TravTalk India Online Magazine
In an attempt to bolster tourism and enhance government revenue, the Uttar Pradesh government is promoting a ‘Buddhist Circuit’ in the state, propagating the historical, cultural and spiritual ties of Buddhism with UP on the world map and attracting pilgrims from India and abroad, says Jaiveer Singh, Minister of Tourism and Culture, UP.
Surbhi Sharma
Combining spirituality and the rich heritage of Uttar Pradesh, the state government recently organised ‘Bodhi Yatra’ Conclave in Delhi to celebrate the spiritual journey of Lord Buddha. The event highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s significance as a Buddhist pilgrimage and the tourism potential of the state.
Several important dignitaries, including Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism, Government of India, attended the conclave. H.E. Simon Wong, Ambassador of Singapore; H.E. Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador of Thailand; H.E. Moe Kyaw Aung, Ambassador of Myanmar and ambassadors from many other countries, such as Bhutan, Japan, Indonesia, Argentina, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, graced the event with their presence. The event commenced with a presentation showcasing the rich history, culture, and heritage of the state’s six major Buddhist sites – Sankisa, Sarnath, Shravasti, Kapilvastu, Kaushambi, and Kushinagar. During the event, UP government officials outlined the investment opportunities in the state and its rise as a top domestic destination, aspiring to draw more foreign tourists.
Jaiveer Singh, Minister of Tourism & Culture, UP, said, “UP has immense tourism potential, especially for religious tourism. We are striving to develop a Buddhist circuit while prioritising eco and adventure tourism. We are not only developing the 12 circuits but also providing road, air and water connectivity. We have been working on heliports by implementing the PPP model.” He added, “Apart from the circuits, efforts are being made to develop destinations for tourism that come under the 403 assembly constituencies in UP by providing better facilities and connectivity. Last year, we carried out projects worth crores of rupees in each of these constituencies.”
The minister said that the world’s largest gathering, Mahakumbh, will be held in Pragyaraj in 2025, which is expected to draw a staggering 30 crore participants, further underscoring UP’s growing prominence on the tourism map.
Incentives to travel trade
Emphasising on the state’s effort to provide incentives to travel and trade, Singh said, “In 2019, the tourism policy of UP was made but due to some loopholes, we promulgated it in December 2022 after the Yogi government came into power. Out of the investment coming to UP, we give a 25 per cent subsidy to trade and travel agents at the general rate. We are also offering a 5 per cent extra to women entrepreneurs or those from the SC/ ST category, making it 30 per cent.” He added, “We are still working to provide more incentives and facilities and mend some laws for the beneficiaries. In addition, we have made efforts to clear the roadblocks for agents to get NOCs and licences.”
Tourism role in UP economy
Claiming that UP received “very less” share until the Global Investor Summit held in UP in 2023, in which proposals worth `169 lakh crore were received by the tourism department alone, Singh said that most of the proposals are being implemented on the ground, which shows that tourism department plays a significant role in the UP’s economy.
