INDIA’S UTTAR PRADESH STATE MULLS $3.9 BILLION INVESTMENT IN HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM

The Indian state of Uttar Pradesh eyes investments of more than $3.9 billion (Rs 32,000 crore) in the hospitality and tourism sector, according to a report
published in Business Standard. The investment could create an additional 80,000 accommodation units through hotels and resorts, addressing the room availability
deficit.

Religious tourism surged post the consecration of the Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya on Jan. 22. Uttar Pradesh anticipates an annual tourist footfall of 850 million
by 2028, emphasizing the expansion of hospitality units in tourism hubs like Varanasi, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Agra, Business Standard daily reported.

“To cater to this increasing demand, the state is looking to create a robust supply of accommodation units with the development of hotels, resorts, and homestays,”
a government official was quoted as saying in the report.