Madhya Pradesh rich in nature, history, cultural, and spiritual tourism- Tourism Minister Shri Lodhi.

Bhopal : Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi said that Madhya Pradesh is a rich state in respect of natural, archaeological wealth, cultural, and religious tourism. The glorious history of Madhya Pradesh attracts tourists from across the world. He was addressing a sectoral session on possibilities in the tourism sector at the Regional Industry Conclave Jabalpur today.

Shri Lodhi said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, the tourism sector has made rapid progress. Last year, more than 11 crore tourists visited Madhya Pradesh, with over 5 crore tourists alone visiting Mahakal Lok in Ujjain. He said that Mahakal Lok, along with other religious and cultural sites is being developed as a tourist destination. He said that the development of 23 sites associated with Lord Shri Rama’s exile, including Chitrakoot, as tourism destinations.

Minister Shri Lodhi said that efforts are being made to make Madhya Pradesh a leading state in tourism. Recently, through the PM’s Heli Service Scheme, key tourism spots have been connected. He said that the signing of an MoU for cruise services between Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, connecting Omkareshwar with Statue of Unity in Gujarat. He emphasized on immense opportunities in the tourism sector and encouraged industrialists to invest.

Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla elaborated on the possibilities in the tourism and hospitality sectors and the special features of destination sites. He said that the state has 12 national parks, 25 sanctuaries, 7 tiger reserves, 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (11 tentative and 3 permanent sites), and 2 Jyotirlingas, altogether making it rich in natural, cultural, and historical tourism.

Principal Secretary Shri Shukla acquainted investors with the features of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Policy 2019. He informed that a separate wing has been created for the convenience of investors, with land allocation done transparently through e-tendering. Ultra mega projects investing over 100 crores can be directly allocated government land. Additionally, there is a subsidy of 30% on capital and financial incentives up to 90 crores for investments in rural and remote areas, and projects in the branded category.

He detailed the reserved land prices as 5 lakh rupees per hectare in rural areas, 10 lakh rupees per hectare in urban areas, and 1 lakh rupees per property for heritage properties. Land is allocated on a lease of up to 90 years, with provisions for stamp duty and registration fee reimbursement and permission for mortgaging/giving property as collateral to investors. The tourism policy includes 18 projects such as hotels, resorts, camping sites, heritage hotels, cruise tourism, film studios, and caravan tourism.

Shri Shukla highlighted the vast potential for investment in Madhya Pradesh. Tenders will be issued for the allocation of properties near Panna Tiger Reserve, Laxmipur Palace, Mandu’s Malakam Kothi, Gond Mahal of Jagdishpur in Bhopal, and Mohangarh Fort in Tikamgarh. Investment can be made on more than 400 hectares of land in the state, including over 36 hectares in Bhopal, more than 175 hectares in Indore, more than 186 hectares in Jabalpur, and more than 9 hectares in Khajuraho.

Efforts are being made through the Film Tourism Policy to encourage filmmaking and promote infrastructural development in the film sector. Financial incentives up to 2 crore rupees for feature films, up to 1 crore rupees for web series and TV serials, up to 40 lakh rupees for documentaries produced in Madhya Pradesh, up to 1 crore rupees for cinema hall construction, and up to 90 crore rupees for development of film-related infrastructure are being provided.

Vishal Sharma, Cluster General Manager of Taj Group of Hotels, announced the opening of hotels in Gwalior and Taj and Vivanta in Indore during hotel operations in the state. Impressed by the beauty and tourism activities of the state, Taj Group has decided to open Vivanta in Gwalior and Taj and Vivanta in Indore in the near future. Hotels will also be opened at other locations in the state in the coming time.

Tanuj Garg, Producer and Managing Partner of Ellipsis Entertainment, stated that he came to Madhya Pradesh for film production and has stayed here as Madhya Pradesh is the most conducive state for filmmaking. The natural, historical, and cultural sites here effortlessly attract filmmakers. Production houses and filmmakers are especially attracted to Madhya Pradesh due to subsidies and other incentives received from the state.

Anil Agrawal, Managing Director of Tathastu Group, mentioned that Madhya Pradesh is the best state for investment. He praised the Tourism Department for simplifying the land allocation process. Along with this, the straightforward conduct of officials encourages investors to invest in the state.

Sandeep Vichan, Director of Vision Palace, stated that the state has the potential to become a major center for religious tourism. The construction of 18 Lokas including 2 Jyotirlingas, Maa Narmada, and Maa Sharada deserves commendations.