TravTalk India Online Magazine
Uttar Pradesh government is making rigorous efforts in improving the state infrastructure and connectivity to promote tourism. The government has made a master plan to develop new hotels, roads, airports and rail connectivity to facilitate tourism.
Janice Alyosius
India is popular for its cultural and traditional tourism and Uttar Pradesh offers a wide range of tourist and religious sites. In the past, the state lacked in tourist infrastructure and other facilities. The UP government is, of late, making rigorous efforts in improving the tourism infrastructure and connectivity of the State. The government has prepared a master plan to develop new hotels and construct roads, airports and railway tracks to increase connectivity for the convenience of tourists.
Ravi Gosain, Vice President, IATO, said, “Varanasi, being a religious destination, is the most sought-after international tourist destination. After it comes Ayodhya, which has a history of religion and culture associated with it. The recent Deepotsav has brought Ayodhya into limelight. The holy city has the potential to be popular among tourists, especially in understanding India’s culture and its history”.
The UP government is also working towards improving the hospitality sector in the state. Gosain mentioned in conversation with Sanjeev Kumar, secretary, Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA), that 10 to 15 hotels are being developed and a luxurious Dharamshala is in the pipeline. Icentives are being offered to the hoteliers in order to construct hotels and resorts in Uttar Pradesh.
The country has a several destinations that have the potential to attract international travellers. According to the government’s master plan, they do not want to promote Ayodhya just as a religious destination but something more than that. “With Ayodhya, other destinations will also get a face-lift. Cities such as Lucknow that attracts less international tourists so it can be the transit point with the development of Ayodhya and Varanasi,” Gosain added.
Tour operators always look for new destinations to sell in the international market, therefore enhancement and development from time to time is very essential. The operators expect their tourists to see more and more. In India 60 per cent of the travellers are second time visitors. So, if someone visits for the second time it is important to offer them something different.
International tourists have started enquiring about the country and with new destinations to be offered to them, Gosain felt that it will certainly act as a booster to Indian tourism, which is the need of the hour. Gosain appreciated the efforts put in by the government of Uttar Pradesh to promote tourism.
