Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh recorded a sharp rise in tourist arrivals over the past nine years, with visitor numbers increasing more than sevenfold, from 21.5 crore in 2016 to over 156 crore in 2025.Sharing the figures on the eve of World Tourism Day, tourism minister Jaiveer Singh said, “The numbers reflect the steps taken by the state govt to create a tourism ecosystem. The state’s tourism budget has grown nearly 20-fold over the past decade to upgrade infrastructure and increase visitor capacity.”Thanking the visitors and pilgrims who helped Uttar Pradesh achieve the milestone, Singh extended his greetings to the public and tourism industry stakeholders and outlined the state’s strategic roadmap.“Uttar Pradesh has immense potential rooted in its spiritual, cultural and historical heritage. This year’s focus on the Digital Agenda and artificial intelligence highlights how technology can help us provide visitors with better information, improved facilities and a more seamless travel experience,” Singh said.Singh said the administration was working to combine the state’s heritage with modern developments. He said its priorities included expanding digital connectivity at key destinations, upgrading visitor amenities and encouraging community participation to create local employment and stimulate economic activity.To mark the occasion, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department partnered with the Uttar Pradesh Hotel & Restaurant Association (UPHRA). The session convened hospitality leaders, tourism experts and key stakeholders to examine emerging commercial opportunities, service innovation and the practical integration of artificial intelligence and digital tools across the state’s tourism landscape.
