The Uttar Pradesh government has embarked on a comprehensive “Rural Tourism Development Strategy” aimed at leveraging the state’s rich rural and cultural heritage to boost tourism. In the first phase of the plan, 93 villages across the state have been selected for the development of homestays and related tourism infrastructure. This initiative is part of a larger effort to promote sustainable tourism, generate employment, and preserve the unique cultural identity of rural Uttar Pradesh.

A Step Towards Sustainable Tourism

The move to develop rural homestays aligns with the state's 2022 tourism policy, which focuses on enhancing visitor experiences while promoting sustainable tourism practices. By fostering rural tourism, the state aims to provide tourists with an authentic cultural experience while generating economic opportunities for local communities. The development strategy is centered around 12 designated tourism circuits, each showcasing a different facet of Uttar Pradesh’s diverse heritage, including the Ramayana Circuit, Sufi-Kabir Circuit, Bundelkhand Circuit, Jain Circuit, and more.

Focus on Homestay Development

In the initial phase, the government has prioritized the construction of homestays in five divisions: Devipatan, Chitrakoot, Ayodhya, Lucknow, and Varanasi. These regions were chosen for their natural beauty, folk arts, rural culture, and rich historical and spiritual heritage. The aim is to offer tourists a firsthand experience of rural life in Uttar Pradesh, providing a unique opportunity to stay with local families and engage with their traditions and way of life.

Ayodhya division, for instance, will see the development of homestays in 19 villages, including Chuintiapara, Darwan in Ambedkar Nagar district, and Abanpur Saroha, Amouani, Sevadhaat, Rampurwa, and Gauraghat in Ayodhya. Similarly, in the Varanasi division, 10 villages in Varanasi, Jaunpur, Ghazipur, and Chandauli districts have been identified for rural tourism initiatives. The state’s capital division, Lucknow, will see 23 villages such as Korauna, Ramkot, Saraisani, Bihat Biram, Urdauli, and Thakur Nagar of Sitapur district developed for this purpose, with similar plans for 17 villages in Devipatan Mandal and 24 in Chitrakoot division.

Empowering Local Communities

The government is keen on involving local communities in this ambitious project. As part of this strategy, local villagers will be provided with the necessary training to manage homestays, ensuring that they can offer a welcoming and comfortable experience to visitors. In addition to the training of homestay owners, tour guides and folk artists will also be trained and deployed in these villages. This will not only enhance the tourist experience but also provide employment opportunities to the local youth and artisans.

To support this initiative, the Manyavar Kanshiram Institute of Tourism Management in Lucknow will play a pivotal role. The institute will be revamped to focus on training tour guides and operators, particularly those specializing in rural and forest tourism. This specialized training will ensure that guides are well-versed in local customs, heritage, and natural history, thereby enriching the tourist experience.

Promoting Cultural and Ecotourism

The Uttar Pradesh government’s focus on rural tourism also extends to promoting cultural and ecotourism. The state’s diverse ecosystems, including the forests of Dudhwa, Katarniaghat, and the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, offer immense potential for ecotourism. The government plans to deploy nature guides in these areas to facilitate a deeper understanding of the local flora and fauna among tourists. This move is expected to attract nature enthusiasts and eco-tourists, further broadening the state’s tourism appeal.

In addition, the promotion of folk arts and traditional crafts is a key component of the rural tourism strategy. Villages known for their unique art forms and craftsmanship will be highlighted as part of the Crafts Circuit. This will not only preserve these traditional skills but also provide artisans with a platform to showcase their work to a wider audience.

Revitalising the Rural Economy

The homestay initiative is poised to play a significant role in revitalizing the rural economy of Uttar Pradesh. By providing villagers with an additional source of income, the government hopes to reduce migration to urban areas and promote the economic stability of rural communities. Tourists staying in homestays will also contribute to the local economy through their spending on local products, services, and experiences.

To encourage participation, the state government is offering incentives to villagers willing to develop homestays. This includes financial assistance for the construction and renovation of homes, training and certification programs, and marketing support to attract tourists.

Future Expansion Plans

While the current focus is on developing homestays in 93 villages, the government has plans to expand the initiative to more areas in the future. Efforts are underway to identify additional villages that can be integrated into the rural tourism network. The success of this first phase will serve as a blueprint for further expansion, with the potential to transform Uttar Pradesh into a leading destination for rural tourism in India.

The Uttar Pradesh government’s rural tourism strategy, with its emphasis on homestays and cultural immersion, represents a significant shift towards sustainable and community-based tourism. By leveraging the state’s rich cultural and natural heritage, the initiative aims to provide tourists with a unique and meaningful travel experience while fostering the socio-economic development of rural communities.