LUCKNOW: To redefine its tourism sector, the Uttar Pradesh government has accelerated efforts to promote new-age, experience-driven tourism infrastructure, and offers subsidies of up to Rs 1 crore to attract investors, entrepreneurs, and start-ups. The initiative aims to align the state’s tourism ecosystem with changing traveller preferences. Also, boosting employment and sustainable development at the same time.
From hobbit-style homes nestled in natural landscapes to eco-friendly mud cottages, capsule pods, luxury caravans, and open-air “star bed” concepts under the night sky, Uttar Pradesh under Yogi’s leadership is embracing innovative accommodation formats that go beyond traditional hotels and resorts. These offerings are designed to provide tourists with immersive and memorable experiences, reflecting a growing demand for unconventional and nature-based travel.
While such provisions were included in the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Policy 2022, the state government has now taken a significant step by operationalising a dedicated tourism committee to fast-track projects in this segment. This committee will play a key role in expediting approvals, reducing bureaucratic delays, and ensuring smoother execution of proposals. The move is seen as part of the broader “Viksit UP by 2047” vision, which aims to position Uttar Pradesh as a major economic and tourism hub.
Under the policy, investors can avail subsidies and incentives of up to Rs 1 crore once their tourism units become operational. For projects seeking higher financial support, a state-level committee chaired by the Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner will review proposals, enabling quicker decision-making and improved ease of doing business. Officials believe that this structured approach will encourage private participation and unlock new investment opportunities in the tourism sector.
The initiative is coming at this time when the global and domestic travel trends are undergoing a shift. Tourists, especially younger travellers and urban professionals, are increasingly seeking sustainable, responsible, and experience-based travel rather than conventional sightseeing tours. In response, Uttar Pradesh is focusing on developing tourism models that integrate local culture, eco-conscious practices, and personalised experiences.
“Several steps have been taken to strengthen tourism infrastructure and fuel the tourism economy. This initiative aims to tap new-age travel trends where sustainability, responsibility, and experiential tourism blend together,” said Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism) Amrit Abhijat, highlighting the government’s focus on long-term sectoral growth.
Beyond enhancing tourist experiences, the government is also targeting significant gains in employment generation. According to official estimates, tourism currently contributes around 1.4 per cent to employment in the state. However, with the expansion of new-age tourism projects, this figure is projected to rise to over 5 per cent by 2047. The sector’s high employment elasticity makes it particularly attractive for policymakers. Data suggests that every Rs 10 lakh invested in tourism can generate approximately 47 direct and 89 indirect jobs in multiple services.
Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh described the initiative as both timely and forward-looking, noting that tourism is rapidly evolving into a high-value sector. “Tourism today is not just about visiting places; it is about living experiences. This policy will not only attract investment but also create large-scale employment opportunities and promote local economies,” he said.
This new-age tourism is also expected to benefit rural and lesser-explored destinations across the state. By promoting eco-friendly accommodations and experiential stays in non-urban areas, the government is planning to decentralise tourism and ensure a more balanced regional development which can open up new income streams for local communities while preserving cultural and environmental heritage.
