From heritage to youth engagement: UP Tourism to mark National Tourism Day with multi-theme programme tomorrow

Uttar Pradesh Tourism is set to celebrate National Tourism Day 2026 with a comprehensive day-long programme tomorrow at Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, highlighting the state’s expanding tourism footprint, cultural richness, and community-led initiatives.

The programme will be attended by state Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh, Agriculture Minister, senior officers of the Tourism and Culture Departments, and representatives from educational institutions, rural tourism groups, and youth collectives. The celebrations aim to showcase how tourism in Uttar Pradesh is evolving beyond destinations to become a platform for livelihoods, creativity, and youth participation.

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Highlighting the significance of National Tourism Day, Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh said that tourism in Uttar Pradesh is no longer limited to sightseeing alone but has become a key instrument for employment generation, rural empowerment, and cultural revival. He added that under the leadership of Yogi Adityanath, the state has consciously focused on strengthening religious, rural, eco, and cultural tourism while ensuring community participation at every level.

The programme will begin with the ceremonial lamp lighting, followed by the felicitation of dignitaries and cultural performances curated by the Culture Department. A special segment will also recognise individuals associated with rural tourism initiatives and progressive farmers who have contributed to strengthening agri and village-based tourism experiences across the state.

Students from Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Tourism Management will present thematic cultural performances, including Raag Yatra and Krishna Leela, offering glimpses into Uttar Pradesh’s artistic and spiritual traditions. The celebrations will also feature a dedicated unexplored destinations of Uttar Pradesh segment, focusing on lesser-known tourism sites and emerging circuits.

Youth engagement will remain a key highlight, with performances and street plays by Yuva Paryatan Club members based on locations associated with India’s freedom movement, reinforcing tourism as a medium for storytelling and national pride. Winners of tourism-related competitions will also be felicitated during the event.

The evening segment will include additional cultural performances and a special screening of a short film on Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, focusing on wildlife conservation and biodiversity, further underlining Uttar Pradesh’s growing emphasis on eco and wildlife tourism.

Through these celebrations, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department aims to reinforce tourism as a people-centric sector that connects heritage with livelihoods, youth with culture, and visitors with authentic local experiences.