The department said the initiative seeks proposals from institutions and organizations to conduct in-depth studies on the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors, helping the government better understand tourism trends, visitor experiences, and investment potential. “The ultimate goal is to make Uttar Pradesh one of India’s most visitor-friendly and economically vibrant tourism destinations,” the department said in a statement.
Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said that the research topics will be finalized based on the evolving needs of the industry. “Tourism in Uttar Pradesh is growing at an extraordinary pace. Last year, we welcomed over 65 crore tourists, and this year, in just a few months, we have already crossed 109 crore. This shows how Uttar Pradesh is becoming the heart of India’s tourism map. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, we are determined to build a tourism framework that not only drives economic growth but also meets global standards of quality, innovation, and sustainability,” he said.
The department said that through this programme, the state government will support educational institutions, researchers, and organizations that wish to study various aspects of tourism in Uttar Pradesh. This could include studies on improving hotel facilities, enhancing tourist experiences, preserving heritage sites, and promoting rural and eco-tourism. The findings will help plan better tourism infrastructure, ensure cleanliness and safety, and create more opportunities for youth in travel, hospitality, and event management, the department stated.
Recognized travel associations, chambers of commerce, travel and hospitality bodies, reputed NGOs (working in areas such as wildlife, heritage, craft, or environmental conservation), and management institutes or universities can apply for the programme.
Applications can be submitted online through the official UP Tourism portal https://up-tourismportal.in
. The portal will remain open from October 15 to November 15, 2025. For each approved research study, financial assistance of up to Rs 10 lakh will be provided by the Department of Tourism.
Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Amrit Abhijat, said that Uttar Pradesh’s focus on research-driven growth will help the state strengthen its tourism policy framework and attract more investment. “With data-backed insights and professional studies, we aim to create a roadmap that enhances the visitor experience and builds long-term confidence among investors, entrepreneurs, and global travellers,” he said.
