Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board organised a roadshow at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Lucknow on Wednesday, 25 June 2025. The roadshow is part of the preparations leading up to the forthcoming Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart – Bhopal, announced from October 11-13, 2025 and the Regional Tourism Conclaves at Rewa, Gwalior and Indore in July, August and September 2025, respectively.
Rajendra Shukla, Deputy Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, was the Chief Guest, and Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture, Tourism, Religious Trusts and Endowments Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh, was the Guest of Honour. Jaiveer Singh, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts & Endowments Department, and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Prateek Hira, Chairman, FICCI Tourism Committee -Uttar Pradesh, Mahendra Pratap Singh, Chairman, FICCI Tourism Committee -Madhya Pradesh and Pankaj Tripathi, renowned Indian actor, were also present on the occasion.
Forging Strategic Alliance
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Department of Tourism, Government of Madhya Pradesh, and the Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, for strategic collaboration in tourism promotion and development. Recognising the rich and complementary tourism offerings of both states, including shared cultural heritage, religious significance, natural landscapes, and historical assets, both states seek to establish a framework for strategic collaboration to jointly promote tourism, develop thematic circuits, and enhance infrastructure and connectivity.
Sheo Shekhar Shukla remarked, “Madhya Pradesh is a land of extraordinary richness and diversity in tourism. The state’s cultural legacy, natural beauty, historic heritage, and wildlife diversity provide visitors with a truly holistic experience. The state has already made an indelible mark on the global tourism map. Tourism is not just about economic growth; it is also a bridge for cultural connection and social inclusion. It is an enabler that empowers local communities, generates employment, and presents our cultural heritage on the world stage. In Madhya Pradesh, tourism is not just about visiting destinations; it is about discovering experiences. We welcome you not only as visitors but as partners in this journey. Your collaboration is vital in strengthening Madhya Pradesh’s standing on the world tourism map.”
Stakeholders Engage in Dialogue
The roadshow provided a platform for bilateral discussions between tour operators, hotel industry representatives, and tourism stakeholders from both Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. These sessions will not only help drive regional tourism growth but will also contribute to the broader vision of national tourism prosperity.
Showcasing Madhya Pradesh’s Rich Cultural Heritage
The roadshow put the spotlight on the cultural wealth of Madhya Pradesh, offering glimpses of its natural, historical, religious, and rural tourism attractions. Notably, the state welcomed 134.1 million visitors in 2024. Sacred sites such as Baba Mahakal, Omkareshwar, Chitrakoot, Maihar, and Amarkantak – the source of the Narmada River – continue to draw pilgrims and spiritual seekers.
Madhya Pradesh is home to 18 UNESCO sites (3 inscribed and 15 in the tentative list), including the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, and Sanchi Stupa. Known as the Tiger State, Leopard State, Gharial State, Cheetah State, and Vulture State, MP boasts the largest forest area in the country and unmatched natural treasures. Pachmarhi, Amarkantak, Bhedaghat, Hanuwantiya, Gandhi Sagar, Tamia, Sailani Island, and Sarsi Island stand as key nature tourism hotspots.
As part of the comprehensive programming, the event included Thatia dance performances by the Gond tribals of Madhya Pradesh, a press conference, and a B2B networking workshop.
Seamless Connectivity from Uttar Pradesh
Travel from Uttar Pradesh to Madhya Pradesh is now more convenient than ever. Major cities like Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra, Kanpur, and Prayagraj enjoy excellent air connectivity with Gwalior, Khajuraho, Bhopal, Indore, and Jabalpur. Rail routes link Rewa, Orchha, Gwalior, and Khajuraho, complemented by an extensive road network that ensures easy access to key destinations within the state.
