From Hidden Hamlets To Heritage Homes: UP Tourism Launches State Tourism Awards 2026

Updated: January 10, 2026 08:00

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The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has announced the State Tourism Awards 2026, focusing on villages and homestays. The initiative aims to recognise excellence in rural tourism, promote community participation, and encourage sustainable, culturally rich travel experiences across the state.

The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has officially launched the State Tourism Awards 2026, marking a significant step toward strengthening rural and community-driven tourism across the state. This initiative places villages and homestays at the centre of tourism development, aligning with the state’s broader vision of inclusive and sustainable growth.

Key Highlights

Recognition Of Rural Excellence

The awards are designed to honour villages that have successfully developed tourism through cultural preservation, cleanliness, visitor experience, and local engagement. By acknowledging village-level efforts, the programme aims to bring lesser-known destinations into the tourism spotlight.

Focus On Homestay Ecosystem

Homestays will be a major category under the awards, recognising hosts who deliver authentic, high-quality experiences to travellers. Emphasis will be placed on hospitality standards, safety, cleanliness, and the promotion of local traditions, cuisine, and crafts.

Boost To Sustainable Tourism

The awards encourage environmentally responsible practices, community participation, and heritage conservation. Villages and homestay operators adopting eco-friendly measures and supporting local livelihoods will receive special consideration.

Encouraging Grassroots Participation

By opening the awards to rural stakeholders, UP Tourism seeks to empower local communities, create employment opportunities, and distribute tourism benefits beyond major cities and established destinations.

Strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s Tourism Brand

The State Tourism Awards 2026 are expected to enhance Uttar Pradesh’s image as a diverse tourism destination offering spiritual, cultural, and rural experiences. Recognising excellence at the grassroots level will help build traveller confidence and inspire best practices across the state.

The launch of these awards reflects a strategic shift toward experiential and responsible tourism, in line with changing traveller preferences. By celebrating villages and homestays, Uttar Pradesh is positioning itself as a leader in community-based tourism while preserving its rich cultural and natural heritage.

Sources:Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India

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