Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a major hub for tourism in India, with a steady arrival of domestic and international tourists. The Yogi government’s policies, particularly those aimed at promoting religious tourism, have played a key role in this remarkable transformation. As a result, India has become the fifth most favoured destination in the world for tourist arrivals, with Uttar Pradesh leading the nation, officials said here on Tuesday.

The prominence of Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, the Braj region, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and Kashi, the sacred city of Lord Shiva, have further strengthened Uttar Pradesh’s position as a leading tourism hub, they said.

These developments have collectively transformed Uttar Pradesh into the new growth engine of tourism in India, an achievement made possible only through the efforts of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, they added.

It is noteworthy that over the past seven years, Uttar Pradesh has attracted around 200 crore tourists, including 1.26 crore from abroad, officials said.

According to the Tourism department, 32.18 crore tourists visited Uttar Pradesh in 2022, with the number rising to 32.98 crore in the first six months of 2024.

The remarkable increase in tourism is attributed to the significant contributions of Ayodhya and Kashi, officials said.

Following the inauguration of the grand Ram temple in January earlier this year, Uttar Pradesh saw an influx of around 11 crore tourists within six months.

In January alone, a record-breaking 7 crore tourists visited, marking the highest number of visitors to any place in a single month.

Similarly, the completion of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor has led to a surge in tourism in Varanasi, with 4.59 crore tourists arriving in just six months. This number is expected to increase further in the coming years.

In view of the growing interest towards religious places among domestic tourists, the Yogi government, with the help of the Centre, is focusing on enhancing the safety and convenience of tourists, officials said.

Several projects aimed at improving infrastructure and facilities at key religious sites are underway. Prominent among these are the Vindhya Dham Corridor in Mirzapur, the Nath Corridor in Bareilly, the Braj Kshetra Vikas Parishad, Ramayana, Buddhist, Krishna Circuit, Swadesh Darshan, schemes, which are further boosting tourism in Uttar Pradesh.

The Maha Kumbh to be held in Prayagraj next year is set to be the highlight of Uttar Pradesh’s tourism boom.

Approximately 40 to 45 crore people from across the country and around the world are expected to attend the world’s largest religious gathering.

CM Yogi is frequently visiting Prayagraj to personally oversee the preparations for the Maha Kumbh.

Deepotsav, Dev Deepawali, and Rangotsav have become major attractions, drawing significant attention to Uttar Pradesh. The continuous events being organised at religious sites are further enhancing the state’s appeal.

Deepotsav, celebrated a day before Diwali in Ayodhya, Dev Deepawali, observed after Diwali in Kashi, and Rangotsav, held during Holi in Mathura, have all earned a prominent place in this cultural calendar addition. The Yogi government is also continuously focusing on eco-tourism and rural tourism.