UP PCS Mains-2024

Approach Give a general introduction about the tourism potential of Uttar Pradesh. Explain the key targets and objectives of the tourism policy. Discuss the challenges faced by Uttar Pradesh in implementing the policy. Write a concise conclusion.

Introduction

Uttar Pradesh has a rich heritage and cultural assets, which attract heritage enthusiasts not just from all over the country but across the world. It bagged the second position for attracting the highest number of domestic tourists and secured the third position in attracting foreign tourists, with a record footfall of nearly 24.87 crore tourists in 2022 as per the annual report of the Ministry of Tourism.

Body

Key Features of Uttar Pradesh Tourism Policy 2022:

• Targets under this policy:
  • Top tourist destination domestically and aims to come on top, in terms of foreign tourist arrivals.
  • Attract investments worth Rs.20,000 crore.
  • Create 10 lakh additional jobs in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
  • Achieve sectorial growth of 10% per annum and a share of 15% in GSDP by encouraging Mega Project investments especially in less developed tourism zones with high potential.
  • Improve the brand image of Uttar Pradesh in terms of safety and as a tourist destination for experiential tourism.
• The objectives of policy:
  • Develop Focus Tourist Destinations (FTDs): Under this, the Department of Tourism of Uttar Pradesh notifies a list of Focus Tourism Destinations (FTDs) from time to time for prioritized development, promoting, and developing tourism in lesser-known areas.
  • Thematic sector: To develop and promote theme-based tourism for example (Heritage, Art & Culture, Spiritual/ Religious Tourism, Ecology, Nature & Wildlife, Wellness and Medical Tourism, Adventure Tourism, Agri Tourism, Cuisine Tourism, Rural/ Village/Tribal based Tourism etc...).
  • Circuit Based Tourism Development Model: Exploring a vast state like Uttar Pradesh is much easier with well-defined circuits as per the visitors’ choice. These circuits include places of common interest which can be covered by a traveller through a planned itinerary.
    • The government has presently developed 12 mega circuits these are (Ramayana Circuit, Krishna / Braj Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Mahabharata Circuit, Shakti Peeth Circuit, Adhyatmik Circuit, Sufi / Kabir Circuit, Jain Circuit, Bundelkhand Circuit, Wildlife & Eco Tourism Circuit, Craft Circuit and Swatantrata Sangram Circuit).
  • Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model: Collaborate between private and public sector players to create a high-quality tourist centric ecosystem.
  • Digital Synchronisation: Target services and tourism supply response driven by customer intelligence data from tourism touchpoints including social media handles, websites, and applications.
    • Develop new tourism products and services like caravan tourism, water sports, adventure activities, etc., at lesser-known tourist attractions.
  • Heritage Tourism Units: These are those units which are being operated on a heritage building that is a building constructed prior to 1st January 1950.
  • Industry Status to Tourism: Star-category hotels and resorts and eligible tourism units registered with the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department shall be conferred the status of industry.
  • Incentives, Subsidies and Concessions: An investment-based subsidy has been arranged for the hotel industry. A subsidy of up to Rs 2 crore will be given on investments up to Rs 10 crore and up to Rs 40 crore on investments above Rs 500 crore.

Challenges Faced by the State in Implementing the Policy:

• Lack of Infrastructure: Despite the government’s efforts to develop and upgrade infrastructure facilities, many tourist destinations still lack basic amenities such as proper women. The state government needs to take measures to ensure the safety of tourists and create a friendly and welcoming environment for them.
• Entry/exit Issue: Despite the introduction of an e-visa facility, visitors find the process of applying for a visa cumbersome.
• Pollution: it is a major problem in many tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in the cities. The government needs to take measures to control pollution and ensure that tourists are not affected by it.
• Lack of Awareness: Many tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh are not well-known, and there is a lack of awareness about the state’s tourism potential. The government needs to focus on marketing and promoting these destinations to attract more tourists.

Conclusion

• Effective implementation, along with stakeholder engagement and sustainable practices, is vital to realize the policy’s transformative potential.roads, clean water, and accommodation.
• Safety and Security: It is a major concern for tourists in Uttar Pradesh, particularly for