The seventh edition of the Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart began on Wednesday at the Kushabhau Thackeray Convention Centre (Minto Hall) in Bhopal. The event was inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and includes participation from approximately 100 guests representing 34 countries such as the United States, France, Japan, and Italy.
Buyer-Seller Meetings and Exhibition in Focus
On its second day, Thursday, the trade event featured buyer-seller meetings scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., aiming to facilitate tourism package sharing and industry collaboration. The exhibition segment was also inaugurated on Thursday morning by Chief Secretary Ashok Barnwal alongside Tourism Ministry Secretary Bhuvnesh Kumar. A key
discussion session centered on the theme ‘A Living Landscape of India’s Wildlife: Madhya Pradesh as India’s Wildlife Capital’ followed the exhibition opening.
Experts convened thereafter for strategic round-table discussions targeting Madhya Pradesh’s development as India’s preeminent adventure tourism destination by 2030. The sessions also focused on enhancing the state’s capacity as a conference and exhibition hub with a view to strengthening its tourism economy.
Tourism Growth and Strategic Objectives
Dr Ilaiyaraja T., the Secretary of Tourism and Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, highlighted a historic 57 percent increase in tourist arrivals during 2025. This surge brought the total visitors for the year to
21.05 crore. According to Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board leadership, the core goal of MPTM 2026 is to leverage this rapid growth into global investments, upgraded infrastructure, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Culinary Presentation Reflecting Regional Identity
The event featured a live food counter named ‘Maa Ki Rasoi’ designed to introduce guests to traditional Madhya Pradesh cuisine. This initiative connects with the United Nations’ millet promotion mission and showcased dishes such as 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 using the sil-batta technique.
Post-Event Familiarisation Tours and Delegate Experiences
Following the event, 16 special familiarisation
trips (FAM tours) will engage over 200 experts to explore Madhya Pradesh’s tourism circuits. These cover the Heritage Circuit—including Khajuraho, Orchha, Mandu, Maheshwar, Gwalior, Sanchi, and Bhimbetka—the Wildlife Circuit with Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Panna, Satpura, and Kuno Cheetah Sanctuary, the Spiritual Circuit comprising Ujjain Mahakal Mahalok, Omkareshwar Ekatm Dham, Chitrakoot, and Amarkantak, as well as the Adventure Water Tourism Circuit including Pachmarhi, Chanderi, Tawa, and Gandhi Sagar.
Delegates in Bhopal also participated in heritage walks, birdwatching sessions in Van Vihar, shikara rides on the Upper Lake, and wellness yoga activities, offering them immersive cultural and environmental experiences during their stay.
