Homestays to be developed in countryside near key tourist sites

Lucknow : In an effort to enhance rural tourism around key tourist destinations in the state, the Yogi government has unveiled a comprehensive ‘Rural Tourism Development Strategy.’ This initiative will focus on the development of tourism infrastructure, including the introduction of homestays, in 93 villages during its first phase, aiming to provide visitors with an authentic experience of rural life while boosting local economies.

In parallel, the state is developing a detailed framework to enhance the training of tour guides and operators across major tourist circuits, including rural and forest tourism. As part of this effort, there is a strong emphasis on revitalizing the Manyavar Kanshiram Institute of Tourism Management, located in Lucknow.

In line with Chief Minister Yogi’s vision, Uttar Pradesh has identified 12 mega tourism circuits as part of its Tourism Policy 2022. These circuits include the Ramayana Circuit, Sufi-Kabir Circuit, Bundelkhand Circuit, Jain Circuit, Krishna-Braj Circuit, Shakti-Peeth Circuit, Mahabharata Circuit, Wildlife-Eco Tourism Circuit, Freedom Struggle Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, and Crafts Circuit. Efforts are underway to tap into the vast potential of rural tourism within these circuits.

To promote rural tourism, the construction and development of homestays are being accelerated in the Devipatan, Chitrakoot, Ayodhya, Lucknow, and Varanasi divisions. These regions are rich in natural beauty, folk arts, rural culture, and historical, spiritual, and traditional values. Consequently, a strategic plan has been initiated to attract both domestic and foreign tourists by showcasing the unique rural environment of these areas.

In alignment with Chief Minister Yogi’s vision, 19 villages in the Ayodhya division have been earmarked for the promotion of rural tourism. Currently, Chuintiapara and Darwan of Ambedkar Nagar, and Ayodhya’s Abanpur Saroha, Amouani, Sevadhaat, Rampurwa, and Gauraghat have been identified for homestay development. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to identify 12 additional villages in Sultanpur, Barabanki, and Amethi for similar initiatives.

In the Varanasi division, a total of 10 villages across Varanasi, Jaunpur, Ghazipur, and Chandauli will also be developed through the homestay process.

In the Lucknow division, tourism and homestay development will encompass 23 villages, notably including Korauna, Ramkot, Saraisani, Bihat Biram, Urdauli, and Thakur Nagar in Sitapur. Additionally, 17 more villages will be identified in Lucknow, Hardoi, Lakhimpur Kheri, Rae Bareli, and Unnao.

Furthermore, a total of 17 villages in the Devipatan Mandal will be developed to promote rural tourism, focusing on villages in Bahraich, Balrampur, Gonda, and Shravasti.

Lastly, in the Chitrakoot Mandal, 24 villages in Banda, Chitrakoot, Hamirpur, and Mahoba will be identified and developed for the homestay initiative and rural tourism.

In total, the project aims to identify and develop 93 villages across five divisions in its first phase. To support these efforts, tourist guides, folk artists, and other tourism personnel will be appointed in these villages, operating through local agencies.

MKITM to be rejuvenated to meet future needs

The Yogi government is committed to revitalizing the Manyavar Kanshiram Institute of Tourism Management (MKITM), situated in Vikalp Khand, Gomtinagar, Lucknow. The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department will oversee the landscape renovation of MKITM.

This initiative includes various enhancements such as softscaping, plantation, horticulture, hardscaping (which involves creating murals, fountains, pathways, seating areas, barricades, and wall paintings), as well as electrical and plumbing upgrades.

Additionally, the kitchen lab will be equipped with modern facilities to enhance the training environment. MKITM offers various graduate, postgraduate, and diploma courses related to tourism. Trained guides will be deployed across the state, with their training conducted at MKITM.

Moreover, under this initiative, the Yogi government plans to deploy nature guides in locations like Dudhwa, Katarniaghat, and the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, with all nature guides receiving training at MKITM.