On 22 June, 2024, International Yoga Day provided an opportunity for many people to explore the beauty and heritage of various tourist spots in Madhya Pradesh, as per media reports.
The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) and the Union Ministry of Tourism organised yoga sessions at over 50 tourist locations across the state, including UNESCO world heritage sites Khajuraho and Sanchi Stupa.
With the theme ‘Safe Tourist Destination for Women’, more than 5,000 women, including foreign tourists, participated in the Yoga Day celebrations at different tourist sites.
For many, it was their first visit to these locations, offering them a chance to explore the sites and learn about the glorious history and rich culture of Madhya Pradesh. Anurag Uike, Head of the communication department, at MPTB, highlighted this unique opportunity for visitors.
He pointed out, "The idea was to motivate women towards tourism. Therefore, a maximum number of women were invited to participate at every tourist place. Also because they can become aware of tourist places and inspire others also to visit these captivating and historical tourist destinations."
He stated that over 10,000 women are being trained and connected with tourism-related services, and 40,000 women and girls are receiving self-defense training. This initiative not only provides employment opportunities for women in the tourism sector but also enhances the comfort and security of women tourists, particularly solo travellers.
To date, more than 8,000 women have been trained in 48 different job roles within the tourism industry, Uike noted.