Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a remarkable surge in tourism, with projections suggesting that by 2028, the sector will attract 80 crore visitors and contribute over ₹70,000 crore to the state economy.
The rise in footfall is driving growth in related sectors such as hospitality, transport, and local services, creating new employment opportunities across the state. Even excluding the massive 66.3 crore footfall from the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, UP recorded strong domestic tourism numbers.
In 2023 alone, the state welcomed 48 crore tourists, with Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, and Prayagraj accounting for 28.79 crore visits. In 2025 so far, that number has already jumped to 41.56 crore in these four cities, indicating sustained interest in religious and cultural travel.
Destinations such as Naimisharanya, Gorakhpur, and Vindhyachal are also gaining traction as key tourism centers. The central government has included Varanasi, Ayodhya, Lucknow, and Kanpur in its list of high-potential cities for tourism development. With better roads, expressways, and other infrastructure, tourist movement is becoming faster and more comfortable.
Connectivity is being expanded with projects like the Purvanchal Expressway and the planned extension of the Ganga Expressway to Mirzapur, Bhadohi, Varanasi, Chandauli, and Ghazipur.
Another proposed greenfield expressway linking Kashi to Kolkata via Chandauli is expected to open up new regional tourism circuits. Sonbhadra, often dubbed the “Switzerland of UP” due to its natural beauty and prehistoric sites, is also on the tourism map.
The state is also investing in tourist centric infrastructure pilgrimage development councils, regional circuits, spiritual corridors, and upgraded facilities at religious events and sites aim to improve the overall experience.
Uttar Pradesh has now emerged as the most visited state by domestic tourists and is steadily building its profile as a global spiritual and cultural destination grounded not just in vision, but in infrastructure and numbers.
