The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is set to prioritise the development of the state's spiritual tourism circuit, under the direction of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the state's tourism potential by focusing on twelve major circuits, with a renewed emphasis on spiritual destinations.

Key Religious Destinations

The spiritual circuit will include prominent religious sites such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Vindhyavasini temple in Mirzapur, Chitrakoot, the Nath corridor in Bareilly, and Naimisharanya in Sitapur. These locations hold significant cultural and religious importance, attracting millions of devotees and tourists annually.

Strategic Action Plan

A comprehensive action plan has been formulated to foster tourism within the spiritual circuit. This plan involves conducting thorough surveys and performing gap analyses to identify and address areas needing improvement. Adhering to the UP Tourism Policy Document 2022, the plan is structured around the 7 S’s: Suchna (Awareness), Swagat (Welcome), Suvidha (Amenities), Suraksha (Safety), Swachthta (Cleanliness), Sanrachna (Infrastructure), and Sahyog (Support).

Development Projects

Key developments include the enhancement of the Kashi Vishwanath temple and the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, both of which have significantly increased tourist footfall. The completion of these projects, along with their respective corridors, has positioned them as premier tourist attractions in the state.

Maha Kumbh 2025

The upcoming Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, scheduled for 2025, is anticipated to draw over 30 crore devotees. This event underscores the immense potential of spiritual tourism in Uttar Pradesh and highlights the need for meticulous planning and infrastructure development to accommodate the influx of visitors.

Detailed Project Report (DPR)

To systematically enhance tourism across various circuits, including the spiritual circuit, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared. This report will conduct a thorough tourist gap analysis, providing valuable insights into the current state of tourist destinations and identifying areas for improvement.

Survey and Analysis

The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department will collaborate with a chosen agency to conduct the tourist gap analysis. This partnership will define the survey methodology tailored to the department's requirements. The survey will include feedback sampling from visitors, as well as photography and video documentation of all selected tourist destinations, which will be incorporated into the DPR. Drone technology may be utilised for aerial sampling and photo-video coverage if necessary.

Visitor Feedback and Data Collection

Gathering feedback from visitors at all selected tourist spots is a critical component of the action plan. This process will involve collecting tourism statistics, evaluating growth trends, and assessing capacity. The goal is to adopt a citizen-centric approach, ensuring that improvements are made based on visitors' needs and experiences.

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By drawing on national and international best practices and incorporating advanced technology, the comprehensive approach aims to operate and upgrade these locations effectively. The detailed project report will serve as a blueprint for branding and marketing, determining the handling capacity of tourist destinations within the spiritual circuit, and guiding optimal development strategies for each site.

In summary, the Uttar Pradesh government's renewed focus on the spiritual tourism circuit is a strategic move to harness the state's rich religious heritage. By implementing a detailed and data-driven action plan, the government aims to enhance visitor experiences, boost tourism, and promote the state's cultural and spiritual significance on both national and international stages.