Uttar Pradesh has achieved a milestone in the tourism sector, witnessing a stupendous number of tourists arriving in the first six months of the current year.
A staggering 330 million tourists flocked to UP with Ayodhya emerging as a major hotspot, surpassing even Varanasi.
In the corresponding period last year, the state clocked inflow of 318.6 million tourists across 75 districts.
UP tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said UP is steadily acquiring prominence as a global tourist destination.
After the consecration of the Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya, the temple town has seen an extraordinary surge in visitors.
In just six months, Ayodhya attracted 110 million domestic and international tourists; a significant leap from previous years. The surging tourist inflow indicates a deep cultural and spiritual pull Ayodhya holds for travellers.
Meanwhile, the state’s overall tourist numbers have also reached a record high with almost 330 million backpackers, including 328.78 million domestic and more than a million international visitors.
Ayodhya topped the list, welcoming almost 110 million tourists, including 2,851 foreign visitors. Varanasi followed with 46 million tourists including 1,33,999 international travellers.
Prayagraj, Mathura and Agra also remained major attractions, drawing millions of visitors each.
“UP is making a strong presence on the global stage as a top-tier tourist destination. The consistent development of tourist attractions and improved facilities is attracting more and more visitors from around the world,” Singh added.
The remarkable growth in tourists reflects UP’s strategic investments in infrastructure, cultural heritage promotion, and spiritual tourism.
With its rich history, iconic landmarks, and sacred sites, the Yogi Adityanath government is solidifying its status as a must-visit destination for both domestic and international tourists.