Lucknow, June 5 -- Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to align tourism development with cultural revival, employment generation and global recognition rather than limiting it to infrastructure creation. Chairing a review meeting of the tourism department on Thursday, the chief minister proposed changes to the state's tourism policy and backed the development of new tourism products, including the Neem Karoli Baba Circuit, Bundelkhand Fort Circuit, agri tourism, vineyard tourism and 'Parampara' Heritage Experience Centres. "Uttar Pradesh is not only a centre of faith but also a custodian of India's cultural consciousness, spiritual traditions and knowledge heritage," Adityanath said, stressing that tourism should create economic opportunities for local communities while promoting traditional arts, handicrafts, cuisine and cultural practices. A major focus of the meeting was the state's effort to leverage its civilisational heritage as a tourism asset. Reviewing the Gyan Bharatam Mission, the chief minister said that the preservation and digitisation of ancient manuscripts was essential for connecting future generations with India's intellectual traditions. Officials informed the meeting that more than 13.7 lakh manuscripts have been surveyed, digitised or preserved so far. The government also unveiled ambitious plans for Naimisharanya, which Adityanath described as a living centre of Vedic knowledge rather than merely a pilgrimage destination. He called for its development as a global hub for Vedic studies, Yoga, Ayurveda and wellness. Proposed projects include a Veda Vigyan Centre, Vedic Theme Park, wellness facilities, riverfront development and an interpretation centre showcasing India's knowledge traditions through immersive technologies. In the Vindhyachal region, the chief minister directed authorities to undertake comprehensive development of the Trikon Parikrama area and create engaging presentations of the mythology associated with Mata Sati near the Shakti Peeth. Facilities are being planned to cater to the expected rise in pilgrim footfall until 2050. The meeting also reviewed key heritage and tourism projects, including the INS Gomti Shaurya Museum in Lucknow, the Naval Shaurya Vatika, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Agra and conservation work at the ancient Somnath Temple in Chitrakoot. Officials said the revised tourism strategy aims to attract investment, create jobs and position Uttar Pradesh as a leading destination for experience-based tourism while showcasing the state's rich cultural, spiritual and historical legacy to a global audience....