The Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart (MPTM) 2026 commenced on October 7 at the Kushabhau Thackeray Convention Centre (Minto Hall) in Bhopal. The four-day event was inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and is hosting around 100 delegates from 34 countries, including the United States, France, Japan, and Italy.
Buyer-Seller Meetings and Tourism Exhibition Begin
On October 8, Chief Secretary Ashok Barnwal and Tourism Ministry Secretary Bhuvnesh Kumar inaugurated the buyer-seller meetings and the tourism exhibition. Registered buyers and sellers are engaged in business-to-business sessions running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day. A special discussion titled “A Living Landscape of India’s Wildlife: Madhya Pradesh
as India’s Wildlife Capital” was held following the exhibition opening. Strategic round-table discussions focused on establishing Madhya Pradesh as a leading adventure destination by 2030 and fostering its growth as a conference and exhibition hub.
Tourism Growth and Strategic Objectives
Dr. Ilaiyaraja T., Secretary of Tourism and Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, reported a 57 percent increase in tourist arrivals in 2025, bringing total visits to 21.05 crore. The MPTM 2026 aims to convert this rapid growth into global investments, modern infrastructure, and sustainable livelihood opportunities within the state.
Culinary Initiative Supports UN Millet Mission
The event features a live culinary counter named “Maa Ki Rasoi,” offering traditional
Madhya Pradesh dishes linked to the United Nations’ millet promotion campaign. Menu items served include kodo-methi bhat, jowar-bajra rotis, potatoes in buttermilk, chakki ka saag, nighauna, dal-bafla from Malwa-Nimar, roasted aubergine bharta, and freshly prepared chutneys made on a sil-batta.
Familiarisation Tours Highlight Diverse Circuits
Following the event, 16 familiarisation tours (FAM trips) involving over 200 tourism experts will take foreign and national delegates through multiple circuits in Madhya Pradesh. The Heritage Circuit covers Khajuraho, Orchha, Mandu, Maheshwar, Gwalior, Sanchi, and Bhimbetka. The Wildlife Circuit includes Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Panna, Satpura, and Kuno Cheetah Sanctuary. The Spiritual Circuit visits Ujjain Mahakal Mahalok, Omkareshwar Ekatm Dham,
Chitrakoot, and Amarkantak. The Adventure Water Tourism Circuit covers Pachmarhi, Chanderi, Tawa, and Gandhi Sagar.
Delegate Experiences in Bhopal Include Heritage and Wellness Activities
While in Bhopal, delegates participate in heritage walks, bird-watching activities in Van Vihar, shikara rides on the Upper Lake, and wellness yoga sessions during their stay as part of the event’s program.
