Uttar Pradesh is taking significant steps toward experiential heritage tourism, inspired by Rajasthan. The state is developing a robust and implementable Heritage Tourism Policy to encourage the adaptive reuse of its old forts, palaces, and mansions.
The Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), organized a Heritage Tourism Conclave in Lucknow at Hotel Taj Mahal on Saturday, 7 December. The event aimed to bring together heritage property owners, hotel groups, investors, and consultants to discuss and refine the draft of the new heritage tourism policy before it is submitted to the cabinet for approval.
The welcome address and concept note were presented by Prateek Hira, Chairman of FICCI’s UP Tourism Committee. Hira emphasized that with the advent of new-age travel, which prioritizes experiential travel, heritage tourism goes beyond mere visits. It involves reliving the past by staying in an authentic environment and experiencing narratives through interpretation. Hira stated, “The state of Rajasthan pioneered the concept of ‘Experiential Heritage Tourism.’ The term ‘experiential’ refers to the immersive element added by opening heritage properties—palaces, forts, havelis, and even small old homes—to guests for adaptive reuse, including accommodations and activities. This initiative not only sustains Rajasthan’s tourism economy but also revitalizes these properties, allowing them to continue telling stories of the past and become self-sustaining economic models.”
The conclave brought together over 50 royal families from Uttar Pradesh, leading hotel groups including Oberoi, Taj, Neemrana, MRS, Postcard, Accor, Apeejay Park, Mahindra, and hotel consultants for business-to-business meetings and potential alliance formations. Stakeholders discussed ways to revitalize Uttar Pradesh’s heritage sites and transform them into key tourism destinations.
Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary and Director General – Tourism, assured attendees that heritage properties developed in the state would receive full departmental support, including fiscal benefits. He added that the Department of Tourism would strengthen the surrounding infrastructure, provide publicity support, and install signage to enhance visibility from highways and expressways.
Meshram also noted that several forts and palaces under State Archaeology had been leased to hotel groups for adaptive reuse, and projects are expected to materialize soon.
Special Secretary Tourism, Eesha Priya, presented the draft policy, inviting feedback from attendees. Priya explained, “The policy aims to encourage adaptive reuse of heritage buildings by offering subsidies to those who enroll. The policy is set to launch in 2024-25, pending cabinet approval.”
Prakhar Misra, Director – Tourism, showcased a presentation highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s heritage landscape. Misra discussed the surrounding environments of heritage properties and opportunities to integrate eco-tourism and adventure activities, offering visitors a holistic experience.
Heritage experts and architects delivered presentations on protecting heritage sites while making them commercially viable through adaptive reuse.
An open feedback session, hosted and moderated by Prateek Hira, concluded the conclave. The session aimed to collect recommendations, comments, and questions to ensure the new heritage tourism policy is both robust and practical. Senior officers, including Eesha Priya and Prakhar Misra, addressed most questions during the session, while others were noted for further action with relevant government departments.
Prateek Hira remarked, “Heritage tourism is a subject close to the heart of our Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, who envisions Uttar Pradesh as a heritage tourism destination by repurposing its old palaces, forts, and mansions for adaptive reuse.”
Hira further added, “Under the visionary leadership of its Minister Jaiveer Singh, Principal Secretary and Director General – Tourism Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Special Secretary & Director Eesha Priya, and Director Tourism Prakhar Misra, the Department of Tourism is committed to charting a new growth story for Uttar Pradesh, creating a win-win situation for all stakeholders.”
