Caravan units to souvenir shops & cuisines: UP Tourism dept’s plan for local economy boost

The Tourism Department is looking at private investment options for the development and operation of caravan units. These units would be at least 8.5 metres long and are built for travel as well as accommodation with a minimum requirement of a sofa-and-bed for two, a kitchenette with fridge and microwave, apart from toilet facility. The units would also provide internet connectivity as well as real-time monitoring systems for safety purposes.

Officials said that these units would be “lodging on wheels”, which can be availed of by tourists for planning prolonged destination visits across different parts of the state, especially eco-tourism spots. Sources inform that the idea is to promote availability of “mobile and comfortable lodging”.

Also, targeting larger tourist crowds especially in the religious tourism segment, the Tourism Department is also preparing to seek investment in the budget hotel category, offering subsidies and incentives to interested investors. As for the criteria, interested players should have a minimum of 10 lettable rooms, each with an attached bathroom. Officials said the idea is to give a boost to tourism infrastructure, which is accessible, affordable and at the same time have a good quality. The government will provide subsidies on the capital investment of these units, along with 100 per cent exemption on stamp duty as well as development charge.

Apart from these, with Uttar Pradesh having a largely agrarian economy, the Tourism Department has also sought proposals for “experience driven tourism” especially in the rural and village areas. Officials inform that the proposals have been sought to “co-create immersive village experiences”, which would showcase not just the local lifestyle and culture but also local crafts, cuisines. The minimum requirement for thee would be that these would be developed on a minimum one acre of land centered around promoting “rural life, culture, craft, cuisine and heritage”.

These projects are required to have at least one souvenir shop to promote local craft, a restaurant with seating capacity of at least 30 people, parking facility and an exhibition area.

Incentives for the approved projects would include 100 per cent exemption on stamp duty, land conversion as well as development charges.

Further, subsidy of 25 per cent on capital investment of Rs 10 lakh to 10 crore, 20 per cent on investment upto Rs 50 crore, 15 per cent on investment upto Rs 200 crore and 10 per cent on Rs 500 crore and more, is being offered by the Tourism Department.