Lucknow, July 23 -- Tourism is fast emerging as a key engine of Uttar Pradesh's economic growth. Officials on Wednesday said as per the estimates by 2028, tourist arrivals in the state are projected to reach 80 crore, with the sector's economic contribution expected to touch Rs 70,000 crore - boosting allied industries such as hospitality and transport, and creating local jobs.
Even excluding the extraordinary influx of 66.30 crore pilgrims during the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a significant rise in tourist arrivals, particularly from domestic travelers. In 2023, the state welcomed 48 crore visitors, with Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, and Prayagraj alone drawing 28.79 crore of them.
Officials said so far in 2025, tour...