France and India are leading the way in championing sustainable tourism growth by embracing innovative practices that balance economic development with environmental and cultural preservation. In this dynamic landscape, Uttar Pradesh is redefining its tourism narrative by integrating advanced technology, rich heritage, and wellness initiatives, creating immersive experiences that appeal to modern travelers while safeguarding its cultural roots. This strategic fusion not only boosts responsible tourism but also positions Uttar Pradesh as a forward-thinking destination committed to sustainable growth aligned with global trends set by France and India.

Uttar Pradesh is gearing up to establish a strong presence on the global tourism stage by joining the International and French Travel Market (IFTM) Top Resa 2025, one of the world’s premier travel industry events world’s premier B2B travel exhibitions. The event will take place in Paris from September 23 to 25, 2025, and will gather over 30,000 global tourism professionals from more than 120 countries. As a fast-growing tourism destination, Uttar Pradesh aims to use this global platform to showcase its diverse cultural, spiritual, ecological, and wellness tourism opportunities to the world.

State to Spotlight Varanasi, Ayodhya and Buddhist Trail

Uttar Pradesh will place a special spotlight on its major spiritual destinations—Varanasi, Ayodhya, and the Buddhist Circuit. These cities not only represent the state’s deep spiritual roots but also serve as gateways to centuries of cultural heritage, attracting pilgrims and heritage seekers alike. Through a captivating pavilion, the state will present the essence of these locations using a blend of traditional architecture, artisan products, digital storytelling, and immersive installations.

Varanasi, with its timeless ghats and ancient temples, reflects the core of India’s spiritual life. Ayodhya, now emerging as a global pilgrimage center, holds immense significance for followers of Sanatan Dharma. The Buddhist Circuit, linking sites like Sarnath and Kushinagar, appeals to international visitors, especially from East and Southeast Asia, looking to trace the footsteps of the Buddha.
Tourism Department prepares to highlight holistic wellness cultural heritage and immersive rural tourism at global platform

Beyond spiritual tourism, Uttar Pradesh will promote wellness retreats, Ayurvedic centres, eco-tourism sites, and rural experiences. The state’s tourism department has developed initiatives that support yoga centres, herbal healing programs, village homestays, and cultural trails to attract international travellers seeking meaningful and rejuvenating travel.

France remains a high-priority source market, with nearly 3 lakh French travellers visiting India each year, and 7 lakh Indian tourists heading to France. The IFTM Top Resa event offers an ideal venue to strengthen tourism ties between India and France, opening up two-way opportunities in leisure travel, investment, and cultural exchange.

High-Tech Tools and Immersive Exhibits to Engage Global Visitors

The Uttar Pradesh pavilion will use advanced digital technology to enhance visitor interaction. The tourism department has designed QR code-enabled displays, a new mobile tourism app, and AR-powered selfie zones to make navigation, bookings, and destination discovery more user-friendly and engaging.

Through virtual reality and LED screens, attendees will take visual journeys through UP’s temples, wildlife parks, heritage sites, and offbeat destinations. These tools aim to give a first-hand taste of the Uttar Pradesh experience—digitally accessible, emotionally immersive, and deeply rooted in tradition.

Eco-Friendly Stall Design to Promote Sustainable Tourism

In line with global sustainability goals, Uttar Pradesh will construct its exhibition stall using eco-friendly materials, consciously avoiding the use of plastics. The stall design reflects a strong message: the state not only preserves its ancient heritage but also promotes environmentally responsible tourism. Reusable fixtures, biodegradable decor, and green technology will feature prominently in the layout.

By aligning tourism promotion with environmental awareness, the state seeks to attract tourists who value sustainability and responsible travel practices.

Live Folk Performances to Showcase UP’s Cultural Soul

To offer a full sensory experience, the pavilion will feature live folk dance performances, bringing alive the rich artistic traditions of the state.Visitors will experience captivating live performances of Kathak, Bundeli, Mayur Nritya, and Raas Leela, offering a powerful blend of visual artistry and cultural storytelling that brings Uttar Pradesh’s rich traditions to life.
These performances aim to build curiosity, appreciation, and emotional engagement with the state’s diverse regions.

About IFTM Top Resa

IFTM Top Resa, France’s leading international travel and tourism fair, focuses on business-to-business engagement across all sectors of the tourism industry.The event gathers more than 1,400 travel and tourism brands alongside representatives from over 170 global destinations each year.
It attracts a wide audience of tour operators, travel agents, tourism boards, DMCs, and corporate travel planners from around the world.

The Paris-based expo offers global destinations a unique chance to connect with the European travel market, known for its high outbound travel volume and interest in cultural and experiential tourism.

UP Targets Investments, Footfall, and Global Brand Visibility

By joining this prestigious platform, Uttar Pradesh aims to increase foreign tourist arrivals, attract investment in heritage and wellness sectors, and elevate global awareness of its tourism potential. The state also plans to leverage this event to promote the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, a flagship initiative that highlights traditional crafts and locally made products across districts.

The ODOP offerings will gain international visibility, potentially expanding export channels and driving community-based economic development through tourism.

France and India lead sustainable tourism by prioritizing eco-friendly practices and cultural preservation, while Uttar Pradesh transforms its tourism through technology, heritage, and wellness to create responsible growth and immersive visitor experiences. This approach ensures lasting economic benefits alongside environmental and cultural protection.

With a powerful blend of heritage, spirituality, wellness, and modern technology, Uttar Pradesh is ready to leave a lasting impression at IFTM Top Resa 2025 in Paris. The state’s participation marks not just a tourism promotion campaign, but a strategic effort to position UP as a world-class destination on the global travel map—offering depth, diversity, and authenticity to travellers from across the globe.