The Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart 2026 (MPTM 2026) unfolds at Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre, bringing 177 stalls and a tech-enabled pavilion to globalise MP tourism. The event features rural tourism like Tourism Village Panchvati, AI-driven itineraries, and collaborations with travel operators, hoteliers and artisans to drive investment and tourist footfall.
India
-Oneindia Staff
Bhopal, October 8, 2026: To position Madhya Pradesh’s tourism and hospitality sector on the global map, the seventh edition of the ‘Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart 2026’ (MPTM 2026) is underway at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre. On the second day of the event, the exhibition was formally inaugurated by Chief Secretary Ashok Barnwal alongside Union Tourism Secretary Bhuvnesh Kumar.
Speaking at the inauguration, Chief Secretary Ashok Barnwal highlighted that tourism in the state is experiencing sustained growth, accompanied by a steady rise in tourist footfall. He emphasized that active measures are being taken to promote business opportunities domestically and internationally to accord global recognition to the state’s hospitality ecosystem. The exhibition serves as a dynamic global platform for tour operators, hoteliers, and homestay owners to build business networks and drive regional economic growth.
The Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart 2026 (MPTM 2026) unfolds at Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre, bringing 177 stalls and a tech-enabled pavilion to globalise MP tourism. The event features rural tourism like Tourism Village Panchvati, AI-driven itineraries, and collaborations with travel operators, hoteliers and artisans to drive investment and tourist footfall.
During his walkthrough of the exhibition, Chief Secretary Ashok Barnwal visited various stalls and held detailed discussions with travel-tour operators, hoteliers, and homestay operators from across India and abroad. He discussed business packages, upcoming expansion plans, and investment potential within Madhya Pradesh.
Encouraging the participants, Barnwal stated that travel and hospitality representatives act as brand ambassadors for the state’s tourism. He called upon them to showcase Madhya Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage, wildlife diversity, and authentic rural experiences to global travelers. This year’s travel mart features 177 travel and hospitality stalls, creating a massive networking ecosystem aimed at accelerating tourist arrival growth.
Madhya Pradesh Pavilion Integrates Technology and Tradition
The central Madhya Pradesh Pavilion highlights the state’s iconic historic forts, wildlife reserves, and natural landscapes through massive digital displays. Visitors are also utilizing AI-driven initiatives and interactive digital kiosks to curate personalized travel itineraries and explore destination information seamlessly.
‘Tourism Village Panchvati’ Steals the Spotlight
A major highlight of MPTM 2026 is the replica of ‘Tourism Village Panchvati’, set up to showcase the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board’s rural tourism initiative. The village setup offers visitors an authentic experience of rural life, featuring homestays, stargazing, bullock-cart rides, cycling, tribal folk dances, traditional musical performances, archery, and handicraft demonstrations. Living displays of Gond art, natural waterfalls, and live storytelling by tribal villagers are drawing significant attention.
Additionally, dedicated stalls for traditional handlooms and handicrafts-including Bagh Print, Chanderi Sarees, Bhil Art, Bhairava Craft, and Batik Print-are giving local artisans direct exposure to global markets.
Prominent Officials Present
The event saw the presence of Secretary (Tourism) and Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Dr. Ilayaraja T., Managing Director of MPSTDC Dileep Kumar Yadav, Additional Managing Director Dr. Abhay Arvind Bedekar, FICCI MP Chairman Mahendra Pratap Singh, along with key industry leaders, exhibitors, and government delegates.
