In a strategic move to align with the “Viksit UP for Viksit Bharat 2047” vision, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced an ambitious roadmap to transform its tourism sector into a primary engine for employment. During a high-level meeting convened by Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh, officials outlined a plan to increase the sector’s share of total employment from the current 1.4% to 5% by 2047. This initiative is central to the state’s broader goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy, recognizing tourism as a key driver of decentralized growth and large-scale job creation.
To achieve these targets, the state is focusing on significant infrastructure upgrades and a massive expansion of the hospitality industry. The government plans to increase the number of hotel rooms to 150 per lakh population and aims for a four-fold increase in premium hotel inventory. By enhancing the quality of stay and improving air connectivity, the state intends to prolong the average duration of visits by foreign tourists. Minister Jaiveer Singh noted that higher tourist spending and longer stays will directly translate into sustained employment opportunities across the hospitality, transport, and food service sectors.
The strategy emphasizes a balanced development approach, strengthening established religious and cultural hubs while promoting emerging heritage sites. Major investments will continue in world-renowned destinations such as Ayodhya, Kashi (Varanasi), and Mathura, but the roadmap also highlights the development of the “Naimisharanya” circuit and other heritage locations. By diversifying its attractions, Uttar Pradesh aims to build a robust tourism ecosystem that caters to a global audience, ensuring that the benefits of the industry reach local economies throughout the state.
Ultimately, the state government views tourism as a sector with one of the highest job multipliers, capable of supporting workers across all skill levels. Beyond infrastructure, the focus remains on creating a safe and welcoming environment for visitors, as evidenced by recent administrative directives to improve city safety. With a structured, phased plan in place, Uttar Pradesh is positioning itself to become a globally recognized tourism powerhouse, significantly contributing to both the state’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and the national economy by the centenary of India’s independence.
