Madhya Pradesh, March 7, 2025: With the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Madhya Pradesh presents limitless opportunities and vast potential for tourism investment. If any state stands out for offering comprehensive facilities to investors while providing unique experiences for every traveller, it is Madhya Pradesh. Recognizing the state’s expanding tourism sector and rising investments, I firmly believe that in the future, the Global Investors Summit will be exclusively focused on tourism,” said Chief Minister Dr. Yadav while addressing the Tourism Summit at GIS. He emphasized that continuous efforts are underway to strengthen tourism infrastructure, improve connectivity, and ensure visitors have an unforgettable experience in the state. Dr. Yadav stated that, in accordance with government directives, regular air services are being operated to enhance tourists’ confidence. In addition to affordable air travel for general passengers, the state also provides free ambulance services for Ayushman Card holders.
Madhya Pradesh not only provides an exceptional wildlife tourism experience but also actively fosters environmental conservation and the principle of coexistence. Here, wildlife roams freely in villages without fear. Cheetahs are frequently seen near villages in Sheopur, while tigers have even been spotted in Bhopal’s urban areas. This unique harmony between tourism and environmental preservation is a distinct feature of Madhya Pradesh. The state is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including cheetahs, tigers, gharials, and leopards, and is also recognized as a “Vulture State.” Additionally, the number of tiger reserves continues to grow, further strengthening its position as a leading wildlife destination.
Union Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has identified three key sectors—Technology, Textile, and Tourism—as major contributors to India’s future development. By 2047, tourism’s contribution to India’s GDP is expected to exceed 10%. India’s economy is growing rapidly, and the income tax relief provided in this year’s budget has increased the spending capacity of the middle class. This will directly benefit the tourism sector, as reflected in the rising number of domestic tourists across the country and the state. Considering these factors, Madhya Pradesh holds immense potential for investment in the tourism sector. He further remarked that if he were not in politics, he would have been engaged in the tourism business today. Inviting all investors, he emphasized that Madhya Pradesh stands at the gateway of vast opportunities. He encouraged investors to seize every opportunity available in the state, expressing confidence that their investments would not disappoint them.
Tourism, Culture and Religious Trust & Endowments Minister (Independent Charge) Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi said that Madhya Pradesh has introduced investor-friendly policies in the tourism sector and is fully committed to offering all essential facilities, benefits, and support to investors. The state has also emerged as a premier destination for film production, with several blockbuster movies recently filmed here. I invite investors, industrialists, and tourists to explore the immense opportunities for tourism and investment in state.
Actor Shri Pankaj Tripathi, sharing his experiences of shooting in Madhya Pradesh, said that around 20 years ago, he played the role of a guide in a film shot in the state. That was when he first witnessed the beauty of MP, and since then, he has fallen in love with it. My connection with MP existed long before I became its brand ambassador, he said. He emphasized the need to inform domestic tourists that there is no need to travel abroad for tourism—everything is right here in Madhya Pradesh. I myself will be visiting Madhya Pradesh next month with my entire family. I am deeply connected to MP at heart. It is beautiful, unique, and extraordinary.
Principal Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Religious Endowment Department and Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla gave a presentation on the state’s historical and cultural tourism features, tourism projects, and investment opportunities. He elaborated on the attractive benefits available to investors under the Tourism Policy 2025 and Film Tourism Policy 2025, including a transparent single-window system for approvals, available land parcels, ultra-mega projects, road, rail, and air connectivity, as well as upcoming PPP (Public-Private Partnership) projects.
Padma Shri Ajeet Bajaj, President of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India, Rohit Khosla, Executive Vice President of Indian Hotels Company Ltd., Padma Shri K.K. Mohammed, Historian, Sameer Bajaj, Head of Corporate Communications and Corporate Affairs at MakeMyTrip, Ali Rashid, Director of Jehan Numa Hotels, and actor Vijay Vikram Singh were also present as special guests. Additional Managing Director Ms. Bidisha Mukherjee expressed gratitude to all attendees.
In the esteemed presence of Union Minister Shri Shekhawat and Minister of State Shri Lodhi, the MP Tourism Board signed six key agreements at the Global Investors Summit (GIS) to expand the tourism sector and enhance facilities in the state.
