Families to get free museum entry in UP tourism ‘Visit My State’ plan

Lucknow: UP tourism has announced free entry to state-run museums for children and families for the next two months as part of a wider 'Visit My State' campaign aimed at boosting domestic tourism during the summer vacation season.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by tourism and culture minister, Jaiveer Singh on Wednesday following directions issued by chief minister Yogi Adityanath in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to prioritise domestic travel.

Officials said the tourism department is preparing new travel circuits, accommodation discounts and destination-based packages to encourage longer stays within the state. The meeting was attended by senior officials of the tourism department and regional tourism officers from all 18 divisions.

Addressing the meeting, Singh said UP would convert the current global uncertainty into an opportunity for domestic tourism growth. He said destinations such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Agra and Prayagraj would be promoted through longer travel itineraries instead of short single-destination visits.

Officials discussed linking Agra visits with nearby destinations such as Bateshwar Dham and ecotourism sites, while pilgrims visiting Ayodhya could be connected with rural, wellness and cultural tourism experiences.

The department is also considering discounts of up to 25% at Rahi tourist accommodations and partnerships with hotels and restaurants during the vacation period.

Officials said temple circuits would also include visits to gaushalas and rural tourism sites. Plans were reviewed to promote destination weddings at locations including Chunar Fort and Chhattar Manzil.

The department has also directed officials to reduce fuel use, conduct meetings online and adopt carpooling measures in line with the Centre’s advisory on energy conservation.