At the recently concluded Arabian Travel Market 2024 held in Dubai, Emirates Airlines indicated its interest in operating flights between Dubai and Lucknow. This development emerged during a visit by an Emirates representative to the Uttar Pradesh tourism pavilion at the event.
Uttar Pradesh, renowned for its domestic tourism, is actively seeking to boost international tourist arrivals. The state is showcasing its key attractions such as the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, the forthcoming Mahakumbh, Buddhist sites, historical forts, the Sufi circuit, wildlife reserves, and mythological destinations.
These attractions garnered significant interest from international tour operators at the market. Discussions regarding direct flights to Lucknow with Emirates Airlines were reportedly held, according to Prateek Heera, President of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO).
Uttar Pradesh is home to a diverse range of religious and spiritual tourism destinations, organized into twelve distinct circuits. To broaden its appeal, the state is also expanding its tourism offerings to include niche markets such as weddings, health, and wellness.
Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary of the Department of Tourism and Culture, expressed optimism about the impact of the Arabian Travel Market 2024 on inbound tourism to Uttar Pradesh. He emphasized the state’s commitment to promoting its tourism destinations globally.
The potential establishment of a direct flight connection between Dubai and Lucknow is expected to enhance connectivity and facilitate tourism between the United Arab Emirates and Uttar Pradesh.
