Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav emphasized that rural tourism serves as a powerful tool for self-reliance and pride.
By encouraging tourism at the village level, local youth benefit from employment and economic development opportunities, while the state’s rich cultural traditions, festivals, and cuisine gain national and global recognition.
He noted that the growing network of home-stays in the state reflects the Indian value of “Atithi Devo Bhava.”
“It is the effort of the home-stay operators and the state government that all guests visiting the state carry with them a positive image and pleasant memories,” the Chief Minister said.
Various departments, including Panchayat and Rural Development and Tribal Affairs, are working in tandem to promote rural tourism.
Dr. Yadav also spoke about India’s long-standing pilgrimage traditions, explaining that while global tourists seek recreation, Indians embark on spiritual journeys like Char Dham to uphold Sanatan values and explore diverse regional lifestyles.
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said the PM fosters a spirit of mutual trust in line with Indian values, and despite global challenges, India continues to progress.
CM Yadav was speaking at the 'Gramin Rang Paryatan Sang' event held at Kushabhau Thakre Auditorium, which he inaugurated with a ceremonial lamp lighting.
Website launch for Responsible Tourism Mission, Exhibition visit
During the event, CM Dr. Yadav visited an exhibition featuring rural tourism initiatives by various districts. He also tried his hand at clay artistry and launched a microsite for the Responsible Tourism Mission of the MP Tourism Board. Additionally, he virtually inaugurated 241 village home-stays across the state.
MOUs signed to promote tourism
Several MoUs were exchanged at the event to boost tourism infrastructure. An agreement with Signify will bring LED and solar lighting to 61 villages. Other MoUs were signed with Scope Global Skill University and MPSEDC, covering film production, digital outreach, and promotion of rural tourism.
Tourism to benefit from Wellness Summit
CM Yadav announced that helicopter services will soon be introduced for tourists, modeled after similar initiatives in Uttarakhand.
A dedicated wellness summit is also planned to enhance services related to wildlife, spiritual, and health tourism, thereby strengthening Madhya Pradesh’s medical tourism footprint.
He praised promotional films made by the Tourism Board and called for a fresh action plan for their utilization. "Madhya Pradesh will not only achieve top position in India but also in the world in the field of tourism," he added.
CM Dr. Yadav interacts with home-stay operators
Dr. Yadav recognized the efforts of district collectors from Narmadapuram, Agar, Chhatarpur, Niwari, Morena, Sehore, Sidhi, and Panna for achieving 100% home-stay construction targets. He also presented appreciation certificates to sarpanches and institutional representatives from 16 gram panchayats.
He interacted directly with home-stay operators from districts such as Chhindwara, acknowledging their role in boosting rural tourism across 37 districts.
526% increase in number of tourists
Highlighting growth in tourism, the Chief Minister noted that Madhya Pradesh witnessed a 526% increase in tourist footfall in 2024 compared to 2020. National parks like Kanha, Pench, and Bandhavgarh have drawn significant numbers.
“These three parks are among the top five national parks in the country. Kanha has received the top spot among the country’s national parks,” he said.
With the state home to India’s highest tiger population, CM Yadav expressed pride in Madhya Pradesh’s biodiversity. He lauded the launch of 241 home-stays at prominent tourist sites like Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Pench, offering visitors exposure to traditional food, music, and local culture.
Target to build 1000 home-stays in state
Tourism and Culture Minister Mr. Dharmendra Bhavsingh Lodhi shared that over 13.41 crore tourists visited the state last year. He said that under CM Yadav's leadership, 121 villages have been chosen and 241 home-stays have been developed, with a goal to reach 1,000.
Villages like Madla (Panna), Ladpura Khas (Niwari), and Khas (Sidhi) have earned national acclaim as model tourism villages. “Our goal is to promote village tourism so that every villager becomes self-reliant and Madhya Pradesh becomes number one in tourism in the country,” said Lodhi.
Facilities for differently-abled at tourist destinations
Minister Vishwas Kailash Sarang highlighted that Madhya Pradesh is leading in tourism innovation, with efforts like home-stays bringing inclusive growth. "Home-stay is an innovative effort to accelerate tourism," he noted.
Responsible Tourism Mission and inclusive development
Tourism Principal Secretary Mr. Shiv Shekhar Shukla elaborated on the Responsible Tourism Mission’s initiatives. The mission includes building home-stays, offering hospitality training, and boosting handicraft production through self-help groups.
“Ten thousand women have been given hospitality training,” he said, adding that artisans’ products are gaining popularity among tourists and luxury hotels alike.
The state is also ensuring accessibility for differently-abled tourists, and CSR funds are being used to maintain cleanliness at key sites.
The event was attended by senior ministers, officials, and local leaders, reflecting a coordinated push toward inclusive rural tourism development.
