Monday, September 4, 2023
With Uttar Pradesh’s rapidly changing image, attempts are being made to make it a wedding destination state. According to the state’s Tourism Secretary Mukesh Meshram, 100 historic forts and ‘havelis’ in Uttar Pradesh have been recognized as potential destinations for destination weddings.
Mukesh Meshram, Director General of UP tourism department and Secretary, tourism and culture, Uttar Pradesh, claimed that 100 historic forts and ‘havelis’ around the state were being identified as potential settings for destination weddings.
He was addressing at a “Wedding Conclave” in Agra on Saturday evening, which was organized by the Wedding Industries Association of Uttar Pradesh in collaboration with the UP Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
“There is a positive change in the image of Uttar Pradesh globally. Not one or two but many of the districts in UP are becoming major attractions for tourists. There is a connection between tourism and wedding ceremonies when it comes to social aspect,” Hindustan Times quoted Meshram as saying.
“As such we have identified at least 100 old forts and ‘havelis’ to be developed as venues for destination weddings in UP and the first ever Wedding Conclave in Agra is step forward in this direction. Various districts of the state have both cultural heritage and spiritual importance,” he said.
“More than 32 crore tourists visit UP in a year as districts in the state are now better connected. Interest is being shown in the rural belt of Agra and Mathura districts as possible wedding destinations. Out of 24 ‘Teerthankars’ of Jain religion, 18 have sites associated with them in UP,” stated Meshram.
“We have enhanced subsidy for building hotels in the state and Agra, a city with such a strong chain of hotels can be an ideal hub of destination weddings. Efforts are being made to make Uttar Pradesh as a state where tourists find themselves at home and on return, carry fond memories,” he said.
Manish Agarwal, president of the Wedding Industries Association of Uttar Pradesh, welcomed the visitors and expressed optimism that the tourist infrastructure present will yield greater results, with Agra becoming a destination wedding centre.
Avinash Chandra, Joint Director (tourism), UP, urged Agra residents to play an active role in making the city a destination wedding center.
Tags: India, Uttar Pradesh, wedding destination
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