Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart (MPTM) 2026 has emerged as a major platform for tourism investment, international networking and infrastructure development, attracting proposed private investments worth ₹3,729 crore and recording 10,263 business-to-business (B2B) meetings.
The seventh edition of the three-day event was held at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre in Bhopal. It brought together tourism professionals, hotel operators, investors, policymakers and other stakeholders to explore business opportunities across wildlife, heritage, spiritual, adventure and rural tourism.
According to the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, the event witnessed participation from:
- More than 100 international tour operators representing 34 countries.
- 180 domestic tour operators from 15 Indian states.
- Over 250 local travel operators, hoteliers and exhibitors.
- More than 600 tourism stakeholders overall.
- 177 exhibition stalls showcasing tourism and hospitality products.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav‘s government is positioning tourism as a key driver of employment generation, local livelihoods and economic growth by promoting the state’s natural landscapes, historical monuments, spiritual destinations, wildlife reserves and tribal culture.
Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart 2026 Attracts ₹3,729 Crore in Investment Proposals
The seventh edition of MPTM attracted proposed private investments worth approximately ₹3,729 crore, reflecting growing interest in Madhya Pradesh’s tourism sector.
The investment proposals cover:
- Luxury hotels and resorts.
- Wellness resorts and retreats.
- Golf courses and villas.
- Waterfront tourism projects.
- Wildlife lodges and sustainable resorts.
These proposed investments are expected to strengthen hospitality infrastructure, expand tourism facilities in emerging destinations and generate employment opportunities for local communities.
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ARM Foods Proposes ₹848.40 Crore Project in Sehore
One of the most significant proposals came from ARM Foods Private Limited for a project in Ramgarh, Sehore district. The company signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) involving an investment of ₹848.40 crore.
The proposed project includes:
- An international-standard golf course.
- Luxury villas.
- A wellness resort.
- A luxury hotel.
The project is expected to generate more than 920 direct employment opportunities.
Rajsan Hotels Plans ₹520 Crore Wildlife Tourism Investment
Rajsan Hotels Private Limited signed an agreement with the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board for an investment of ₹520 crore.
The company plans to develop wildlife resorts around the following tiger reserves:
- Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.
- Satpura Tiger Reserve.
- Kanha Tiger Reserve.
The projects will follow sustainable tourism principles and are expected to create approximately 375 direct jobs.
B2B Meetings Increase 14% Compared to 2025
Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart 2026 recorded 10,263 business-to-business meetings, marking a 14% increase over the approximately 9,000 meetings held during the 2025 edition.
The meetings connected local tourism promoters, hotel owners and rural homestay operators with national and international buyers. These interactions are expected to support business partnerships, tourism packages and long-term commercial agreements.
Key participation figures include:
- 10,263 B2B meetings recorded in 2026.
- 14% growth compared with the 2025 edition.
- 34 countries represented by international tour operators.
- Seven additional countries participating compared with the previous year.
- 20% growth in domestic tour operator participation.
More than 100 international tour operators participated in 2026, compared with 90 representatives from 27 countries in 2025.
Representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia and Spain explored the state’s wildlife destinations, heritage attractions and tourism offerings.
Domestic participation also increased from 150 tour operators in 2025 to 180 in 2026. Representatives from 15 Indian states explored opportunities to include established and emerging destinations in Madhya Pradesh in their travel itineraries.
177 Exhibition Stalls Showcase Tourism and Hospitality Opportunities
The exhibition area featured 177 stalls representing hotels, resorts, travel agencies, adventure tourism organisations, traditional artisans and rural homestays.
The exhibition provided a common platform for tourism service providers and buyers to establish business connections and showcase products and experiences.
The major attractions included:
- Hotels, resorts and travel agencies.
- Adventure tourism organisations.
- Rural homestays and community-based tourism.
- Traditional handicrafts and local artisans.
- Sustainable tourism initiatives.
The Eco Village and Artisan Pavilion highlighted the role of rural communities and traditional crafts in strengthening the state’s tourism economy.
Major Hotel and Resort Investment Proposals Across Madhya Pradesh
Several companies presented investment proposals for luxury hospitality, heritage conservation and wildlife tourism projects across the state.
The major proposals included:
- Atmosphere Group: Proposed investments worth ₹500 crore in Ujjain, Indore and wildlife tourism destinations.
- Rainey Group: Proposed ₹130 crore to redevelop the 350-year-old Lunera Sarai in Mandu as a Welcome Hotel by ITC.
