Give an account of the primary targets of Uttar Pradest Tourism Policy (2018)

Tourism plays a very important role in the growth and development of any state. It brings in revenue, creates jobs, and promotes cultural understanding. Uttar Pradesh, one of the most historically and culturally rich states in India, launched its Tourism Policy in 2018 with the aim to boost tourism, attract investment, and improve infrastructure.

The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Policy 2018 was a well-thought-out plan introduced by the Government of Uttar Pradesh to make the state a leading destination for both domestic and international tourists. It set many goals and objectives to promote tourism in a planned and sustainable way.

In this article, we will understand the primary targets of this policy in simple and easy language.

Why Tourism Is Important for Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is home to several world-famous tourist spots like the Taj Mahal in Agra, Varanasi – the spiritual capital, Ayodhya – the birthplace of Lord Ram, and Mathura – the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Despite having such rich cultural and spiritual heritage, the tourism sector had not been fully developed.

The government realized the need to have a clear and effective tourism policy. Thus, the Tourism Policy 2018 was launched to tap into the huge potential of tourism in the state.

Main Objectives of the Tourism Policy 2018

The primary targets or main objectives of Uttar Pradesh Tourism Policy 2018 can be understood under the following major heads:

1. Boosting Tourist Footfall

One of the biggest goals of this policy was to increase the number of tourists visiting the state. Whether they are domestic (from India) or international tourists (from other countries), the government aimed to increase footfall by at least 15% every year.

Domestic Tourism: Promote pilgrimage circuits like Ramayana Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Krishna Circuit, and others.
Foreign Tourism: Improve marketing, heritage promotion, and attract more international visitors to monuments like the Taj Mahal and religious places.

2. Developing Tourist Infrastructure

Good infrastructure is essential for tourism. Tourists need proper roads, transport, hotels, restrooms, and information centers.

So, the policy focused on:

Building roads and better transport to tourist spots
Developing tourism-friendly towns and cities
Improving cleanliness and sanitation at all tourist sites
Creating tourist help centers, signage, and parking lots
Better internet and digital connectivity at tourist places

3. Promoting Religious and Spiritual Tourism

Uttar Pradesh is known as the land of spirituality and faith. Places like Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Prayagraj, and Kushinagar hold deep religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains.

The policy aimed to:

Develop religious circuits like:

Ramayana Circuit (Ayodhya and nearby places)
Buddhist Circuit (Sarnath, Kushinagar, etc.)
Krishna Circuit (Mathura, Vrindavan, Govardhan)
Spiritual Circuit (Varanasi, Prayagraj, etc.)

Promote festivals and religious events like Kumbh Mela
Provide pilgrim facilities like dharamshalas, rest houses, and clean food

4. Attracting Private Investment

The government wanted to encourage the private sector to invest in tourism. The policy gave several incentives to hotel owners, tour operators, and travel agencies.

Some important steps taken include:

Providing financial subsidies to new tourism projects
Offering land at low prices to set up hotels and resorts
Giving tax benefits and interest subsidies
Easy clearance and single-window approvals for tourism businesses

5. Generating Employment

Tourism creates many job opportunities – from tour guides to hotel staff, from taxi drivers to shopkeepers. One of the key targets of the policy was to generate employment for the youth of Uttar Pradesh.

The policy encouraged:

Training programs for youth in tourism-related skills
Skill development for hospitality, language, and communication
Partnering with institutions for tourism education and training
Promoting local handicrafts, arts, and cultural shows to create jobs

6. Promoting Eco-Tourism and Adventure Tourism

Another target was to diversify tourism. The policy included plans to promote eco-tourism, rural tourism, and adventure tourism.

Develop areas like Dudhwa National Park, Chuka Beach, and Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary
Create nature trails, jungle lodges, and safaris
Promote adventure sports like boating, river rafting, paragliding, trekking
Encourage village tourism to show rural life to visitors

7. Heritage and Cultural Conservation

Uttar Pradesh has many monuments, forts, palaces, and temples that reflect India's glorious past. The policy aimed to:

Restore and maintain historical structures
Promote heritage walks and light-and-sound shows
Encourage local art forms, music, dance, and cuisines
Develop museums and cultural centers

This would help in protecting our cultural heritage and also attract more tourists interested in history and culture.

8. Branding and Marketing

The Tourism Policy 2018 laid a lot of importance on marketing Uttar Pradesh as a tourism brand.

Key strategies included:

Launching global and national advertising campaigns
Participating in travel fairs, festivals, and tourism expos
Developing a strong digital and social media presence
Creating a unique tourism logo and slogan

The idea was to create a strong identity for Uttar Pradesh as a tourist-friendly and must-visit destination.

9. Use of Technology in Tourism

The government planned to introduce smart technology in tourism. This included:

Online booking systems for tickets and hotels
Tourist information apps
E-guides, QR code-based information panels
Virtual tours and augmented reality experiences at monuments

This was done to make tourism more modern, convenient, and tech-friendly.

10. Making Tourism Safe and Accessible

Another important target was to make tourism safe, secure, and accessible for all – including women, children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

Tourist Police units were to be deployed at key places
Install CCTV and emergency helplines
Make tourist spots wheelchair-friendly
Ensure safe and hygienic public facilities

The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Policy 2018 is a strong and comprehensive step taken by the state government to turn Uttar Pradesh into a global tourism hub. Its primary targets—boosting tourist numbers, improving infrastructure, supporting religious tourism, attracting investment, generating employment, promoting culture, and using technology—show the government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable tourism.

By taking care of both the needs of tourists and the development of local communities, the policy aims to create a win-win situation for everyone. If successfully implemented, this policy can truly transform Uttar Pradesh into one of the top tourist destinations in the world.