Madhya Pradesh Tourism Corporation hosts roadshow in Delhi

Madhya Pradesh, winner of 6 National Tourism Awards, has been one of the forerunners among the economically rising states of the country and is teeming with vast potential of investment in tourism sector. To showcase this resurgent and fast growing tourism sector of the state, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Corporation held a road show in Delhi on 27th May, to present to the Travel Agents, a glimpse into the heart of India.
The occasion was graced by AMD, Ms Tanvi Sundriyal & Shri Subhash Goyal, immediate Past President, IATO.

M.P. is the no.1 state in India in terms of Forest cover .It has 77,700 sq.kms of forest area cover. These Forests are famous for Sal Trees & Bamboo. M.P has 9 National parks & 25 Wildlife sanctuaries, the major ones being Bandhavgarh, Pench, Kanha, Panna, Satpura Wildlife Sanctuary, Chambal Ghadiyal Sanctuary etc.
In addition to wildlife, it boasts of 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Khajuraho, Bhimbetka and Sanchi. Orchha , Gwalior & Mandu are other beautiful architectural sites out of many others. Water bodies like i.e.lndrasagar, Bansagar, Tawa and fun filled Cultural Events i.e. Khajuraho Dance festival, Malwa Utsav, Tansen Festival, Allauddin Music fest, represents M.p's strong culture and traditions.

MP has 2 Jyotirlings: Ujjain & Omkareshwar out of 12 in India, Ujjain is also the city of the holy Shipra River where the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, which happened after 12 years, recently took place. Bhopal and Burhanpur boast of the Muslim Mughal Architecture and thus it is a state with many cultures, religions & traditions.

In textiles, Malwa & Nimar Regions are renowned for their hand Block printed cotton textiles, famously known as Bagh Prints and Chanderi and Maheshwar for their Chanderi and Maheshwari Sarees.

Worlds 1st Broad gauge Rail Restaurant and ’Sair Sapata’at Bhopal &" Holiday on Wheels” by Caravan Tourism. Caravan Tourism has been very popular not only among tourists but also with the film industry.

Jal Mahotsav was one of the biggest achievements and was organized in February 2016. With all water sports and adventure activities together at one place. Tourists from all parts of the country came in huge numbers to attend the 10 days festival.

Madhya Pradesh is also one of the best locations for cinematic Films. Many Famous Films have been shot in M.P.locations . MP Tourism has made policies and incentives to promote various tourism projects in the state and to facilitate their easy implementation. The main amongst them are its forward looking Wayside Amenity policy, land allotment policy and incentive for heritage projects. Incidentally, bids are out for 3 heritage projects.

MP Tourism facilitated the National Conventions of IATO, ATOI and ADTOI in Madhya Pradesh. Lastly, it celebrated 2015-16 as the “MP Tourism Year” which focused on all tourism parameters.
 
Madhya Pradesh Tourism– Major Achievements

• Tourism Policy: The Tourism Policy focused on development of tourism through Public Private Partnerships. Government land has been provided for Infrastructure developments, Film Tourism and provisions for relaxation of stamp duty, luxury tax, land diversion etc have been made under the Policy.

• Land Bank: Madhya Pradesh emerged as the first state to have a tourism land bank as well as a policy for attracting private investment, both in place.

• TVC & Radio Commercials: Highlighting the major tourist destinations, the popular TVCs ‘Hindustan ka Dil dekho’ and ‘MP Ajab hei’ have been widely acclaimed in national and international channels. The latest ‘Rang hai – Malang hai’ has successfully unfolded the different hues of the colourful State. To reintroduce Madhya Pradesh and to offer a vivid experience to tourists, Madhya Pradesh Tourism is working on new TVCs and Radio Jingles.

• Promotional Material in Foreign Languages: For overseas promotion and to reach diverse tourists, Madhya Pradesh Tourism is printing brochures in foreign languages like Chinese, Japanese and German etc.

• International Presence: Madhya Pradesh Tourism in its endeavor to enhance its International presence and to promote State Tourism on a global platform is participating in various International Roadshows organized by Ministry of Tourism and other important Travel Marts like ITB- Berlin and WTM- London, our stall winning the 6th place in its category in ITB Berlin.

• Destination Marketing: Madhya Pradesh Tourism has focused on individual destination promotion. Emphasis on Individual destination like Mandu, Khajuraho, Gwalior, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Orchha and Burhanpur.

