Lucknow, June 8 -- In a move aimed at integrating tourism awareness into administrative training, the Uttar Pradesh government has begun exposing future district administrators to the state's cultural, historical and developmental assets through structured field visits, with 107 trainee deputy collectors participating in a heritage tour of Lucknow. The initiative, organised by the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC), is part of a broader effort to ensure that officers entering the administrative system gain first-hand knowledge of the state's tourism potential, heritage sites and development initiatives beyond classroom training. The participants, undergoing the 88th basic training programme for promoted deputy collectors, were taken on a day-long familiarisation tour of Lucknow's prominent historical and cultural landmarks, including the Residency, Bara Imambara, Roomi Gate, Chota Imambara, Picture Gallery and Clock Tower. The officers also visited Kukrail, giving them exposure to the city's ecological and recreational attractions. "When officers experience the state's heritage and tourism destinations firsthand, they develop a deeper understanding of UP's cultural identity and economic potential. This knowledge can contribute to more informed decision-making and stronger promotion of local heritage," said Vedpati Mishra director general tourism Vedpati Mishra. The Lucknow tour is the first in a series of exposure programmes planned for trainee officers. Upcoming circuits will cover destinations including Chitrakoot, Jhansi, Kanpur, Kushinagar, Gorakhpur, Ayodhya, Meerut, Noida and Agra. The tours will also expose officers to wetlands, One District One Product initiatives, defence corridor projects and other development programmes being implemented across the state....