Uttar Pradesh is embarking on an exciting journey to enhance its tourism landscape with a bold Heritage Tourism Policy aimed at rejuvenating its historic forts, palaces, and mansions. This initiative is designed to offer visitors unique and immersive experiences while safeguarding the state's rich cultural heritage.
Taking cues from Rajasthan's successful transformation of heritage sites into vibrant tourism hubs, Uttar Pradesh's strategy focuses on establishing sustainable models for preserving historical landmarks. The aim is not only to attract tourists but also to stimulate local economic growth.
On December 7, the Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), hosted a Heritage Tourism Conclave in Lucknow. This significant event gathered over 50 royal families, hotel groups, investors, and industry experts to discuss the draft policy and provide valuable feedback ahead of its final approval.
Prateek Hira, Chairman of FICCI's Uttar Pradesh Tourism Committee, emphasized the rising demand for experiential travel during the conclave. He noted that tourists are increasingly seeking to engage deeply with the historic charm of heritage properties. Drawing inspiration from Rajasthan's success, he highlighted how adaptive reuse has not only preserved architectural landmarks but also contributed to economic sustainability.
Mukesh Kr. Meshram, Principal Secretary and Director General of Tourism, assured attendees of the government's commitment to supporting this initiative. Plans include infrastructure upgrades, fiscal incentives, and enhanced signage for better visibility of heritage sites. Furthermore, several key heritage properties managed by the state's archaeology department have been leased to hotel chains, with exciting projects set to launch soon.
Eesha Priya, Special Secretary of Tourism, presented the draft policy, which includes subsidies aimed at encouraging private sector involvement. Prakhar Misra, Director of Tourism, highlighted the potential for eco-tourism and adventure activities to further enhance visitor engagement in Uttar Pradesh's rich heritage landscape.
The conclave concluded with an interactive feedback session led by Prateek Hira, ensuring that all stakeholders' voices will shape the final policy. With this ambitious plan, Uttar Pradesh is positioning itself as a leading heritage tourism destination, seamlessly blending historical preservation with economic development.