A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been struck between the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department and the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) to build a “tent city” and provide hot air balloon flights and water sports for tourists.
Jaiveer Singh, minister of tourism and culture for the state, added that the MOU would also lead to new job openings.
Uttar Pradesh is currently the most popular state in India for domestic tourists. We want to be number one in the world when it comes to luring international visitors, he said.
The city has undergone dramatic economic and social developments since the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor was built. He explained that a corridor, similar to the KV Corridor, was intended to be built in Mathura by the state government.
According to Varanasi’s former principal secretary Mukesh Kumar Meshram, hot air balloon rides were offered to tourists as a trial run.
Since it has been so well received, plans are in the works to make it a permanent addition. He also mentioned that a poll was being conducted by the tourism agency to determine which water activities may be introduced to the city.
