Madhya Pradesh, March 2025: Tourism is becoming a key source of employment for women’s livelihood. From rural tourism to hotel management and handicrafts, women in Madhya Pradesh are utilizing their talents in various fields, gaining employment and playing a crucial role in boosting tourism.
On this occasion, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Department and Managing Director Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, said, “Women are not just a source of inspiration but a symbol of transformation. Women in tourism are setting new milestones with their capabilities, increasing their self-reliance, and strengthening both society and the economy.”
Success Story of Rural Homestays
The Rural Homestay Scheme, operated by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, is creating new self-employment opportunities for women. Tourists are highly appreciating the mud homestays built by rural women and their beautiful handicraft paintings. These homestays have become a major source of employment for rural women.
In the ‘ Best Tourism Village’ Savarwani of Chhindwara district, rural women sold 1,350 kg of ghee to tourists, earning around ₹11 lakh, thus achieving financial independence.
Trained and Skilled Women
The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is continuously striving to empower women economically. As part of the Safe Tourism Project for Women, over 8,300 women have received skill training, while more than 36,000 women across 50 different tourist sites have been trained in self-defense. Additionally, more than 5,000 women have been provided employment opportunities, including training as gypsy and boat drivers.
Handloom Café in Chanderi, Women-Operated Hotel ‘Amaltas’ in Amarkantak
The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has launched the state’s first women-operated handloom café in Pranpur village, Ashoknagar district. This initiative aims to empower local women artisans while showcasing the region’s rich textile heritage. Women manage all operations, including front office management, culinary arts, cash handling, and security.
Similarly, the state’s first women-operated hotel, ‘ Amaltas, has been established in Pachmarhi by the MP Tourism Board, creating employment opportunities for women in the tourism sector.
Women’s Empowerment Highlighted at the GIS Summit
The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is producing over 24 local art and craft souvenirs. During the Global Investment Summit, bags featuring the cultural heritage and arts of Madhya Pradesh were distributed as souvenirs. These bags were crafted by women trained under the Safe Tourism Destination for Women initiative by the MP Tourism Board.
This initiative demonstrates how tourism in Madhya Pradesh is not only enhancing the state’s cultural appeal but also creating economic empowerment and self-reliance for women.