UP Tourism Department Signs Two MOUs to Boost Rural Tourism and Livelihoods in Uttar Pradesh

New Delhi – 14th June 2024 – In a significant move aimed at bolstering rural tourism and sustainable livelihoods in Uttar Pradesh (UP), the UP Tourism Department has signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) today at the UP Tourism Directorate in Lucknow. The ceremony was attended by Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture, UP, Deepa Ranjan, Mission Director of UPSRLM, Eesha Priya, Special Secretary of Tourism, UP, and other distinguished guests.

The first MOU, signed between the Directorate of Tourism, UP, represented by Mukesh Kumar Meshram, and the State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM), represented by Deepa Ranjan, Mission Director, outlines a five-year agreement to enhance tourism infrastructure and promote rural livelihoods. This partnership aims to identify and address infrastructure gaps in 229 selected villages across UP, develop tourism infrastructure, mobilize communities for tourism activities, and provide capacity-building programs. Key initiatives include promoting homestays, organizing training programs for Self-Help Groups (SHGs), tourist guides, and other stakeholders, as well as enhancing social media presence and conducting familiarization trips.

The second MOU, signed between UPSRLM and Manyawar Kanshiram Institute of Tourism Management, aims to develop sustainable food service enterprises across the state. UPSRLM will spearhead the creation of replicable models for these enterprises, supported by technical expertise and capacity-building from the Institute.

Jaiveer Singh, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh, expressed, “These MOUs underscore our commitment to enhancing Uttar Pradesh’s tourism ecosystem. By promoting rural tourism, we not only stimulate local economies but also provide diverse livelihood opportunities for rural populations.”

Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, UP, highlighted, “Our collaboration with UPSRLM and Manyawar Kanshiram Institute is pivotal in advancing sustainable tourism and empowering local communities. This initiative aims to improve facilities and infrastructure, offering tourists an authentic experience of rural life.”

Deepa Ranjan, Mission Director, UPSRLM, emphasized, “This partnership will integrate rural communities into the tourism value chain, fostering economic growth and sustainable development across villages.”

Eesha Priya, Special Secretary, Tourism, stated, “Our focus is on developing a comprehensive tourism strategy that benefits all stakeholders. The synergy between tourism development and rural livelihood enhancement is crucial for the holistic growth of Uttar Pradesh.”

The UP Tourism Department’s initiatives aim to transform the state’s tourism landscape, provide authentic village experiences to tourists, and uplift rural communities through skill development and cultural promotion. These efforts are poised to significantly contribute to UP’s economic growth and tourism sector development.