UP sees more than 1.21 billion tourist visits in the first half of 2025.

Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, welcomed over 12.1 billion (121 crore) tourists from January to June 2025, significantly propelling the state’s ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy, officials announced on November 27.

The statistics were revealed during a workshop for stakeholders organized by the state tourism department. Officials mentioned that a comprehensive plan has been drafted to transform the state into a developed region by 2047, with tourism recognized as a fundamental pillar.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s advisor, Awanish Awasthi, Principal Secretary (Tourism) Amrit Abhijat, and Tourism Director General Rajesh Kumar addressed the workshop participants, discussing policy reforms, investment opportunities, and departmental priorities.
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Participants from the planning, Ayush, and culture departments, along with the State Transformation Commission, were also present at the workshop. Awasthi stated that tourism would play a critical role in uplifting UP into a developed state.

“Tourism is an evergreen industry. Uttar Pradesh leads in domestic tourism and ranks fourth in foreign tourist arrivals. With a month remaining, 2025 is on track to set a new record,” he said, calling for collaboration among all stakeholders.

Principal Secretary Abhijat noted a significant increase in tourist numbers, rising from 22 crore in 2015 to 65 crore in 2024, excluding attendees of the Mahakumbh.

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The government is prioritizing eco-friendly tourism and developing key attractions, such as Mathura, where plans for a new museum are in progress, he added. Kumar highlighted that 12 tourist circuits have been established, along with efforts to promote yoga and wellness tourism.

With the state’s expanding expressway network, modern airports, and upgraded railway stations, including Vande Bharat corridors, travel for tourists has become more accessible, he noted. State Transformation Commission CEO Manoj Kumar Singh stressed the importance of bolstering inbound tourism and promoting wellness tourism similar to Kerala. He emphasized the need for cleanliness around tourist sites.

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Planning Principal Secretary Alok Kumar shared that Niti Aayog is fully supporting the 2047 development initiative. He proposed raising awareness about the fossil park in Sonbhadra and creating at least three-day tour packages for explorers.

Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd Managing Director Ashish Kumar indicated that the corporation is revamping tour packages to encourage longer stays, cultural engagements, and optimized use of infrastructure.

Eco-tourism Director Pushp Kumar emphasized initiatives focused on wetland restoration, wildlife corridors, and nature-based tourism, identifying Dudhwa, Pilibhit, and Katarniaghat as exemplary sites.