₹4,468 Crore Investment Proposals Secured in Tourism and Hospitality Sector during GIS
Madhya Pradesh has received investment proposals worth over ₹4,468 crore in the tourism and hospitality sector during the summit. These investments are aimed at expanding tourism infrastructure, including cruise tourism, film production, hotels & resorts, water parks, golf courses, and ultra-mega projects.
Key investment proposals include:
- Ayodhya Cruise Lines – ₹70 crore investment proposal for cruise tourism projects in Madhya Pradesh.
- Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Ltd. – ₹100 crore for cruise tourism, houseboats, and water sports.
- Jehan Numa Group of Hotels – ₹18 crore for a premium hotel in Mandu.
- Amazon Prime, Hollywood Projects, Zee5 & Others – ₹300 crore investment in film production.
- Treasure Group – ₹600 crore for ultra-mega projects, including a luxury resort in Khandwa, a mini golf course & resort near Khajuraho, and a golf course & luxury resort near Sanchi.
- Indian Hotels Company Ltd. (IHCL) – ₹1,960 crore for five new hospitality units in national parks, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, and Pench.
- ITC Hotels Pvt. Ltd. – ₹250 crore for the development of Lunera Castle Heritage Hotel, ITC Dhar, and ITC Bhopal.
- Imagica World Entertainment Ltd. – ₹200 crore for a water park near Indore.
- MRS Group – ₹200 crore for luxury boutique projects in Panna, Rewa, and Chanderi.
- Neemrana Hotels – ₹20 crore for the redevelopment of Raja-Rani Mahal in Chanderi.
- Oberoi Group – ₹450 crore for a new hospitality unit at Rajgarh Palace, Khajuraho.
- Evolve Back Resorts – ₹150 crore for a wellness resort near Panna Tiger Reserve.
- Hilton Group – ₹200 crore for two new hotel units in Jabalpur & Bhopal with 254 rooms.
- IndiGo Airlines – Expansion of tourism facilities at Gwalior Fort.
MoUs Signed at GIS to Boost Women’s Safety, Adventure Tourism, and Cultural & Water Tourism
To accelerate tourism development, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board signed six MoUs during the Global Investors Summit (GIS) in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Union Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Tourism, Culture and Religious Trust & Endowments Minister (Independent Charge) Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi. The agreements focus on women’s safety, cleanliness, cultural preservation, adventure tourism, and enhanced tourism infrastructure. Actor Shri Pankaj Tripathi, Principal Secretary Tourism, Culture, Religious Endowment Department and Managing Director Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, and MD of MP State Tourism Development Corporation, Dr. Ilayaraja T, were also present at the event.
Key MoUs include:
- MakeMyTrip – ‘Pink Toilets’ in Orchha
- Modern Pink Toilets will be developed at major tourist sites in Orchha to enhance facilities for women travellers. The initiative will also provide employment opportunities to local women self-help groups (SHGs).
- IndiaHikes – New Trekking Routes
- IndiaHikes will develop new trekking trails, promote adventure tourism through campaigns, videos, and photography, and conduct skill development workshops for local entrepreneurs.
- Alchemy Cruise Lines – Expansion of Cruise Tourism
- Alchemy Cruise Lines Pvt. Ltd. plans to launch a cruise service along the Narmada River from Kukshi (Madhya Pradesh) to the Statue of Unity (Gujarat).
- IndiGo – Tourism Development at Gwalior Fort
- IndiGo Airlines will contribute to the preservation and development of tourism experiences at Gwalior Fort, ensuring enhancements without altering its historic structures.
- UN Women – Promoting Gender Equality
- The United Nations Women Organization (UN Women) will conduct awareness programs and workshops at key tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.
- Knowledge Marine & Engineering – Narmada Cruise Line Project
Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Ltd. will strategize the development and operation of the Narmada Cruise Line Project to boost river tourism.
These initiatives reaffirm Madhya Pradesh’s commitment to transforming its tourism sector, attracting investments, and promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism.
Panel Discussion Explores Investment Opportunities and Potential in Tourism
A panel discussion on “The Contribution and Opportunities of Tourism and Culture in Building a Future-Ready Madhya Pradesh” was held as part of the event.
