Summary:
- Uttar Pradesh led India’s tourism with 1.37 billion visits, 4th in foreign arrivals.
- Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025 drew over 660 million devotees.
- UP Tourism Policy 2022 boosted private participation and investment.
INDIA'S UTTAR PRADESH state led domestic tourism in 2025, with more than 1.37 billion domestic visits, according to the Union Ministry of Tourism. Furthermore, the state ranked fourth in foreign tourist arrivals, receiving around 366,000 international visitors.
Officials attribute the growth to the development of religious, cultural and historical sites, improved connectivity and visitor infrastructure, according to the PTI. The Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025 drew more than 66 crore devotees, making it one of the largest recorded religious gatherings.
Pilgrimage centers such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura–Vrindavan, Shravasti and Prayagraj saw steady tourist inflow. Cultural events, including Deepotsav, Dev Deepawali, Rangotsav, Magh Mela and district-level festivals, supported year-round tourism.
The state government expanded airports, improved rail and road connectivity, and increased hotels and homestays. Tourism projects worth about $147 million were launched in 2025, covering riverfronts, circuit houses, convention centres and heritage site restoration, PTI reported.
Heritage and religious sites in Chitrakoot, Shahjahanpur, Moradabad and Valmiki Nagar are being redeveloped. District-level tourism schemes launched projects to strengthen local attractions and create jobs.
The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Policy 2022 increased private participation, with more than 1,700 tourism units registered and investment proposals of around $4.1 billion. The state promoted tourism at national and international travel marts and exhibitions.
Tourism fellowship programs, youth tourism groups and hospitality training were expanded across districts. With continued investment and coordinated planning, Uttar Pradesh maintained its position as a leading tourism destination in 2025. Officials said these efforts generated employment and supported heritage conservation, according to PTI.
Uttar Pradesh received hospitality investment proposals worth about $12.2 billion in the two years after its 2022 tourism policy and sees tourism as key to reaching a $1 trillion economy by 2029.
