ETW Staff – Mumbai
The third edition of Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart, to be held from October 14-16, 2016 in capital city Bhopal, will have a special focus on promoting domestic and inbound tourism into the state to reaffirm its position as a preferred global tourist destination. Alongside, Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC) also aims to market Madhya Pradesh as a year-round destination.
Hari Ranjan Rao, managing director, Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC), commented, “MP Tourism will also be launching some of its own activities along with the private companies. The policy will also include development of way side amenities in association with private companies. The state has incredible potential in terms of heritage properties with Madhavgarh Fort, Govindgarh Fort and Fort Orchha at its disposal.”
MP Travel Mart promises to provide an opportunity to tap into this market by bringing a forum of effective one-to-one business meetings. MP Travel Mart aims to create a platform that will offer the perfect environment for like-minded people from the travel trade to interact and do business together. The goal is to ensure each participant, whether its the exhibitor, buyer or visitor, gets value for their investment and time spent.
The state has also launched a new tourism policy on September 20, 2016, that include some changes in the rules and aid involvement of private players. A special tourism cabinet has been formed which will entirely focus on promoting tourism in the state. The new forest recreational rules will allow development in good quality forest, which was not accessible earlier. This forest area does not fall under wildlife sanctuaries or wildlife parks. The forest department has pointed out 15-16 areas that can be transformed around Indira Sagar Dam, Indore etc. A permit will allow private companies to buy land and start adventure activities. MP tourism will also be launching some of its own activities along with the private companies. The policy also includes development of way side amenities in association with private companies.
Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh was adjudged the best state for comprehensive development of tourism, followed by Gujarat and Karnataka respectively, at the National Tourism Awards for the year 2014-2015. Additionally, Monuments of Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh were declared the best maintained and disable-friendly monument.