In an effort to make the tourist graph more buoyant, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board had broad ranging deliberations on partnering with various global stakeholders at the Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) in Jaipur.
GITB was organised in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) from May 5 to 7.
The state’s rich treasure trove, cultural heritage and natural landscapes were showcased during the meetings with stakeholders from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Poland, Russia, France, Italy, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Mauritius. The discussions crisscrossed through the forts of Gwalior and Mandu to the lakes of Bhopal to the forests of Kanha and Bandhavgarh.
“The state aims to spruce its identity on the global tourism map and establish itself as a leading destination through collaborations and partnerships. We have a plethora of unique attractions and experiential tourism opportunities,” said Bidisha Mukherjee, Additional Managing Director (AMD), Tourism Board.
Maintaining that the state had a robust tourist canvas, Mukherjee said the state was committed to promoting Responsible Tourism practices for preserving the heritage and enrich the local communities.
The multi-pronged deliberations with travel industry professionals, tour operators and the visitors had myriad reflections on the culture, heritage, wild life sanctuaries, pilgrimage destinations and adventure tourism of the state.
Elucidating on the efforts made by the Board to promote eco-tourism Mukherjee said the homestay projects in Mandu, Maheshwar, Gwalior, Khajuraho and the tiger reserves had helped in bolstering an inflow of international travellers. “The homestay projects have charted a robust graph for the foreign tourists. The relatively new concept of taking a slice out of rural life has started expanding its base in the state.This year we are also promoting various offbeat destinations,” she said.
The Board will be hosting the annual conference of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) on August 30, 2024.