Launched serious efforts to promote tourism in UP: Akhilesh

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday said his state offers immense potential for tourism and the government has initiated serious efforts to attract visitors.

Addressing the 'Uttar Pradesh Travel Writers Conclave 2015' here, Yadav said tourists would be encouraged to pen down their experiences as it would enable travellers from all over the world to know various facets of the state, including its rich cuisine, traditions, music and literature, and etiquette among other things.

He said the government would use information technology tools like the internet to provide information about the state to people all over the world.

Yadav also expressed hope that travel writers would also use these media and inform people about the various aspects of tourism in Uttar Pradesh.

Yadav said his government was aware of the ability of the tourism sector not only to create jobs but also in enhancing the prestige of the state.

Referring to the 'Heritage Arc' -- that covers three distinct regions Agra, Lucknow and Varanasi -- the chief minister said it formed the core of various promotional activities to enhance tourism in the state.

Similarly, he said, the Taj Ganj area was being developed in Agra city to provide world class facilities to tourists.

To make Agra the centre of attraction with regard to Mughal-era traditions and heritage, the chief minister said an international level Mughal Museum was being built and efforts were underway to bring to limelight 12 historical, cultural and religious places which tourists do not visit due to lack of facilities.

Similarly, he said, Brij and Bateshwar nearby were also being developed and a lion safari planned in Etawah.

Yadav said many development work were underway in the state capital like the Gomti river front development, Hussainabad heritage zone, Lucknow Metro Rail, an international cricket stadium, J.P. Convention Center and a world-class Janeshwar Mishra park.