Chief Secretary Shri Ashok Barnwal and Union Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar inaugurated the exhibition on the second day of the Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart 2026 (7th Edition) at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre.
Chief Secretary Shri Ashok Barnwal said that tourism in Madhya Pradesh is witnessing sustained growth, with a steady increase in tourist footfall. He emphasised that special focus is being placed on promoting business opportunities at both the domestic and international levels, with the objective of giving the state’s hospitality and tourism economy a distinctive global identity.
The exhibition at Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart provides a significant global platform for key tourism stakeholders, including tour operators, hoteliers and homestay operators, to expand business opportunities, forge strategic partnerships and explore new avenues for tourism growth.
During his visit to the exhibition, Chief Secretary Shri Barnwal reviewed the various showcases and interacted with exhibitors. He also took keen interest in the interactive digital displays and AI-based digital initiatives being showcased at the event.
Chief Secretary Shri Barnwal Engages with Travel-Tour Operators and Hospitality Stakeholders
Chief Secretary Shri Barnwal visited various stalls at the exhibition and held direct interactions with travel-tour operators, hoteliers and homestay operators from across India and abroad. He discussed their tourism packages, upcoming business plans and the emerging potential for expanding tourism in Madhya Pradesh.
He encouraged the participating stakeholders and emphasised that representatives of the travel and hospitality sectors are playing the role of brand ambassadors for Madhya Pradesh tourism. He urged them to effectively showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage, extraordinary wildlife diversity and distinctive rural tourism experiences on the global stage.
The Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart 2026 (MPTM 2026) features 177 travel and hospitality stalls, making it a significant platform for the state’s tourism ecosystem. The event aims to further accelerate the sustained growth in tourist arrivals to Madhya Pradesh while creating greater opportunities for business networking, partnerships and investment in the tourism sector.
Madhya Pradesh Pavilion Showcases the State’s Distinctive Tourism Experiences
The Madhya Pradesh Pavilion presents the state’s major tourism destinations through an immersive and visually engaging experience. Large digital display screens offer visitors a vibrant glimpse of the state’s magnificent historical forts, wildlife sanctuaries and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Adding a modern technological dimension to the showcase, interactive kiosks enable visitors to independently explore comprehensive information about tourism destinations across Madhya Pradesh based on their interests and preferences. The integration of digital technology has made the visitor experience more engaging, informative and seamless.
Tourism Village Panchvati Brings Rural Madhya Pradesh to Life
Under the rural tourism programme implemented by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, visitors are being offered opportunities to experience the authenticity, culture and charm of rural life in the state.
To bring this unique rural experience alive, a special replica of Tourism Village Panchvati has been created within the Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart premises.
The vibrant showcase offers visitors an immersive experience of rural Madhya Pradesh through a range of activities, including homestay experiences, stargazing, bullock-cart rides, cycling, tribal folk dances, traditional musical performances, archery and displays of traditional handicrafts.
The showcase also features glimpses of national parks, natural waterfalls and Gond paintings. Tribal communities are presenting their traditional lifestyle, cultural practices and stories, providing visitors with an authentic and engaging insight into the rich cultural fabric of rural Madhya Pradesh.
Rich Heritage of Madhya Pradesh Showcased through Art and Craft
Special Art & Craft stalls have been set up to showcase the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of Madhya Pradesh. Visitors can experience the state’s distinctive traditional arts, handicrafts and handloom products, including Bagh Print, Chanderi Sarees, Bhil Art, Bhairava Craft and Batik Print.
These stalls not only provide the state’s traditional art forms with a global platform but also contribute towards preserving, promoting and creating new opportunities for local artisans and craftspeople.
The exhibition reflects Madhya Pradesh’s commitment to positioning its rich cultural heritage, diverse tourism offerings and local craftsmanship on the global tourism map while creating stronger avenues for economic opportunities within the state’s tourism ecosystem.
Secretary, Tourism and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Dr. Ilayaraja T., Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC), Shri Dileep Kumar Yadav, Additional Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Dr. Abhay Arvind Bedekar, FICCI Madhya Pradesh Chairman Shri Mahendra Pratap Singh, along with senior officials, travel and tour operators, exhibitors and hoteliers, were present on the occasion.
