Gautam Buddha Nagar transformation: Inside UP's plan for a Noida tourism hub near Delhi

Gautam Buddha Nagar to be developed as flagship urban and experiential tourism hub.

The Uttar Pradesh government has selected Gautam Buddha Nagar, the district encompassing Noida, to be developed as a flagship model for “Urban and Experiential Tourism,” according to a report by The Indian Express.

The ambitious plan, designed to diversify the state’s tourist appeal beyond its renowned spiritual circuits, was presented at a national tourism ministers' conference this week.

The proposal was unveiled by state Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh at the two-day conference in Udaipur. The initiative falls under the Centre’s ‘One State, One Global Destination’ scheme, with Gautam Buddha Nagar set to be prioritised in its first phase.

The blueprint envisions transforming the district into a multi-faceted destination. Central to the plan is the creation of a vibrant MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) hub.

This includes developing a sprawling hospitality centre spread over nearly 100 acres near Noida’s IT City through private investment, complete with a state-of-the-art convention centre capable of seating approximately 1,000 people.

A unique feature of the proposal is the establishment of a “Climate Change Museum” near the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, promising an immersive experience for visitors. The sanctuary itself is slated for further development as part of a broader urban and ecological tourism circuit. The plan also incorporates a significant push for medical tourism, with an expansion of high-quality health and wellness facilities.

Officials stated that the strategy leverages the district’s prime asset: its proximity and excellent connectivity to the National Capital Region (NCR). This geographical advantage is seen as key to promoting a new dimension of tourism for the state.

“Uttar Pradesh has already established itself as a leading spiritual tourism hub and now aims to expand into modern and urban tourism to make the state a comprehensive destination for every traveller,” Amrit Abhijat, Principal Secretary for Tourism and Culture, was cited as saying by The Indian Express.

Echoing this sentiment, Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “Our proposal for Gautam Buddha Nagar truly reflects a new Uttar Pradesh ready to welcome the world.”

While proposals for Kalinjar Fort and Siddharthnagar have also been prepared under the same central scheme, the government’s immediate focus will be on showcasing Gautam Buddha Nagar as a prototype for modern tourism, signalling a strategic shift in Uttar Pradesh’s efforts to attract a global audience.