The discussion featured insights from key industry leaders, including Principal Secretary Tourism & Culture and Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla; Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation, Dr. Ilayaraja T; Historian Padma Shri K.K. Mohammed; President of Adventure Tour Operators Association of India, Padma Shri Ajit Bajaj; Actor Shri Pankaj Tripathi; Executive Vice President of The Indian Hotels Company Ltd., Shri Rohit Khosla; and Head of Corporate Communications & Corporate Affairs at MakeMyTrip, Shri Sameer Bajaj. The session provided an in-depth analysis of the evolving tourism landscape, highlighting investment prospects and the strategic role of tourism and culture in shaping Madhya Pradesh’s future.
Principal Secretary Tourism, Culture, Religious Endowment Department and Managing Director Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla said, “We aim to attract discerning travellers by prioritizing low-volume, high-value tourism, offering tranquil destinations for rejuvenation and promoting inclusive, sustainable travel. Beyond luxury, our rural homestays provide authentic experiences. Our strength lies in good governance, with streamlined policies like EODF (Ease of Doing Films) and a single-window clearance reducing permissions for investor ease. We strive to make Madhya Pradesh a benchmark for sustainable tourism, balancing growth with the preservation of our culture, heritage, and wildlife and carbon footprint management.
Padma Shri Historian Shri K.K. Mohammed said, “I am Surma Bhopali,” highlighting Bhopal’s unique culture, tehzeeb and tallukh. He shared the story of unearthing the Bateshwar group of temples, situated within the Chambal River valley ravines in Madhya Pradesh. He recalled an encounter with former dacoit who helped him secure permission for the excavation. He also suggested establishing a Baghi Museum in Chambal, similar to England’s Robin Hood Museum, to showcase dacoit weapons, creating a unique tourist attraction.
Executive Operations Vice President The Indian Hotels Company Limited Shri Rohit Khosla said that tigers are Madhya Pradesh’s specialty and a key driver of tourism. The company currently operates nine hotels in MP, including Bhopal and Indore, has signed an MoU for six more, and plans to add 11 more hotels while preserving the state’s history, nature, and wildlife.
Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation, Dr. Ilayaraja T. said, MP is an offbeat, multi-specialty destination of first choice. He emphasized the saying, “Jo aya, vo vapas aya,” sharing his own experience of staying in MP for 15 years. The state boasts pure religious, heritage, wildlife, and natural destinations. MP’s tourism policy ensures easy clearances and minimal governance. He highlighted the Narmada River as the lifeline of MP and the state’s commitment to building ecosystems and infrastructure first, then inviting investors—as seen in projects like Hanuwantiya and slow tourism properties. With dinosaur fossils, UNESCO sites like Bhimbetka, and unique offbeat destinations, MP stands out as a prime location for tourism investment.
Actor Shri Pankaj Tripathi emphasized the importance of authentic locations in filmmaking, stating that when the setting is accurate, characters and narratives become more believable for the audience. He cited the example of Stree, explaining that without Chanderi’s stone buildings, narrow lanes, and traditional doorways, the film’s realism would not have been as impactful. He further added that when he first visited Chanderi, there were limited prospects for development, but after the film’s shooting, the town received a boost in growth. This showcases how real locations benefit films, while films, in turn, enhance the prominence of these locations.
Padma Shri Ajeet Bajaj, President Adventure Tour Operators Association of India, highlighted that one of the biggest factors attracting investment in Madhya Pradesh is the warm and cooperative nature of its people. He asserted that the state has immense potential to become the national capital for adventure tourism.
Shri Sameer Bajaj, Head of Corporate Communications MakeMyTrip, pointed out that post-COVID, people’s priorities have expanded beyond basic necessities to include unique experiences, fueling tourism growth. In this direction, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is actively working to promote tourism in the state, creating opportunities for investors.
Shri Ali Rashid, Director Jehan Numa Wilderness, also appreciated the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board’s efforts in developing rural tourism, further reinforcing the state’s commitment to sustainable and community-driven tourism growth.
A large number of industry leaders, investors, stakeholders, and tourists attended the Tourism Summit.
