MP Tourism Shines on Global Tourism Map

A Favourite Destination for Domestic and International Tourists

Bhopal, Aug 2025 : Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is entering a new era of cultural revival and global renaissance through the path of ‘Heritage to Development’. Tourism plays a pivotal role. The Prime Minister believes that tourism is not only a source of economic growth but also a powerful means to showcase India’s ancient spiritual traditions and cultural heritage to the world.

The “Heart of India” Madhya Pradesh is gaining a prominent place on the global tourism map with its historical treasures, abundant natural resources, religious and cultural landmarks and rich folk traditions. An global magazine listed Madhya Pradesh among the world’s top 10 tourism destinations last year—an achievement acknowledged by the Prime Minister during the celebration of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth anniversary in Khajuraho on December 25. Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Madhya Pradesh’s tourism sector is witnessing unprecedented growth, attracting both domestic and international tourists.

At the core of this transformation is the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Policy 2025, designed to reshape tourism operations and investment strategies. This policy focuses on building a strong tourism ecosystem by enhancing infrastructure, promoting global connectivity, encouraging private investment and offering opportunities in eco-tourism, spiritual tourism and heritage preservation.

MP’s Cultural Legacy Shines Worldwide

• Festivals such as Vikramotsav are giving Ujjain a new global identity while strengthening India’s cultural revival.
• Events like Ujjain’s Damru Vadan, Gwalior’s Tal Darbar (Tabala Wadan or playing), Bhopal Gita Path and Khajuraho’s Kathak Kumbh (Nritya Marathon) have found places in the Guinness Book of World Records.
• Festivals like the Khajuraho Dance Festival, Tansen Music Festival, Bhagoria Festival, and Lokrang showcase the state’s vibrant cultural soul to the world.
• Spiritual destinations like Omkareshwar and Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlingas, Ram Van Path Gaman in Chitrakoot, Janapav, and Sandipani Ashram are major attractions.
• Numerous heritage and cultural projects are underway, including Sant Ravidas Lok (Sagar), Rani Durgavati Memorial (Jabalpur), Devi Lok (Salakanpur, Sehore), Shri Ramraja Lok (Orchha, Niwari), Jam Savli Shri Hanuman Lok (Pandhurna), Shri Pashupatinath Lok (Mandsaur), Atal Memorial (Gwalior), Shri Parashuram Lok (Mhow), Maharana Pratap Lok (Bhopal), Bhadvamata Lok (Neemuch), Rani Avantibai Memorial (Jabalpur), Maa Narmada Mahalok (Amarkantak), Devi Ahilya Lok (Khargone) and Nagalwadi Lok (Barwani).

Rural, Adventure and Water Tourism

• The Homestay Scheme offers direct economic benefits to villagers while giving tourists an authentic local experience.
• Adventure activities like the Ujjain Skydiving Festival and marathons in Pachmarhi and Bhopal are gaining popularity.
• Water tourism initiatives include eco-friendly boats in Maheshwar and pontoon jetties along the Narmada River.

Synergy of Double-Engine Government

• Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASAD Schemes, projects worth Rs. 118.91 crores were approved in 2024–25.
• Key developments include Amarkantak, Pitambara Peeth (Datia), Phoolbagh (Gwalior), and ghats of Chitrakoot.
• Orchha and Mandu are being developed as Challenge-Based Destinations.

Global Recognition

• Madhya Pradesh has actively participated in international events, including the World Rose Convention in Japan.
• The upcoming Regional Tourism Conclave in Gwalior on August 29–30, 2025 will showcase the state’s policies and investment opportunities globally. Madhya Pradesh tourism today represents not just economic growth but also cultural preservation, environmental balance and the ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family).

MP Tourism Achievements

• By October 2024, 10.7 crore tourists visited the state—a threefold increase from 3.41 crore in 2022.
• The state boasts 785 tigers (India’s highest), 11 national parks, 8 tiger reserves, and 25 wildlife sanctuaries.
• Madhya Pradesh has 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Gwalior has been named a “City of Music”.
• Over Rs. 214 crores in private investment and 2 lakh jobs were generated under Tourism Policy 2025.
• The Women-Safe Tourist Destination Scheme, supported by the Nirbhaya Fund, ensures women’s safety.
• The state has become a hub for film tourism with 132 film projects shot here.
• Over 1,000 homestays have been developed in 100 villages to boost rural tourism.
• Bhopal’s Minto Hall has been redeveloped as an international MICE center at a cost of Rs. 99.4 crores.
• From global conventions in Japan to the upcoming conclave in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh is expanding its global presence rapidly.

Madhya Pradesh is fully prepared to host the Regional Tourism Conclave in Gwalior on August 29–30, 2025. The conclave will bring together policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs and other tourism stakeholders to explore the state’s innovative policies and opportunities.