Lucknow,

09 Aug (HS): Handicraft-based tourism is gaining new dimensions in Uttar

Pradesh. Tourists from India and abroad coming here are now visiting religious

places like Kashi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj as well as areas with handloom

industries. The number of tourists in Mirzapur, Bhadohi and Varanasi has

increased rapidly in 2024-25. Varanasi received more than 11.47 lakh tourists

till March 2025.

Bhadohi

received more than 08 lakh tourists by March 2025, while Mirzapur received more

than 57 lakh tourists by March 2025. These tourists are also visiting places

like Varanasi, Panipat, Mirzapur, Agra and Bhadohi. This is directly benefiting

the local artisans and also strengthening the tourism-based economy.

Uttar

Pradesh's economy gained momentum due to the initiative of the tourism

department: Now

tourists in the state are not only visiting big cities or spiritual cities but

also visiting such areas through various facilities being provided by the

Tourism Department where watching the artisans work live, understanding the

intricate designs and traditional weaving techniques gives them a different

experience. This has not only increased the income of local artisans, but

employment and business opportunities have also increased rapidly in

tourism-related sectors like hotels, transport, handicraft market and local

cuisine. In such a situation, the annual turnover of the carpet industry has

been around Rs 10,000 crore, out of which Rs 6,000 crore is exported to

countries like America, Germany, Australia, Switzerland, Italy, Malaysia,

Canada, UK, Denmark, Argentina, Mexico, New Zealand, Turkey and Sweden.

Tourism

and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “Handicraft-based tourism in Uttar

Pradesh is touching new heights. The growing number of tourists in areas like

Mirzapur, Bhadohi and Varanasi is not only highlighting our cultural heritage

but also bringing new hopes for local artisans and businesses. Efforts made by

the tourism department of the government have facilitated tourism in these

areas, thereby boosting employment and economic growth.

Principal

Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Mukesh Kumar Meshram said that The

Tourism Department is continuously dedicated to promoting handicraft-based

tourism in the state. We are expanding facilities at tourist places, organizing

programs to showcase the work of artisans to the general public and are engaged

in improving local tourism infrastructure. Our aim is that tourists not only

enjoy the religious places but also fully experience the cultural and artisan

heritage of the state.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi