Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said tourism development in the state should not be restricted to building infrastructure alone, it must result in cultural renaissance, employment generation, local economic growth and global recognition.UP should leverage tourism for cultural renaissance, jobs and global recognition: AdityanathReviewing the functioning of the Tourism Department at a meeting with officials, the chief minister said Uttar Pradesh is not only a centre of faith but also a representative of India's cultural consciousness, spiritual traditions and knowledge heritage."Tourism development in the state should be linked with cultural renaissance, employment generation, local economic growth and global recognition, rather than being confined to infrastructure creation alone," hewas quoted as saying in a statement.Tourism has a crucial role in accelerating the state's cultural economy and can provide wider opportunities to local products, handicrafts, traditional arts, cuisine and the service sector, he added.Reviewing the Gyan Bharatam Mission, which is aimed at preserving India's knowledge traditions, Adityanath said ancient manuscripts are invaluable treasures reflecting the country's civilisation, philosophy, science and cultural consciousness.Their preservation and digitisation are not merely archival exercises but a means of connecting future generations with their roots.Officials informed the meeting that more than 1.37 million manuscripts have so far been surveyed, digitised and preserved under the initiative.During a review of proposed amendments to the Tourism Policy-2022, the chief minister said Uttar Pradesh should be developed as a leading destination for investment, innovation and experience-based tourism.Discussions were held on developing new tourism circuits, including the Neem Karoli Baba Circuit and the Bundelkhand Fort Circuit.The meeting also deliberated on promoting new concepts such as heritage experience centres under the 'Parampara' initiative, agri-tourism and vineyard tourism. Adityanath said the tourism policy should attract investment, create jobs and offer unique experiences to visitors.Reviewing the newly inaugurated Navy Shaurya Vatika in Lucknow and the under-construction INS Gomti Shaurya Museum, the chief minister said the project would serve as an important medium for acquainting younger generations with patriotism, military valour and India's maritime heritage.He said the facility should be operated by the Lucknow Development Authority.The chief minister also reviewed the under-construction Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Agra and said it is a national responsibility to acquaint younger generations with the inspiring stories of national icons.He directed that the museum should also highlight the historical links between the Maratha Empire and Uttar Pradesh, the role of Ahilyabai Holkar in the restoration of the Kashi Vishwanath temple, the state's cultural heritage, freedom fighters and the culture of Braj.Reviewing the integrated development of Naimisharanya, Adityanath said the site is not merely a pilgrimage centre but a living hub of India's Vedic knowledge tradition, spiritual practices and cultural heritage.He stressed the need to maintain a balance between religious faith, environmental conservation and modern facilities in its development.Officials informed the meeting that projects proposed under the master plan include a Vedic Science Centre, wellness and Vedic theme park, riverfront development, pilgrim accommodation, an interpretation centre and other tourism facilities.The chief minister directed officials to implement the development plan in mission mode.Reviewing the integrated master plan for the Mirzapur-Vindhyachal region, Adityanath said Vindhyavasini Dham is one of the country's major Shakti Peeths and its development plan should be prepared keeping future requirements in view.He directed that the mythology associated with Goddess Sati be presented effectively near major Shakti Peeths and suggested exploring private-sector participation for the purpose. Conservation and restoration works at the ancient Somnath temple in Chitrakoot were also reviewed at the meeting.This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.