UP tourism should drive a cultural renaissance: CM Yogi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said tourism development in the State should not be restricted to building infrastructure alone, it must result in cultural renaissance, employment generation, local economic growth and global recognition.

Reviewing the functioning of the Tourism Department at a meeting with officials, the chief minister said Uttar Pradesh is not only a centre of faith but also a representative of India’s cultural consciousness, spiritual traditions and knowledge heritage.

“Tourism development in the state should be linked with cultural renaissance, employment generation, local economic growth and global recognition, rather than being confined to infrastructure creation alone,” hewas quoted as saying in a statement. 

Tourism has a crucial role in accelerating the state’s cultural economy and can provide wider opportunities to local products, handicrafts, traditional arts, cuisine and the service sector, he added. 

Reviewing the Gyan Bharatam Mission, which is aimed at preserving India’s knowledge traditions, Adityanath said ancient manuscripts are invaluable treasures reflecting the country’s civilisation, philosophy, science and cultural consciousness.   Their preservation and digitisation are not merely archival exercises but a means of connecting future generations with their roots.

Officials informed the meeting that more than 1.37 million manuscripts have so far been surveyed, digitised and preserved under the initiative.  During a review of proposed amendments to the Tourism Policy-2022, the chief minister said Uttar Pradesh should be developed as a leading destination for investment, innovation and experience-based tourism. 

Discussions were held on developing new tourism circuits, including the Neem Karoli Baba Circuit and the Bundelkhand Fort Circuit. 

The meeting also deliberated on promoting new concepts such as heritage experience centres under the ‘Parampara’ initiative, agri-tourism and vineyard tourism. Adityanath said the tourism policy should attract investment, create jobs and offer unique experiences to visitors. 

Reviewing the newly inaugurated Navy Shaurya Vatika in Lucknow and the under-construction INS Gomti Shaurya Museum, the chief minister said.