LUCKNOW, Aug. 20 -- In a bid to transform rural Uttar Pradesh into a hub of sustainable tourism and grassroots entrepreneurship, the state's department of tourism will host a Rural Tourism Conclave at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Lucknow, on August 21. Held under the theme "Rural Tourism for a Progressive UP: Prosperous Villages, Empowered State", the conclave will focus on how tourism can serve as a catalyst for rural development-supporting farmers, generating local employment, and harnessing the cultural wealth of village life. "By integrating agriculture with tourism, we aim to boost the rural economy and enhance farmers' income. Farm stays, homestays, and experiential travel will allow visitors to connect with the real India-its farming traditions, organic produce, and authentic cuisine," said an official from the tourism department. The one-day conclave will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including tourism experts, homestay and farm stay operators, rural and district-level coordinators, and NGOs working in the development sector. htc...