Madhya Pradesh hosted the seventh Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart 2026 in Bhopal, attracting private tourism investments worth ₹3,729 crore and recording 10,263 B2B meetings. The event showcased wildlife, heritage, spiritual, adventure and rural tourism, with international participation from 34 countries and 180 domestic operators, signalling strong growth in the state’s tourism sector.
India
-Oneindia Staff
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh is strengthening its position on the global tourism map, with the seventh edition of the Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart (MPTM) 2026 attracting private investment proposals worth approximately ₹3,729 crore. The three-day event, held at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre in Bhopal, brought together more than 600 tourism stakeholders, including over 100 international tour operators from 34 countries and 180 domestic tour operators from 15 states.
Held under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, the event showcased the state’s diverse tourism offerings, including wildlife, heritage, spiritual, adventure and rural tourism. More than 10,000 business-to-business (B2B) meetings were conducted, creating opportunities for partnerships, investment and business development.
Madhya Pradesh hosted the seventh Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart 2026 in Bhopal, attracting private tourism investments worth ₹3,729 crore and recording 10,263 B2B meetings. The event showcased wildlife, heritage, spiritual, adventure and rural tourism, with international participation from 34 countries and 180 domestic operators, signalling strong growth in the state’s tourism sector.
The Travel Mart recorded 10,263 B2B meetings, a 14% increase over the approximately 9,000 meetings held in 2025. The meetings connected local tour operators, hotel owners and rural homestay operators with domestic and international buyers.
International participation also increased, with representatives from 34 countries compared with 27 countries in the previous edition. Seven new countries were represented at the event, while domestic participation rose by 20%, from 150 tour operators in 2025 to 180 this year. The exhibition featured 177 stalls representing hotels, resorts, travel agencies, adventure tourism organisations, traditional artisans and rural homestay operators.
ARM Foods Announces ₹848.40 Crore Project in Sehore
One of the major investment announcements was an agreement with ARM Foods Private Limited for a proposed investment of ₹848.40 crore in Ramgarh, Sehore district.
The project, led by company chairman and director Atul Agrawal, will include an international-standard golf course, villas, a wellness resort and a luxury hotel. It is expected to generate more than 920 direct employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers.
Rajsan Hotels Private Limited also entered into an investment agreement worth ₹520 crore with the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board to develop modern wildlife resorts around Bandhavgarh, Satpura and Kanha Tiger Reserves. The projects are expected to create approximately 375 direct jobs.
Major Investments in Luxury Hotels and Wildlife Tourism
Several other hospitality and tourism projects were announced during the Travel Mart.
Atmosphere Group presented investment proposals worth ₹500 crore across Ujjain, Indore and wildlife destinations. Sarv Group proposed investments totalling ₹300 crore, including a ₹100 crore ultra-luxury resort in Madhai, Satpura, in association with Taj Safaris.
Rainey Group proposed investing ₹130 crore to redevelop the 350-year-old Lunera Sarai in Mandu as a Welcomehotel by ITC. The group’s broader investment proposals exceed ₹290 crore and include a waterfront resort at Kutni Dam near Khajuraho.
MRVH Resorts is developing a ₹200 crore Ramada Resort by Wyndham in Omkareshwar, with completion targeted by the end of 2026, ahead of Simhastha 2028. The company is also planning additional investments worth ₹150 crore at other locations.
Other proposals included wildlife resorts worth ₹120–140 crore by Ramco Group, an ₹80 crore hotel in Ujjain by Varay Hotels, a ₹50 crore project in Mandu by Evolve Back, and luxury hospitality projects involving Anashvis Tiger Camp in association with The Leela.
Heritage Conservation and New Tourism Infrastructure
The Travel Mart also witnessed agreements aimed at preserving heritage sites, improving tourism skills and expanding visitor facilities.
The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board signed agreements with the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, and Dronah for heritage conservation initiatives in Orchha. An agreement with the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, Gwalior, will support training for 100 tourist vehicle drivers in Bhopal. Another agreement with the BSF Academy at Tekanpur aims to promote military tourism.
Letters of Award were issued to Anoop Sharma, partner at Palia Construction, Gwalior, for a proposed ₹50 crore resort in Orchha. Virendra Jadaun and Ratna Jadaun received an award for developing a heritage hotel at the historic Lakshmipur Palace in Panna district, involving a proposed investment of ₹10 crore.
Additional resort, wellness and ecotourism projects were proposed in Orchha, Betul, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Raisen, Sagar and other locations.
Modern wayside amenity centres were also approved along the Khajuraho–Panna, Jabalpur–Bhopal and Ujjain–Makshi routes. The facilities are expected to provide clean washrooms, food and beverage options, and other essential services for travellers.
Digital Tourism and Rural Homestays Get a Boost
Digital initiatives featured prominently at MPTM 2026. An agreement with Explorzer will support tourism information services at 100 major destinations through 1,000 QR-code information boards and AI-powered multilingual tourist assistance.
