Issues

• Carrying Capacity: The risk of “Overtourism” in fragile zones like Vrindavan (traffic choking) and Varanasi Ghats (pollution load).
• Maintenance: Poor upkeep of state-protected monuments compared to ASI sites.
• Safety Perception: Need for specialized “Tourism Police” visibility at all sites.

C. Marketing & Branding

• Perception: Struggle to shed the “BIMARU” tag completely for international tourists (Foreign Tourist Arrivals rank is still #4 or #5).

3. Prospects and Opportunities ($1 Trillion Economy)

Trend: “Heritage Hotels” and “Spiritual Economy.”

A. Economic Multiplier

• Revenue Generation: Tourism contributes approx. 5% to UP’s GSDP; target is to raise it to 10-12% to reach the $1 Trillion goal.
• Employment: High labor-intensity sector (Hotels, Guides, Transport, ODOP artisans).

B. New Growth Avenues

• Heritage Hotels (PPP Model):
  • Policy: Converting historic forts/palaces into luxury hotels under PPP.
  • Sites: Chunar Fort (Mirzapur), Barua Sagar (Jhansi), Chattar Manzil (Lucknow).
• MICE Tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions):
  • Hubs: Noida (India Expo Mart), Lucknow (Indira Gandhi Pratishthan), Varanasi (Rudraksh Centre).
• Wellness Tourism: Leveraging AYUSH hubs in Gorakhpur and Varanasi.

4. Government Initiatives & Policies

Trend: “Tourism Policy 2022” and “Solar Cities.”

A. UP Tourism Policy 2022

• Investment Subsidy: Capital subsidy up to 25% for building hotels/resorts.
• Status: Granted “Industry Status” to the tourism sector (lower electricity/water tariffs).
• Focus: Special incentives for units in “Dark Zones” (Backward districts).

B. Recent Strategic Initiatives

• Solar Cities: Developing Ayodhya and Varanasi as “Solar Cities” (Solar boats, streetlights) to promote sustainable “Green Tourism.”
• Helicopter Services: Connecting Mathura, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj for high-end pilgrims.
• Board Formation: Establishment of the Ecotourism Development Board (headed by CM) to coordinate between Forest and Tourism departments.

 Current Affairs Linkage :

• Mahakumbh Economy: Reports (SBI/CAIT) estimate the Mahakumbh 2025 will generate a business of ₹2 Lakh Crore, benefiting sectors from airlines to local diya makers.

Intangible Heritage: UP is actively documenting folk arts (Rai, Charkula) to showcase them as “Living Heritage” during G20 and Mahakumbh events.