• Destination Photography: Photography of new and adventurous destinations like Bansagar Lake, Gandhi Sagar etc. are being done from time to time to promote them.

• Promotion of Water Sports: Keeping the adventure lovers in mind, MPT is promoting water sports including river rafting at orchha, cruises, jetski, etc. throughout the state in its many water bodies like Bargi, Choral, Bhedaghat and Hanuwantiya.

• DTPC: District Tourism Promotion Council, in association with Madhya Pradesh Tourism organizes various Adventure, Culture based theme festivals and Camping activities through which lesser known destinations around the famous ones are being promoted.

• Marketing Offices: New marketing offices are being opened, the latest ones being in Bangalore and Noida, to cater to the growing demand of tourists.

• Tourist Helpline: For Tourist facilitation, Madhya Pradesh Tourism started its Tourist Helpline at Toll free no. 1800-233-7777. We are trying to improve its efficiency by outsourcing it to a professional call centre agency

• WSA: Realizing the importance of key facilities like food, restrooms etc. on highways, `Way Side Amenities’ are being developed at a distance of every 40-50 km. As on date 26 WSA’s have been made out of which 5 units are functioning and a new logo of WSA has been designed. Bids will be out soon for Brown field, green field & invites for Franchise Model.

• Digital Marketing: Madhya Pradesh Tourism in its strive to enhance its digital presence and realizing the importance of Digital Marketing in the current scenario has revamped its website to make it more responsive & user friendly that provides complete information about tourist destinations and bookings the department is having its strong presence on various social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube etc to encourage direct customer interaction.

• Training Institute: MP Hospitality Training Institute has been initiated in Bhopal, Indore in order to provide better service to the tourists. With various courses onboard, the institute is paving way to generate innumerable employment opportunities throughout the state. Under ‘Hunar se Rojgar Yojana’ scheme, Madhya Pradesh Tourism has successfully trained many students, who are now successfully employed in various sectors. Under ‘Paryatak Mitr’ program, it has also trained Coolies, Guides to be informative about their State and be in line with “Atithi Devo Bhava”.

• Tourist Facilitation: Initiatives are being taken to improve the experience of the customers. MPT properties are being up-gradation of facilities by including facilities like swimming pool, conference halls, club, gym etc.

• Standardization in Quality: The Corporation has achieved standardization in quality to such an extent that world record with 24 ISO certificates was set in May 2015. During this period many of the hotel properties also achieved 3 Star and heritage classification from the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India.

• Home Stay Scheme: Madhya Pradesh Tourism’s Home Stay Scheme is for all those Apartment /Bungalow /Cottage owners who can provide accommodation and food facility to domestic and international tourists. This scheme is based on India’s core philosophy and tradition, Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam. This unique and profitable scheme enables property owners to introduce tourists to the culture, cuisine, customs of Madhya Pradesh. Currently, under the Home Stay scheme, 22 property owners have been registered with MPT.

• Infrastructure Development Apart from the Buddhist Circuit, Heritage Circuit for destinations like Mitavli, Padawali, Bateshwar, Orchha, Datia and Chanderi are are also being developed to attract the tourists under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Government of India.

• Narmada Darshan: Packages for Narmada Darshan has been introduced.

• ERP System: Through SAP, ERP system, Resort Management System and Accounting System has been introduced.

• Awards & Accolades: MPT has proved that Madhya Pradesh is the heart of Incredible India and its commendable efforts have been heartily recognized by the many awards and accolades it has won over the years. MPT has won numerous National Tourism Award from Ministry of Tourism, Government of India for consecutive years from 2007 to 2015. The Year 2015 was a record as Madhya Pradesh State was awarded Six National Tourism Awards, the highest number by any State.

• Caravan Tourism: MP is also the first state to introduce caravan tourism service. It has been awarded ‘The Most innovative Tourism Product’ by Ministry of Tourism for this endeavour.

• SEL Shows: After the popularity at Gwalior, Orchha & Khjauraho, sound and light show have been recently started in Indore and Ujjain.

• Rail Coach Restaurant: The Corporation also spread its wings in ushering in innovative tourism projects like Bhopal Express- World’s first broad guage rail coach restaurant in the lake city of Bhopal.

• Cruises: Introduction of Floating cruises in various water bodies across the State serving food and organizing parties.

• Sair Sapata: Development of Sair Sapata in Bhopal as one of the finest in-city picnic spot of the country accessible by a foot suspension bridge.