Lucknow, Feb 23 (IANS): The Uttar Pradesh Travel Mart 2015, a joint initiative of Ficci and UP Tourism got off to a dazzling start with a mix comprising a cultural programme, policy initiative announcements as well as a fireworks show.

The event took place Sunday in front of the colourfully lit Constantia building of La Martinere College, where Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav formally declared the travel mart open.

Addressing the gathering of tour operators from 24 countries, Yadav said the initiative was a heartening one as this would highlight the hitherto unknown aspects of the tourism potential of Uttar Pradesh.

Foreign tour operators would be taken on familiarisation tours in the heritage circuit, wildlife Circuit and the Buddhist circuit over the next three days after which they would gather at Agra where a de-briefing session would be held, director general (tourism) Amrit Abhijaat told IANS.

Yadav said 'The Heritage Arc' - made up of Lucknow, Agra and Varanasi - has proven to be a fascinating experience for tourists and would be promoted further to increase footfalls.

Speaking of the myriad possibilities that the city of Lucknow offers, he said the state had already unveiled major policy initiatives and would soon be adding to them so that tourism receives a boost.

Taking an indirect potshot at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is an MP from Varanasi, the chief minister said the central government should provide more funds to Varanasi as the state government was already doing a lot for the cities of Agra and Lucknow.