UP Tourism Department Signs Two MOUs to Boost Rural Tourism and Livelihoods in Uttar Pradesh
UP Tourism Department Commits to Strengthening Rural Economies And Tourism 229 Villages identified Across UP For Tourism Development
In a significant step towards enhancing rural tourism and sustainable livelihoods in Uttar Pradesh, two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were signed today at the UP Tourism Directorate in Lucknow. Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh, Deepa Ranjan, Mission Director, UPSRLM, Eesha Priya, Special Secretary, Tourism, Uttar Pradesh and other distinguished guests were present at the MOU signing ceremony.
The first MOU was signed between the Directorate of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh, represented by
Mukesh Kumar Meshram, and the State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM), represented by
Ms. Deepa Ranjan, Mission Director. This five-year agreement aims to promote tourism and
develop tourism infrastructure while empowering rural communities through sustainable
livelihood development and improved access to financial services.
Under the MOU, the Directorate of Tourism will focus on identifying and addressing
infrastructure gaps in selected villages, developing tourism infrastructure, mobilising
communities for tourism activities, organising capacity-building programs and promoting
homestays. Short term training programs will be run for various beneficiaries including Self-help
Groups, homestay owners, tourist guides etc. They will also work on social media management,
content creation, and familiarisation trips. Meanwhile, UPSRLM will identify potential Self-Help
Groups (SHGs), mobilise communities, and build the capacity of SHG members through training
programs. They will also support village cleanliness, promote tourism villages through social
media, share relevant data with the DoT, and maintain tourism infrastructure as required.
The second MOU was signed between UPSRLM and Manyawar Kanshiram Institute of Tourism
Management, Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh. This partnership aims to
develop a sustainable model for promoting food service enterprises in the state. UPSRLM will
develop replicable models of sustainable food service enterprises with technical support,
including capacity building, from the Institute.
Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, UP Tourism aims to transform the state’s tourism
landscape and create a vibrant tourism ecosystem that benefits both tourists and local
communities. Promoting rural tourism will significantly boost local economies, provide diverse
livelihood opportunities, and enhance infrastructure to host a variety of tourism experiences.
These initiatives aim to offer tourists an authentic taste of village life while uplifting rural
communities across Uttar Pradesh. To this end, 229 villages have already been identified for
tourism development. These efforts will empower rural communities through skill development
training and promoting their art, craft, culture, and cuisine, to give them the recognition and
support they deserve.Statements Jaiveer Singh, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh, said, ;These MOUs are a proof of our commitment for elevating the entire tourism ecosystem of Uttar Pradesh. By encouraging rural tourism, we are not only boosting the local economies but also providing rural populations
with various means of livelihood and employment.
Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh, remarked,
Our collaboration with UPSRLM and Manyawar Kanshiram Institute is a significant stride
towards sustainable tourism and community empowerment. This initiative will enhance facilities
and infrastructure, offering tourists an authentic experience of rustic village life."
Deepa Ranjan, Mission Director, UPSRLM, added, "This partnership will empower rural
communities by integrating them into the tourism value chain. It will create new opportunities for
economic growth and sustainable development in the villages.
Eesha Priya, Special Secretary, Tourism, stated, "We are focused 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 our state.
