CM Mohan Yadav has said that rural tourism is an effective medium for self-reliance and self-pride. Through tourism activities at the village level, youth get employment and economic development opportunities locally, such tourism also giving national and international recognition to our rich cultural heritage, festivals, and cuisine. The home-stays being developed in the state are becoming a medium to realize the Indian cultural tradition of “Atithi Devo Bhava”. It is the effort of the home-stay operators and the state government that all guests visiting the state carry with them a positive image and pleasant memories.
Along with tourism, the Panchayat and Rural Development Department, Tribal Affairs Department, etc., are working in coordination towards this direction. In Indian culture, pilgrimage has been a tradition for centuries. People around the world travel for leisure and pleasure, but Indians set out on the spiritual journey of Char Dham to attain salvation, during which they fulfill Sanatan cultural values and become acquainted with the diverse lifestyles and traditions of other states.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is promoting the spirit of mutual trust in line with Indian values. Despite global upheavals, the country is progressing steadily. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav expressed these views while addressing the state-level festival ‘Gramin Rang Paryatan Sang’. He inaugurated the program by lighting a lamp at Kushabhau Thakre Auditorium.
Website launch for Responsible Tourism Mission, Exhibition visit
CM Mohan Yadavvisited the exhibition set up by participants and institutions from various districts under the ‘Gramin Rang Paryatan Sang’ festival aimed at encouraging rural tourism-focused activities.
He also created clay artifacts on the potter’s wheel. He launched a dedicated micro-website for the Responsible Tourism Mission of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board and virtually inaugurated 241 home-stays constructed in various villages of the state.
MOUs signed to promote tourism
In the programme, an MoU was signed between Signify and the Tourism Board for installing LED and solar lights in 61 villages. Also, MoUs were exchanged between Scope Global Skill University and the Tourism Board for film production and digital promotion, and between MP Tourism Board and MPSEDC.
Tourism to benefit from Wellness Summit
CM Mohan Yadav said that soon, on the lines of Uttarakhand, helicopter service for tourists will be started in the state through the State Tourism Board. The state government has organized a summit to enhance wellness facilities for tourists.
When tourists come here, they will get access to wildlife tourism, religious tourism, and health facilities. This will boost medical tourism and benefit the state’s economy.The State Tourism Board is progressing on the path of development independently.
The promotional films prepared by the Tourism Board were remarkable. A new action plan should be made for their use. Madhya Pradesh will not only achieve top position in India but also in the world in the field of tourism.
CM Dr. Yadav interacts with home-stay operators
CM Mohan Yadav felicited 10 district collectors, including those from Narmadapuram, Agar, Chhatarpur, Niwari, Morena, Sehore, Sidhi, and Panna, who achieved 100% target in home-stay construction.
It is noteworthy that home-stays are being constructed in 37 districts of the state.
CM Mohan Yadav also honored sarpanches of 16 gram panchayats and representatives of related institutions such as DATCC for their cooperation in promoting rural tourism in districts, by giving them certificates of appreciation. He also interacted with home-stay operators from Chhindwara and other districts.
526% increase in number of tourists
CM Mohan Yadav said that compared to 2020, in 2024, 526% more tourists visited Madhya Pradesh. The number of tourists visiting Kanha, Pench, and Bandhavgarh, apart from Orchha and Khajuraho, have increased.
These three parks are among the top five national parks in the country.
Kanha has received the top spot among the country’s national parks. India has the highest number of tigers in the world, and Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of tigers in India.
This is a matter of pride for the people of the state. Apart from tigers, vultures, crocodiles, gharials, and many other wild animals are also present in the state.
He said that the initiative of starting about 241 home-stays at major tourist destinations by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is innovative. Home-stays have been started at tourist places including Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Pench national parks, where tourists can enjoy the rural environment, traditional food, local culture, and folk music.
Target to build 1000 home-stays in state
Minister of State for Tourism and Culture (Independent Charge) Mr. Dharmendra Bhavsingh Lodhi informed that last year, more than 13.41 crore tourists visited the state.
Under the leadership and guidance of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, the tourism department is promoting tourism through innovations.
121 villages have been selected and 241 home-stays have been developed. The government has set a target of constructing 1000 home-stays. At the national level, the Government of India has identified the best tourism villages.
It is a matter of pride that Madla village in Panna district, Ladpura Khas in Niwari, and Khas village in Sidhi district have been honored among them. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, our goal is to promote village tourism so that every villager becomes self-reliant and Madhya Pradesh becomes number one in tourism in the country.
Facilities for differently-abled at tourist destinations
Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare Mr. Vishwas Kailash Sarang said that under the leadership of Chief Minister CM Mohan Yadav, development is happening in every sector of the state.
Considering the unique selling points (USPs) of each sector, citizens are being trained and employment opportunities are being provided. Madhya Pradesh has been a leader in the field of tourism. Home-stay is an innovative effort to accelerate tourism.
Responsible Tourism Mission and inclusive development
Principal Secretary of Tourism Mr. Shiv Shekhar Shukla highlighted the role of the Responsible Tourism Mission. He said that Madhya Pradesh Tourism Corporation is working in mission mode to build home-stays in rural areas, provide hospitality training to villagers, and develop facilities.
Ten thousand women have been given hospitality training. Also, women from self-help groups and artisans are preparing handicrafts that tourists buy and take with them, and these products are also receiving orders from prestigious hotels across the country.
The Panchayat and Rural Development Department is also assisting the Tourism Board in promoting tourism in villages. Facilities are being developed at tourist destinations for differently-abled brothers and sisters. CSR funds are being utilized to maintain cleanliness at tourist sites.
The programme was attended by Minister of State for Minority Welfare (Independent Charge) Smt. Krishna Gaur, Bhopal Municipal Corporation President Mr. Kishan Suryavanshi, Principal Secretary of Rural Development Smt. Deepali Rastogi, collectors and senior officials of districts, and representatives from various districts and institutions.