UP Government Announces State Tourism Awards to Promote Rural, Farm and Homestay Tourism

On National Tourism Day 2026, the Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, announced the State Tourism Awards to recognise villages, rural homestays and farm stays that are strengthening tourism through culture, community participation and responsible practices.

The awards invite entries in three categories: Best Tourism Village 2026, Best Homestay (Rural) and Best Farm Stay, with winners to be honoured in Gold, Silver and Bronze tiers.

Designed with a people-centric approach, the initiative encourages villages, families, farmers and rural hosts to showcase authentic tourism experiences rooted in local culture, crafts, cuisine, agriculture and nature. Eligible stakeholders, including those not registered with Uttar Pradesh Tourism, can apply.

On National Tourism Day 2026, the Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, has announced the State Tourism Awards aimed at recognising villages, rural homestays and farm stays that are strengthening tourism through culture, community participation and responsible practices.

The awards invite entries under three categories Best Tourism Village 2026, Best Homestay (Rural) and Best Farm Stay.

Winners will be honoured in Gold, Silver and Bronze categories. The initiative is designed from a people-centric perspective, encouraging villages, families, farmers and rural hosts to step forward and showcase their work in creating authentic tourism experiences rooted in local culture, crafts, cuisine, agriculture and nature.

Importantly, all eligible stakeholders can apply, including those who are not currently registered with Uttar Pradesh Tourism.

Speaking on the initiative, Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said on Saturday, “Uttar Pradesh is steadily emerging as a national model for agriculture and rural tourism. We have already registered over 800 rural homestays with the Tourism Department, and our effort is now to bring many more villages, families and farm stay operators into this ecosystem. Regions such as Gorakhpur, Awadh and Braj are witnessing strong growth in rural tourism experiences, with visitors coming not only from across India but also from countries like Sri Lanka, Spain and Germany. Through these awards, we want to recognise those who are preserving local culture, creating livelihoods and offering meaningful hospitality.”

Principal Secretary Tourism Amrit Abhijat said, “Tourism is no longer about sightseeing, it is about soul seeing. Rural tourism is India’s ‘soft power’. Our aim is to connect travellers with rural life so their visit goes beyond a day or two at monuments and becomes a longer pause rooted in culture and simplicity.” Under the Best Tourism Village 2026 category, villages will be assessed on tourism assets such as heritage, nature, culture, festivals and unique experiences, along with community participation, sustainability measures, visitor facilities and overall readiness to host tourists.

The Best Homestay (Rural) category focuses on authentic rural living experiences, guest comfort, transparency of operations and actual tourist stays, while the Best Farm Stay category recognises farm-based experiences that integrate agriculture, local produce, nature and professionally managed rural hospitality.

Applications are to be submitted online through category-wise registration forms, and stakeholders can also apply by scanning the QR codes shared on the official website of Uttar Pradesh Tourism. The last date for registration and submission is January 20, 2026.

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