UP to cover 50 pc cost of English films’ shot in state

Singapore, October 21

Uttar Pradesh will pay a subsidy of about 50 per cent to English films shot in the state’s scenic locations as part of the efforts to promote the state as a leading tourism destination, a top official has said.

“We will pay up to Rs 3.25 crore per film shot in the state which is about 50 per cent of the filming cost,” said Navneet Sehgal, the state’s Principal Secretary for Information, Tourism and Religious Affairs.

This grant to encourage shooting English films featuring scenic locations in the state will be announced soon, said Sehgal who is leading a tourism delegation to ITB Asia 2016, an annual international travel-trade show held here.

The state has been giving the same amount to Indian films shot in the state for the past two years, he said, adding that currently about 100 Indian films were being shot in Uttar Pradesh.

“UP is third most popular tourist destination in India,” Sehgal told Singapore-based tourist and travel agents at a gala dinner last night.

The state government has set a target to increase tourist visitors by 20 per cent a year as part of tourism industry development, he said.

In 2015, the state received 2.5 million foreign tourists and 30 million domestic tourists.

Sehgal elaborated on the state’s tourism locations, health and wellness services at the gathering dubbed as ‘Travel Trade Networking Evening’.

He pointed out that India remains the cheapest for tourist outings given the comparative strength of South East Asian currencies.

Uttar Pradesh has many locations rich in ancient history and religious significance, including the iconic Taj Mahal. — PTI