In a significant push to boost community-driven and experiential travel, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has unveiled the State Tourism Awards 2026. The awards, to be presented on National Tourism Day, aim to spotlight and honour villages, rural homestays, and farm stays that are enhancing the state's tourism landscape through cultural preservation, sustainability, and active local involvement.
Categories and Application Process
Entries have been invited across three distinct categories: best tourism village, best rural homestay, and best farm stay. Each category will feature gold, silver, and bronze awards. According to officials, the registration window for these prestigious awards will remain open until January 20. Notably, stakeholders who are not yet registered with UP Tourism are also eligible to apply, broadening the scope of participation. Applications can be submitted online through category-specific forms or by scanning QR codes available on the department's official website.
A New Model for Agri and Rural Tourism
Uttar Pradesh's Tourism and Culture Minister, Jaiveer Singh, emphasised that the state is rapidly becoming a national benchmark for agricultural and rural tourism. This growth is fueled by an increasing demand for authentic, village-based experiences. "We have already registered over 800 rural homestays with the tourism department. Our current effort is to integrate many more villages, families, and farm stay operators into the formal tourism ecosystem," Singh stated.
He highlighted that regions like Gorakhpur, Awadh, and Braj are experiencing a notable surge in rural tourism. Visitors are flocking not just from various parts of India but also from international destinations such as Sri Lanka, Spain, and Germany. "Through these awards, we aim to recognise those who are preserving local culture, generating sustainable livelihoods, and offering meaningful hospitality," the minister added.
From Sightseeing to 'Soul Seeing'
Amrit Abhijat, Principal Secretary of Tourism, remarked on the evolving nature of travel. "Tourism today is not merely about sightseeing; it is about 'soul seeing'. Rural tourism represents India's soft power, where travellers form deep connections with local culture, simplicity, and the rhythms of everyday rural life," he explained. The department's focus is now on encouraging longer stays that go beyond traditional monument-centric visits.
The evaluation criteria for the awards are meticulously designed. For the best tourism village, judges will assess heritage, natural and cultural assets, festivals, community participation, sustainability practices, visitor facilities, and overall readiness to host tourists. The best rural homestay category will judge the authenticity of the experience, guest comfort, operational transparency, and actual tourist footfall. Meanwhile, the best farm stay award will focus on experiences that seamlessly integrate agriculture, local produce, nature, and professionally managed rural hospitality.
This initiative marks a strategic move by Uttar Pradesh to institutionalise and celebrate the grassroots champions of tourism, positioning the state's rural heartland as a premier destination for immersive and responsible travel.
