Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is showcasing its commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives at the prestigious travel trade show, World Travel Mart (WTM) taking place in London from November 6 to 8, 2023. The tourism board’s innovative Responsible Tourism Mission, focusing on community-centric practices, took center stage, highlighting unique offerings such as homestays in rural regions.
Under the Responsible Tourism Mission, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board emphasized its dedication to community-driven tourism experiences. Discerning travellers, both international and domestic, have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the state’s rich traditions and sustainable way of living through homestays. The initiative aims to promote tourism that benefits the community in every aspect, ensuring a holistic and immersive experience for visitors.
“Apart from showcasing the long-standing traditional tourism assets of Madhya Pradesh from wildlife to spiritual tourism products, we have kept everything under the umbrella of Responsible Tourism Mission with community at the core. Homestays offer a unique opportunity to discerning travellers from both international and domestic markets to relish traditional tourism products and stay with families in the rural regions. Travellers also get to know about the rich traditions of Madhya Pradesh when they stay in homestays,” said Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Department and Managing Director, MP Tourism Board while speaking exclusively with Travel Trade Insider on the sidelines of WTM 2023.
Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board also unveiled plans to promote offbeat destinations within the state, catering to the evolving preferences of modern travellers. “These unique offerings align with the changing desires of international tourists, who seek exploration beyond routine destinations. The focus on cultural experience-based tourism and excursion programs will allow visitors to delve into the state’s heritage, culture, and customs, empowering youth and rural families while contributing to skill enhancement, employment generation, and economic growth,” shared Shukla.
In a significant achievement, UNESCO recently recognized Gwalior as the city of Music under the Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Gwalior’s inclusion in the UCCN was a result of collaborative efforts led by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, the Municipal Corporation of Gwalior, Gwalior Smart City Development Corporation Limited, Raja Mansingh Tomar Music & Arts University, music artists, and other stakeholders. This acknowledgment highlights Gwalior’s commitment to culture, creativity, and human-centered urban planning, emphasizing the city’s living cultural heritage and its significant annual music festival, The Tansen Sangeet Samaroh.
“Additionally, Madla village, located outside Panna National Park, has received international recognition as one of the 20 villages selected for the UNWTO program. These endorsements from prestigious international bodies are not coming up automatically. It is a result of a lot of hard work, consistent policies and structured framework of implementation of these policies. The world is recognizing Madhya Pradesh’s leadership in nurturing rural areas, preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions. The accolades received from global organizations underscore the state’s dedication to sustainable tourism practices and its position as a must-visit destination for travellers seeking authentic and responsible experiences,” added Shukla.
Divya Kaul interviewed Mr. Shukla at WTM London and personally witnessed the keen interest in the Madhya Pradesh Stall within the UK travel trade fraternity