Varanasi: Tourism minister Jaiveer Singh said the world’s perception of UP has changed due to the joint efforts of the central and state govts, and people are now visiting the state without fear.He was addressing around 1,500 delegates from India and abroad on the second day of the 56th annual convention of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), titled “Anant Kashi,” at Hotel Taj Ganga in Nadesar on Saturday.Singh said Uttar Pradesh’s tourism policy has ensured smooth work for entrepreneurs, attracting hotel industry investors to the state. According to him, the policy benefits everyone, from village homestay operators to major hotel entrepreneurs.He said the transformation of Kashi is largely due to the efforts of Prime Minister Narnedra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath. Singh also described the inclusion of Sarnath as the fourth Unesco site as a major achievement and opportunity for Uttar Pradesh. He said the state is working on 12 types of tourist and religious circuits and invited entrepreneurs to invest in Uttar Pradesh, assuring full support from the govt.CM’s chief adviser Avnish Kumar Awasthi said Uttar Pradesh has recorded the highest growth in tourism across the country. He said it is a matter of pride that Kashi and Ayodhya are among the cities attracting the highest number of tourists globally. He added that the state govt has simplified tourism guidelines to support hotel industry entrepreneurs and is also working to promote wellness tourism, with positive results already visible.Union tourism secretary Bhuvnesh Kumar said India has made unprecedented progress in tourism over the past decade. He noted that the number of airports has increased from 74 to 170, while highway connectivity has significantly boosted tourism. He said tourism currently contributes only 5–6 % to the economy, and if this rises to 30–35 %, India could become the world’s second-largest economy.Uttar Pradesh ACS, Tourism, Amrit Abhijat, also gave a PowerPoint presentation on tourism in the state. FHRAI President Surendra Jaiswal welcomed the guests, while Organising Secretary Garish Oberoi proposed the vote of thanks.Odisha deputy CM Pravati Parida, who attended the convention, said Odisha already has a major religious centre in Lord Jagannath and is also developing new tourist destinations. She said the state is promoting adventure tourism so visitors can experience Odia culture and hospitality. She added that a developed Odisha will help pave the way for a developed India.On the second day, delegates witnessed the Ganga aarti at Namo Ghat and experienced the beauty of the river. Many watched the ceremony from a cruise and captured the moments on camera. Later, the delegation attended a fashion show and classical music programme at Hotel Hilton.Thailand ambassador Chavanart Thangsumphant emphasized cultural exchange while addressing the convention. She invited Indians to understand Thailand’s culture more closely. She said Banarasi sarees are in high demand in Thailand, while Buddhist symbols from Thailand are likely to attract Indian visitors. She stressed the need for broader cooperation with FHRAI in this direction.