A separate agreement with Gram Stay will connect rural homestays with international online booking platforms, helping local families reach wider markets and earn directly from tourism.
The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board also launched multilingual versions of its official website, www.mptourism.com , in Hindi, English, German, Spanish, French and Japanese.
A digital MP Travel Handbook featuring 360-degree views, virtual reality links and AI-powered storytelling was introduced. The interactive AI avatar ‘Mowgli’ also attracted visitors by generating customised travel itineraries based on their interests.
Madhya Pradesh Looks to Strengthen Film and Adventure Tourism
Agreements with digital content production company The Viral Fever (TVF) and KRARK Family Office aim to position Madhya Pradesh as a leading film production destination.
TVF founder Arunabh Kumar highlighted the state’s suitability for filming, referring to popular web series such as Panchayat and Gullak, which were shot in Madhya Pradesh. The collaboration is also expected to create skill development opportunities for local youth in cinematography, production and related fields.
The state signed an agreement with the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), in the presence of Padma Shri Ajit Bajaj, to develop safety standards and standard operating procedures for adventure activities. The initiative will also focus on certification and capacity-building programmes for local guides.
Another agreement with NATRAX, represented by its director Dr. Manish Jaiswal, will explore opportunities in motorsports and automotive tourism.
The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has proposed observing 2027 as the ‘Year of Adventure’ to promote adventure tourism through better infrastructure, professional training, safety protocols and public-private partnerships.
Wildlife Conservation and Sustainable Tourism in Focus
A panel discussion during the event highlighted the importance of linking wildlife tourism with nature conservation and benefits for local communities.
Union Tourism Secretary Bhuvnesh Kumar highlighted opportunities to promote cheetah conservation in Kuno and dolphin and vulture conservation in the Chambal region.
Tourism Secretary and Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Managing Director Dr. Ilaiyaraaja T. reiterated the state’s commitment to conservation-led tourism. He referred to the birth of five cubs to a cheetah born in India and highlighted the development of Ratapani as a new tiger reserve.
Experts also stressed the need to strengthen local hospitality, visitor safety and guide training, including developing guides as storytellers who can enrich tourists’ experiences.
Bhopal and Indore Eye Bigger Share of India’s MICE Market
Discussions on meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) explored opportunities to position Madhya Pradesh as a preferred destination for business events.
Harikishor S., Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Chairman of the India Convention Promotion Bureau, noted that India’s MICE market is valued at approximately ₹37,576 crore. He highlighted the potential of Bhopal and Indore to emerge as prominent conference destinations and suggested establishing a City MICE Promotion Bureau.
Sabbas Joseph, co-founder of Wizcraft, identified Orchha, Khajuraho, Maheshwar and Mandu as potential destinations for weddings and recommended integrated packages combining venues, accommodation and local experiences.
Cultural Experiences Showcase Madhya Pradesh’s Heritage
MPTM 2026 incorporated sustainability measures, including reducing single-use plastic and paper consumption, promoting electric vehicles for guest transportation and encouraging the use of traditional earthen cups.
Delegates also participated in curated experiences across Bhopal. A total of 149 delegates joined a heritage walk at Kamla Park, 120 enjoyed shikara rides on Upper Lake, and 70 took part in a bird walk at Van Vihar National Park. Yoga sessions and helicopter joyrides were also organised.
The hospitality arrangements featured ‘Maa Ki Rasoi’, where guests sampled traditional dishes such as kodo-methi rice, buttermilk-based potatoes, chakki ka saag, Malwa dal-bafla, roasted brinjal preparations and Burhanpur’s famous mawa jalebi.
The cultural evening featured Amritasya Madhya Pradesh, a dance-drama directed by Maitreyi Pahadi and performed by more than 100 artists. The production depicted the state’s heritage and spiritual landmarks, including Bhimbetka, Khajuraho, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar and the Narmada Aarti, culminating in the spiritual significance of Simhastha 2028.
An Influencers’ Meet featuring celebrity chef Ranveer Brar, along with the Eco Village and Artisan Pavilion, further highlighted the state’s cuisine, handicrafts, rural tourism and sustainable tourism initiatives.
Madhya Pradesh Attracts ₹3,963 Crore in Tourism Investment Over a Decade
Over the past decade, Madhya Pradesh has attracted ₹3,963 crore in private tourism investment through the leasing of 91 government land parcels and 12 heritage properties. These investments have added 9,608 rooms and generated 38,432 employment opportunities.
The state currently has 18 operational five-star hotels and plans to develop 15 additional five-star hotels by 2027.
The final day of the Travel Mart saw the exhibition open to the general public and students, offering them an opportunity to explore the state’s tourism offerings.
With rising international participation, new investment proposals and an expanding focus on digital, rural, wildlife and adventure tourism, Madhya Pradesh is seeking to strengthen its tourism infrastructure and create more employment and livelihood opportunities for local communities.
