Madhya Pradesh: Emerging as India’s Most Dynamic Tourism Powerhouse
Over the past year, Madhya Pradesh has emerged as one of India’s most vibrant tourism success stories, welcoming more than 13 crore tourists from across the country and the world. This remarkable achievement is not incidental; it is the outcome of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visionary national framework for tourism and its focused execution under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav.
Tourism in Madhya Pradesh today reflects the spirit of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi”, where development goes hand in hand with heritage conservation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
PM Narendra Modi’s Vision: Tourism as a Pillar of Viksit Bharat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasized tourism as a key driver of:
- Economic growth
- Employment generation
- Cultural diplomacy
- Global image-building
His vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, and Experience-based tourism has provided a national roadmap for states to unlock their tourism potential.
Inspired by this vision, Madhya Pradesh has positioned tourism not merely as a sector, but as a growth engine connecting heritage, spirituality, nature, rural life, and modern infrastructure.
Under Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Madhya Pradesh has translated this national vision into policy-driven, result-oriented action.
Key focus areas of his leadership include:
- Strengthening tourism governance
- Enhancing connectivity and infrastructure
- Promoting investment and employment
- Ensuring community participation
The result is visible in record tourist arrivals, global recognition, and inclusive tourism models.
Tourism Policies 2025: A New Roadmap for Growth
To strengthen Madhya Pradesh’s position as a world-class tourism destination, the state government approved two landmark policies:
Tourism Policy–2025
This policy aims to develop Madhya Pradesh as the best tourism destination in India by encouraging private investment, improving tourism infrastructure, and promoting sustainable and experiential tourism.
Film Tourism Policy–2025
To create new avenues for investment and employment, the Film Tourism Policy–2025 was approved, positioning Madhya Pradesh as a preferred destination for national and international film productions. This policy will not only promote tourism through cinema but also create opportunities for local artists, technicians, and youth.
Rural Tourism: Empowering Villages Through Homestays
Madhya Pradesh has taken a significant step towards inclusive and community-based tourism.
- 241 homestays have been developed in 121 villages across the state.
- The ambitious target is to develop 1,000 homestays, providing tourists with authentic rural experiences while generating direct income and employment for local families.
This initiative is transforming villages into tourism hubs and ensuring that tourism benefits reach the grassroots.
National Recognition: Best Tourism State of the Year
Madhya Pradesh’s efforts received national acclaim when it was awarded “Best Tourism State of the Year” at the prestigious Travel and Tourism Conclave and Awards.
Additionally, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board was recognized as the Best Tourism Board in the country, highlighting its innovative campaigns, infrastructure development, and promotion strategies.
Air Connectivity Boost: PM Shri Tourism Air Service
To enhance accessibility and tourist convenience, the state launched the PM Shri Tourism Air Service.
Under this initiative, eight major cities- Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Rewa, Ujjain, Gwalior, Singrauli, and Khajuraho – have been connected through air services, significantly improving inter-city and tourist connectivity.
This initiative is a game changer for domestic and international tourists alike.
Spiritual Tourism: PM Shri Religious Tourism Heli Service
Recognizing the importance of religious tourism, Madhya Pradesh has launched the PM Shri Religious Tourism Heli Service.
This service ensures faster and more comfortable access to important religious destinations, particularly benefiting senior citizens and pilgrims, and strengthening Madhya Pradesh’s identity as a major spiritual tourism hub.
Bhopal’s Lake Tourism: Shikara Experience
Adding a new dimension to urban tourism, 20 Shikara boats were launched in Bhopal’s iconic lake, inspired by the famous Dal Lake of Kashmir.
This initiative enhances the tourism experience in the state capital and offers visitors a blend of natural beauty, culture, and leisure.
Awards and Accolades: 18 Tourism Awards
In the past year, Madhya Pradesh has received 18 prestigious awards in the tourism sector, reaffirming its leadership and innovation in tourism development.
These awards reflect excellence in heritage conservation, wildlife tourism, infrastructure, branding, and visitor experience.
UNESCO Recognition: Global Heritage on the Rise
Madhya Pradesh has achieved a major milestone on the global heritage front.
- Six heritage sites from the state have been included in UNESCO’s Tentative List of India.
- Additionally, four historic heritage categories—
- Emperor Ashoka’s inscriptions
- Chausath Yogini Temples
- Gupta-period temples
- Forts and palaces of Bundela rulers have been included under Serial Nomination in the Tentative List.
This recognition strengthens Madhya Pradesh’s global cultural identity and heritage tourism potential.
Boost to International Cinema: MoU with Spain Film Commission
To promote international filmmaking in the state, Madhya Pradesh signed an MoU with the Spain Film Commission.
This partnership will attract global filmmakers, showcase the state’s diverse landscapes internationally, and boost film-induced tourism, investment, and employment.
Wildlife Tourism Infrastructure: Panna National Park
Strengthening wildlife tourism facilities, 10 new weaving canter buses were launched at Panna National Park.
These eco-friendly vehicles enhance tourist safety and comfort while promoting sustainable wildlife tourism.
With record tourist arrivals, progressive policies, improved connectivity, global recognition, and community participation, tourism has emerged as a powerful growth engine for Madhya Pradesh.
From heritage and spirituality to wildlife, rural experiences, cinema, and urban leisure, the state offers a 360-degree tourism experience. These achievements are not just milestones, they represent Madhya Pradesh’s commitment to sustainable development, employment generation, and global excellence.
Madhya Pradesh today stands proudly as India’s most promising tourism destination, ready to welcome the world.
