UP Marks World Tourism Day | 29 Sep 2025

Why in News?

Uttar Pradesh marked World Tourism Day 2025 with state-wide celebrations highlighting sustainable transformation, community participation, and inclusive tourism initiatives.

  • The state hosted programmes across cities and villages, emphasising community involvement and eco-friendly practices.

Key Points

  • About: World Tourism Day was first celebrated in 1980 by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), and raises awareness about the social, cultural, and economic importance of tourism. 
    • The day marks the adoption of UNWTO’s statutes in 1975, signifying its official establishment five years later. 
    • UNWTO advocates for tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability while supporting the sector in advancing knowledge and policies worldwide. 
      • UNWTO comprises 160 Member States (including India), 6 Associate Members, 2 Observers, and over 500 Affiliate Members.  
      • Headquartered in Madrid, Spain.  
  • Theme: The theme for this year is ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation’, which emphasises tourism’s power to promote positive change.
    • Malaysia hosted the World Tourism Day and the World Tourism Conference (WTC) 2025 in the city of Melaka.

UP Tourism Policy 2022 

  • About: The primary objective of tourism policy is to ensure sustainable development, enhance visitor satisfaction, boost economic growth, protect cultural and natural resources, and foster community inclusivity and participation. 
  • Financial Incentives: The policy offers generous subsidies and financial support, including: 
    • Capital investment subsidies ranging from 10–25% (capped at Rs 2–40 crore based on investment size). 
    • 5% interest subsidy on bank loans up to Rs 5 crore for 5 years. 
    • 100% exemption on stamp duty, land conversion fees, and employment-linked EPF reimbursements. 
    • Additional incentives target Tier 2+ locations, women entrepreneurs, SC/ST/backward classes, and focus on tourism destinations.  
  • Focus: The policy promotes developing: 
    • Eco-tourism circuits like wildlife sanctuaries, camping sites, trekking, and nature walks 
    • Heritage, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Events), wellness, and amusement parks through PPP models. 
    • Integration with themed circuits—Ramayana, Krishna, Buddhist, Mahabharata, and Shakti Peeth. 
  • Investment Facilitation & Global Promotion: UP aims to attract Rs 5,000 crore annually by: 
    • Establishing a Tourism Investor Facilitation Cell for market research, approvals, and investment support 
    • Participation in roadshows, international tourism events, and collaborative branding—placing UP on the global tourism map.