New Delhi: After facing criticism over Hathras case, there comes a piece of good news as Uttar Pradesh has secured the top position in terms of attracting the highest number of domestic tourists in 2019.
Uttar Pradesh has successfully attracted the highest number of domestic tourists in the country in 2019 with a share of 23.1 per cent travellers visiting the state, an official statement said on Monday.
According to the Indian Tourism Statistics (ITS), 2020, UP attracted the highest number of domestic tourists in 2019, and third-highest number of foreign tourists. In total, the state attracted as many as 53.6 crore domestic tourists and 47 lakh foreign tourists in 2019. It should be noted that the number of foreign tourists visiting the state touched a record high in 2019.
Share in domestic tourists visits (2019):
Total tourists: 232.2 crore
Uttar Pradesh: 23.1%
Tamil Nadu: 21.3%
Andhra Pradesh: 10.2%
Karnataka: 9.8%
Maharashtra: 6.4%
W.B: 4.0%
M.P: 3.8%
Telangana: 3.6%
Gujarat: 2.5%
Rajasthan: 2.2%
Others: 13.0%
The state has also secured the third position in attracting foreign tourists with a record footfall of nearly 47 lakh foreigners visiting last year.
According to Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Mukesh Meshram, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s efforts in promoting tourism are now showing results.
In 2018, UP stood at the second position behind Tamil Nadu in terms of attracting domestic tourists.
Reacting to the development, UP’s principal secretary, tourism and culture, Mukesh Meshram said that the state has already identified several circuits to boost tourism activity, like the Ramayan circuit, Mahabharat circuit, Shaktipeeth circuit, Adhyatmik circuit, Jain circuit, Braj circuit and Buddhist circuit.
Meshram said that these circuits are attracting foreign as well as domestic tourists in large numbers and a special emphasis is being given to upgrade the tourism places falling in these circuits.