UP projects 1.3 billion tourist arrivals in 2025, doubling from 2024
Uttar Pradesh is on track to witness a major tourism boom, with the state projecting a record 1.3 billion tourist arrivals in 2025. This figure marks a 100% jump from the 650 million visitors in 2024 and nearly triple the 480 million arrivals in 2023. The surge underscores increasing interest in the state’s rich cultural, spiritual, and historical destinations—boosted further by expanding infrastructure and improved hospitality services.
Varanasi, one of India’s most revered spiritual cities, saw a dramatic rise in tourism, welcoming over 11 million visitors last year—an increase of 8.2 million compared to the previous year. The city’s unique combination of ancient religious heritage and upgraded tourist facilities has firmly placed it on both domestic and global travel itineraries.
To accommodate this growing interest, the state has added close to 100,000 hotel rooms across key cities and tourist hotspots. This expanded accommodation network caters to a wide range of travellers, from budget-conscious tourists to those seeking high-end experiences, enhancing the overall quality and accessibility of the visitor experience.
Uttar Pradesh has also experienced a notable increase in foreign tourist arrivals, further cementing its status as a top-tier travel destination in India. With ongoing investments in transportation, heritage site restoration, and tourism promotion, the state’s travel ecosystem is rapidly transforming to align with international standards and evolving visitor expectations.
