Tourism for economic growth

The 53rd FHRAI Convention is slated to take place in Lucknow. Rita Bahuguna Joshi, Minister of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, shares with TRAVTALK initiatives and plans to grow tourism in the state.

KANCHAN NATH

Stating plans to augment tourism in the state, Rita Bahuguna Joshi, Minister of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, said, “My government and my chief minister wants heavy investment in UP’s tourism sector as it is one big spinner for economic development and employment generation. Spiritual tourism is our forte because Uttar Pradesh is the land of Krishna, Ram, Buddha and the Jains too, as most of the Tirthankaras were born here. So, we would develop on these lines in a big way. Besides, we will be concentrating on ecotourism as we have rich flora and fauna. While Agra has a lot of heritage, Bundelkhand is neglected and we want to develop it as a heritage and historical tourist spot.”

We are revising our tourism policy in consonance with the industrial policy and very soon, it will be released after the Cabinet’s approval

UP has been working on the draft Tourism Policy. Giving details on the same, she said, “We are working on several factors to increase tourism. The government of India is supporting us well with the Swadesh Darshan and Prasad schemes. The state government is also supporting and developing smaller places. We are revising our tourism policy in consonance with the industrial policy and very soon, it will be released after the Cabinet’s approval. The industrial policy of the state is in place and under the Tourism Policy of 2017, a lot of incentives have been provided to private players and investors.

A first-of-its-kind International Conclave is going to be held in Lucknow from February 20-22, 2018. Joshi added, “The investment meet is an ambitious plan of our Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Top industrialists as well as the youth are keen to come and invest in the state. As per the new industrial policy, we will create landbanks, single window clearance and provide relief in taxes, electricity, etc. To provide protection, the Uttar Pradesh Control of Organised Crime Bill (UPCOCA), 2017 is being set into motion.”

Kumbh Mela has been made a part of UNESCO’s intangible heritage. Adding on, she says, “The government of UP has launched a logo for Kumbh Mela 2019 and our Chief Minister is monitoring every activity closely. He has already held several meetings regarding the same.”