Uttar Pradesh All Set To Bolster Rural Tourism And Local Livelihoods In The State

In a pivotal move towards fostering rural tourism and sustainable livelihoods in Uttar Pradesh, two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were inked at the UP Tourism Directorate in Lucknow. The signing ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh, Deepa Ranjan, Mission Director of UPSRLM, and Eesha Priya, Special Secretary of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh.The first MOU was between the Directorate of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh, represented by Mukesh Kumar Meshram, and the State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM), represented by Deepa Ranjan, Mission Director. This five-year agreement aims to foster tourism while empowering rural communities through sustainable livelihood development and improved access to financial services.Under this MOU, the Directorate of Tourism will focus on identifying and bridging infrastructure gaps in selected villages, developing tourism infrastructure, mobilising communities for tourism activities, conducting capacity-building programs, and promoting homestays. UPSRLM, on the other hand, will identify potential Self-Help Groups (SHGs), mobilise communities, build the capacity of SHG members, support village cleanliness, promote tourism villages through social media, and maintain tourism infrastructure.The second MOU was 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.Through these collaborations, UP Tourism aims to revolutionise the state's tourism landscape, fostering a vibrant tourism ecosystem that benefits both tourists and local communities. Promoting rural tourism will significantly enhance local economies, provide diverse livelihood opportunities, and improve infrastructure to host a variety of tourism experiences.Jaiveer Singh, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh, expressed, "These MOUs reflect our commitment to elevating the entire tourism ecosystem of Uttar Pradesh. By encouraging rural tourism, we are boosting local economies and providing rural populations with various means of livelihood and employment."Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh, commented, "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, creating new opportunities for economic growth and sustainable development in the villages."Eesha Priya, Special Secretary, Tourism, emphasised, "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."