Uttar Pradesh Tourism made a striking impression at IFTM Top Resa 2025, the International & French Travel Market, with its vibrant pavilion at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles attracting global visitors, dignitaries, and tourism leaders. The stall was inaugurated by Naveen Kumar, Counsellor (Economic & Commercial Wing) / Head of Chancery at the Embassy of India in Paris, and quickly emerged as one of the highlights of the event. At the centre of attention was the centuries-old perfume-making craft of Kannauj, where live demonstrations of the traditional ‘deg-bhapka’ technique fascinated international audiences and positioned the city as India’s perfume capital. Alongside Perfume Tourism, the pavilion highlighted the state’s rich ecotourism offerings, iconic heritage such as the Taj Mahal, Lucknow’s Nawabi architecture, Bundelkhand forts, and spiritual circuits covering Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura-Vrindavan, Prayagraj and the Buddhist Circuit. Adding cultural vibrancy, live performances of Kathak, Kajri and Dedhiya dances drew enthusiastic crowds, while B2B meetings with global travel operators and hoteliers paved the way for strategic collaborations in heritage, pilgrimage, luxury and eco-travel segments. Speaking on the occasion, Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh said the state’s participation aimed at deepening cultural bonds with Europe and reinforcing Uttar Pradesh’s position as the heart of India’s spiritual and cultural tourism. With its focus on living traditions, year-round festivals like Dev Deepawali, Taj Mahotsav and the upcoming Ayodhya Deepotsav, coupled with seamless international connectivity through Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi and Kushinagar airports, Uttar Pradesh projected itself as an unmissable destination for global travellers seeking authentic Indian experiences. Perfume Tourism stood out as the showstopper in Paris, ensuring that the state’s rich heritage and modern tourism opportunities gained renewed attention on the global stage.
