The Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart 2026 commenced in Bhopal as a four-day event focusing on tourism promotion through business-to-business (B2B) meetings and a tourism exhibition. The event was inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on Wednesday, with Chief Secretary Ashok Barnwal and Tourism Ministry Secretary Bhuvnesh Kumar formally opening the B2B platform and exhibition the following Thursday morning.
Approximately 100 guests representing 34 countries, including the United States, France, Japan, and Italy, are participating in the event held at the Kushabhau Thackeray Convention Centre’s Minto Hall. These international participants are engaging with domestic tour operators to exchange
tourism packages and collaboration opportunities.
Tourism Exhibition and Buyer-Seller Meetings
The tourism exhibition was inaugurated Thursday morning, followed by a session titled ‘A Living Landscape of India’s Wildlife: Madhya Pradesh as India’s Wildlife Capital’. Subsequent to this, experts initiated strategic round-table discussions aimed at positioning Madhya Pradesh as India’s premier adventure tourism destination by 2030. Registered buyers and sellers engage in organized meetings daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the event.
Tourism Growth and Strategic Objectives
Dr. Ilaiyaraja T., Secretary of Tourism and Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, reported a 57% increase in tourist arrivals in Madhya Pradesh in 2025, reaching a total of 21.05
crore visitors. The event aims to convert this rapid tourism growth into global investment, upgraded infrastructure, and sustainable local livelihoods, reflecting the state’s ambition to solidify its status as a hub for conferences, exhibitions, and wildlife tourism.
Cultural Engagement and Culinary Experience
The Travel Mart features a live food counter named ‘Maa Ki Rasoi’, offering traditional Madhya Pradesh cuisine that aligns with the United Nations’ millet promotion initiative. Dishes served include kodo-methi bhat, jowar-bajra rotis, chakki ka saag, nighauna, dal-bafla, aubergine bharta, and fresh chutneys prepared using traditional methods.
Familiarisation Tours and Delegate Activities
After the event, sixteen familiarisation tours (FAM trips) involving over 200 experts are planned to showcase
Madhya Pradesh’s tourism circuits. These include the Heritage Circuit covering Khajuraho, Orchha, Mandu, Maheshwar, Gwalior, Sanchi, and Bhimbetka; the Wildlife Circuit with Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Panna, Satpura, and Kuno Cheetah Sanctuary; the Spiritual Circuit featuring Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Chitrakoot, and Amarkantak; and the Adventure Water Tourism Circuit focusing on Pachmarhi, Chanderi, Tawa, and Gandhi Sagar. Delegates are also offered cultural experiences in Bhopal, such as heritage walks, Van Vihar bird walks, shikara rides on the Upper Lake, and wellness yoga sessions.
