Bhopal: Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has recently emphasised that rural tourism is not just a means of self-reliance but also a source of self-pride. He noted that village-level tourism activities offer local employment and economic opportunities while simultaneously promoting India’s cultural heritage, festivals, cuisine, and hospitality to both national and international visitors. The rise of home-stays across the state reflects the Indian ethos of “Atithi Devo Bhava” and aims to ensure that tourists leave with a positive image and fond memories of Madhya Pradesh.
Dr. Yadav made these remarks while addressing a Rural Tourism-themed celebration at the Kushabhau Thakre Auditorium, where he also lit the ceremonial lamp to formally inaugurate the event. He highlighted the coordinated efforts of the Tourism, Panchayat & Rural Development, and Tribal Affairs Departments in advancing the state’s rural tourism ecosystem.
During the event, the Chief Minister visited exhibitions featuring clay artifacts and other rural crafts. He launched a micro-website under the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board’s Responsible Tourism Mission and virtually inaugurated home-stays across 241 villages. Several MoUs were signed, including agreements to install LED and solar lighting in 61 villages and collaborations with Scope Global Skills University and MPSEDC for digital promotion and filmmaking.
Dr. Yadav also announced plans to start helicopter services for tourists, akin to those in Uttarakhand, and spoke of a forthcoming Wellness Summit aimed at enhancing the state’s medical and religious tourism potential. The Chief Minister revealed that tourism in Madhya Pradesh saw a 52.6% increase in 2024 compared to 2020, with destinations like Kanha, Pench, and Bandhavgarh ranking among the top national parks in India.
In recognition of efforts toward rural tourism development, collectors from 10 districts – including Narmadapuram, Agar, Chhatarpur, and Sehore – were felicitated for achieving 100% targets in home-stay construction. Local sarpanches and institutional representatives from 16 panchayats were also honoured.
Minister of State for Culture (Independent Charge) Mr. Dharmendra Bhavsingh Lodhi stated that 241 home-stays are already being developed across 121 villages, and the government has set a target of 1,000 home-stays. Villages like Madla in Panna, Ladpura Khas in Niwari, and a village in Sidhi have received national recognition under the Government of India’s ‘Best Tourism Villages’ programme.
Youth Welfare Minister Mr. Vishwas Kailash Sarang added that the state is leveraging its unique sectoral strengths to create employability through tourism, with a focus on home-stays being a standout initiative.
Tourism Secretary Mr. Shiv Shekhar Shukla (1994-batch IAS officer) elaborated on the Tourism Mission’s impact, noting that 10,000 women have already received hospitality training. Self-help groups and artisans are producing locally crafted goods now reaching national hotel chains, contributing to the rural economy. Facilities for differently-abled tourists are also being developed, with support from CSR initiatives.
The event was attended by Minority Welfare Minister (Independent Charge) Ms. Krishna Gaur, Bhopal Mayor Mr. Kishan Suryavanshi, Principal Secretary for Rural Development Ms. Deepali Rastogi (1994-batch IAS officer), various district collectors, and senior officials, along with representatives from tourism and development institutions across the state.
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