look news india
Lucknow, August 14 (HS). In the presence of Tourism and Culture Minister of Uttar Pradesh Government, Jaiveer Singh, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Tourism Department of Uttar Pradesh and the International Center for Responsible Tourism India (ICRT) at the Tourism Bhawan on Wednesday. On this occasion, Chief Minister's Advisor Avanish Awasthi, Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Special Secretary Tourism Isha Priya, Director Tourism Prakhar Mishra and Head of ICRT Manisha Pandey were present.
On this occasion, Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh said that the unprecedented increase in the number of tourists at present has been possible due to efficient governance and security by the government. The administration has provided a fear-free environment in the state, due to which the number of tourists has increased unexpectedly. Last year, there was a three-fold increase in the number of tourists as compared to the year 2017 and during the same period, 48 crore tourists arrived in the state. Uttar Pradesh remains at the first position in terms of domestic tourism.
Jaiveer Singh said that Maha Kumbh-2025 is both a challenge and an opportunity for us. Efforts are being made to provide every facility to the tourists coming to Maha Kumbh. He said, today's Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is also important from the environmental point of view. Rural tourism will increase with the efforts of ICRT.
On this occasion, Avnish Kumar Awasthi said that Uttar Pradesh tourism is flying the flag of success at the global level. This is a proof of the tourism department touching new heights every day. He said, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has emerged as the fifth economy of the world. Uttar Pradesh is ready to play an important role in fulfilling the Prime Minister's target of a 5 trillion dollar economy. We have to move forward with the target of arrival of 85 crore tourists. We have to move forward by setting a target for Maha Kumbh-2025.
Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Mukesh Kumar Meshram said that the aim of Responsible Tourism is to preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of tourist destinations while increasing the participation of local communities in the benefits of tourism.
ICRT's India Head Manisha Pandey expressed happiness on signing of MoU. She said that it feels good to be associated with the Uttar Pradesh government. The experience of working together with other states of the country has been good. UP has immense potential and possibilities for tourism. Our role is to play the tourism format in a responsible manner. Departmental officials and other representatives associated with responsible tourism were present on this occasion.