Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart 2025 successfully highlights state’s diverse tourism potential

The three-day grand event Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart 2025, organised by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, ended on a successful note on October 13 at Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre (Minto Hall), Bhopal. Upholding the spirit of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, the event was not merely a business convention but a vibrant celebration of cultural confluence and global collaboration. The Mart witnessed participation from over a hundred international tour operators representing twenty-seven countries, along with delegates from various Indian states, hoteliers, investors, and more than seven hundred participants.

During the closing ceremony, Shambhala Resort (Bhopal) received the First Prize for Best Stall, Yar Nagar Jungle Resort (Budhni) the Second, and Enchanting Madhya Pradesh (Gwalior) the Third Prize. Sponsors, Gramstay, and homestay operators were also felicitated for their contributions.

Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, minister of state (independent charge), tourism, culture and religious trusts & endowments, said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the tourism sector has emerged as one of the fastest-growing industries in the country, showcasing the immense potential of Madhya Pradesh. Blessed with diverse natural beauty, sacred spiritual sites, rich wildlife, and glorious heritage, Madhya Pradesh continues to attract travellers from around the world. With the consistent rise in tourist arrivals, the state is establishing a strong global identity. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav for his leadership and support, adding that through new Tourism and Film Policies, Madhya Pradesh will achieve new heights in the coming years. Extending warm appreciation to all esteemed guests, participants, and partners, he said that Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart 2025 will provide wings to the state’s tourism growth.

Sheo Shekhar Shukla, additional chief secretary, tourism, culture, home, and religious trusts & endowments, and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, said that hosting all esteemed guests in Madhya Pradesh has been a matter of immense pride and joy. The vision of bringing all tourism stakeholders together on a single platform has been realised through the Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart. The dialogues, partnerships, and collaborations fostered here are truly commendable. He urged tour operators and hoteliers to send more visitors to Madhya Pradesh, assuring that the state will always welcome them with open hearts and provide unforgettable experiences.

Bidisha Mukherjee, additional managing director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, remarked that the success of Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart 2025 was greatly supported by pre-event activities such as roadshows, regional tourism conclaves, familiarisation trips, and influencer meets. With the participation of over seven hundred delegates, the event successfully highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s vast tourism potential. Sessions on Film, MICE and Wedding Tourism, and Eco-tourism showcased the state’s multi-dimensional strengths. Through vibrant cultural performances, culinary demonstrations, and strong national and international participation, the Mart has reinforced Madhya Pradesh’s global image and opened doors for high-value business collaborations.

Foreign tour operators share their experience

Eric Holliday, director, Wales Beckons Ltd (UK), said, “It has been a truly incredible and unforgettable experience. The opening ceremony was vibrant, authentic, and deeply inspiring. Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart truly represents the heart of India.”

Peter Rees-Jones, director, NEI UK, said, “Having first visited India decades ago, returning now and witnessing such phenomenal progress in the tourism sector is remarkable. The warmth, spirituality, and diversity of Madhya Pradesh make it a perfect destination for global travellers.”

Aurelie Daillac, Be Away Agency (Bordeaux, France), said, “It was my first time participating in such an inspiring event in India. The experience has been extraordinary, and I feel truly grateful to be here. I look forward to promoting the beauty and culture of Madhya Pradesh across France.”

Highlights and achievements of Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart 2025

• As per the vision of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart will be held annually from October 11-13 in Bhopal at the same venue.

• Local tour and travel operators, hoteliers, and rural homestay owners received a global platform.

• Opportunity to connect and build business relations with over one hundred international and one hundred fifty leading domestic tour and travel operators.

• Participation of more than seven hundred international and national delegates with over four thousand business-to-business meetings conducted.

• Investment proposals worth Rs 3,665 crore were received during the Mart.

• Participation of 27 countries elevated the event to the status of a global convention.

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with Balaji Telefilms, under which the company will produce films and web series worth Rs 50 crore over the next five years in Madhya Pradesh.

• Launch of the new TV commercial “The Sitarist”, featuring world-renowned sitarist and daughter of Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar, Anoushka Shankar.

• Letter of Award issued to Indore Treasure Town Pvt. Ltd. for developing a Golf Course at Ninod, Raisen district, and a Wellness Resort at Najarpura Island on the Indira Sagar Reservoir in Khandwa district, with a total investment of Rs 386 crore.

• MoU signed with Atavi Bird Foundation, Bengaluru, to promote bird tourism in Madhya Pradesh, marking a new chapter in eco- and adventure tourism.

• Partnership with ‘Curly Tales’, a leading travel, food, and lifestyle platform, to enhance digital promotional campaigns.

• MoU signed with EaseMyTrip for establishing Tent Cities at Hanuwantiya, Mandu, and Tamia.

• MoU signed with Aagman India Travel for establishing Tent City at Orchha.

• Letter of Award issued to Trans Bharat Aviation and Jet Serve Aviation Pvt. Ltd. to commence regional helicopter services across three sectors, connecting major tourist, pilgrimage, and wildlife destinations.

• Under the ‘Narmada Cruise Project’, a cultural and spiritual cruise service will operate from Meghnath Ghat in Dhar district to the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. To implement this historic initiative, Letters of Acceptance were awarded to five companies — Jungle Camps India, Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Ltd., Absolute Tech Management LLP, Seina Infotainment Pvt. Ltd. (Indore), and Htch Pvt. Ltd.

• The first panel discussion on “Madhya Pradesh: From Hidden Gem to Global Icon” focused on the state’s heritage, wildlife, eco-tourism, and festivals.

• The session on “The Future of Film Sector in Madhya Pradesh: From Reel to Real Growth” explored opportunities to position Madhya Pradesh as a global film hub.

Tourism