– KH News Desk (cbedit@imaws.org)
In a bid to elevate its tourism profile, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has unveiled an ambitious initiative to establish itself as India’s rural tourism capital. The state’s recent Rural Tourism Conclave 2025—hosted in Lucknow—brought together policymakers, tourism experts, farm-stay operators, and innovators to chart a robust roadmap for village-led tourism development.
Phase-Wise Village Development & Homestays
A cornerstone of this strategy is the large-scale transformation of rural areas across Uttar Pradesh. The government plans to convert 234 villages into vibrant tourist hubs, blending infrastructure enhancements with cultural immersion. In the first phase, 93 villages across the Ayodhya, Varanasi, Lucknow, Devipatan, and Chitrakoot divisions have been identified for homestay development and related tourist facilities.
Visitors can expect immersive experiences—cultural activities, local crafts, cuisine, and heritage trails. Villages like Shringverpur (Prayagraj), Jait and Parsoli (Mathura), and several in the Lucknow division are prominent examples, each offering unique narratives rooted in mythology, folk traditions, and rural life.
The state is also expanding beyond the initial phase. Azamgarh division recently saw four more villages added to the rural tourism initiative, bringing the total to 97 villages involved.
Empowering Local Communities & Skills Development
Tourism aimed at sustainability cannot succeed without local involvement. Uttar Pradesh is training 465 rural women in Prayagraj in handicrafts and tourism-related skills to empower them economically and enhance visitor engagement.
Moreover, border districts like Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, Shravasti, and Pilibhit are set to host 35 villages each being developed into cultural tourism hubs with multiple homestay units. These projects aim to integrate storytelling, folklore, and community participation in the visitor experience.
Formalizing Homestay Infrastructure
To streamline growth and ensure safety, the UP Bed and Breakfast & Homestay Policy—2025 allows local residents near tourist destinations to register small-scale homestays (1–6 rooms, up to 12 beds) through district-level committees. The policy includes modest registration fees and aims to localize licensing and oversight.
Strategic and Cultural Context
Uttar Pradesh’s rural design push aligns with its broader Vision 2047, integrating tourism with sustainable development. The state’s overall tourism share has grown significantly—from around 13% in 2016 to nearly 20% by 2024—underscoring its expanding role in national tourism.
With domestic arrivals topping 476 million in 2023, Uttar Pradesh leads the country in domestic tourism share—a testament to its cultural and heritage appeal
Looking Ahead
As Uttar Pradesh advances its rural tourism initiative, the focus lies in expanding beyond the initial 93 villages, deepening community engagement, and creating a replicable model for inclusive tourism across India. This journey toward being the rural tourism capital promises to balance heritage preservation with economic vitality—offering both domestic and international travelers a genuinely immersive and sustainable travel experience.