- Rainey Group’s additional projects: Proposals involving more than ₹290 crore, including a waterfront resort at Kutni Dam in Khajuraho.
- Sarv Group: Proposed total investments of ₹300 crore, including a ₹100 crore ultra-luxury resort in Madhai in partnership with Taj Safaris.
- MRVH Resorts: A ₹200 crore Ramada Resort by Wyndham project in Omkareshwar, with completion targeted for the end of 2026, ahead of Simhastha 2028.
- MRVH Resorts’ additional investment: ₹150 crore planned for other destinations.
- Ramco Group: Proposed ₹120-140 crore for sustainable resorts in wildlife tourism circuits.
- Varay Hotels: Proposed an ₹80 crore hotel in Ujjain.
- Evolve Back: Proposed a ₹50 crore project in Mandu.
- Anash Vish Tiger Camp: Held discussions on luxury tourism projects in partnership with The Leela.
These proposals cover different tourism segments, including luxury accommodation, wildlife experiences, heritage hospitality and spiritual tourism.
Letters of Award Issued for Orchha and Panna Heritage Projects
The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board issued Letters of Award (LoAs) for projects aimed at accelerating tourism infrastructure development.
The key projects include:
- Orchha resort: Anup Sharma, partner at Palia Construction, Gwalior, received an LoA for developing a resort with a proposed investment of ₹50 crore.
- Panna heritage hotel: Virendra Jadaun and Ratna Jadaun received an agreement to develop a heritage hotel at the historic Lakshmipur Palace in Panna district, involving an investment of ₹10 crore.
Additional tourism projects were identified across Orchha, Betul, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Raisen and Sagar, covering resorts, wellness facilities and ecotourism.
The state also approved modern wayside amenity centres along the following routes:
- Khajuraho-Panna.
- Jabalpur-Bhopal.
- Ujjain-Maksi.
These facilities are intended to provide travellers with clean washrooms, food options and other essential services.
MoUs Signed for Heritage Conservation, Training and Adventure Tourism
The event focused on improving tourism skills, preserving heritage properties and establishing safety standards.
The key agreements included:
- Heritage conservation: An MoU with the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi, and Dronah, represented by Shikha Jain, for conservation initiatives in Orchha.
- Tourist driver training: A partnership with the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Gwalior, to train 100 tourist vehicle drivers in Bhopal.
- Military tourism: An agreement to promote military tourism at the BSF Academy in Tekanpur.
- Adventure tourism: An MoU with the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), in the presence of Padma Shri awardee Ajeet Bajaj.
- Automotive tourism: An agreement with NATRAX, represented by its director Manish Jaiswal, to develop motorsports and automotive tourism.
The adventure tourism agreement aims to establish safety standards, standard operating procedures and certification systems for local guides.
Digital Tourism Push: AI Assistance and Multilingual Website
The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board launched a multilingual version of its official website, www.mptourism.com, to improve access for international visitors.
The website supports six languages:
- Hindi.
- English.
- German.
- Spanish.
- French.
- Japanese.
The state also introduced a digital MP Travel Handbook featuring 360-degree views, virtual reality links and AI-powered storytelling.
An interactive AI avatar named Mowgli engaged with visitors and helped create customised travel itineraries based on their interests.
Under an MoU with Explurger, the state plans to:
- Install 1,000 QR-code boards at 100 major tourist destinations.
- Develop AI-based multilingual tourist assistance.
- Improve access to destination information through digital tools.
A separate agreement with Gram Stay aims to connect rural homestays with international online booking platforms, enabling local families to access a wider tourism market.
Madhya Pradesh to Develop as a Film Tourism Hub
Madhya Pradesh signed agreements with digital content production company The Viral Fever (TVF) and KRARK Family Office to promote film production and film tourism.
TVF founder Arunabh Kumar highlighted the state’s suitability for filming, referring to the successful shoots of popular web series such as Panchayat and Gullak.
The initiative aims to:
- Attract more film and web-series productions.
- Promote Madhya Pradesh as a filming destination.
- Provide local youth with training in cinematography.
- Develop production-related technical skills.
- Generate opportunities for local talent and tourism businesses.
The partnerships are expected to strengthen the state’s appeal as a film production destination.
Wildlife Tourism Focuses on Conservation and Community Participation
A panel discussion on wildlife and sustainable tourism brought together officials and experts to discuss conservation, local participation and responsible tourism practices.
Union Tourism Secretary Bhuvnesh Kumar emphasised that the success of wildlife tourism should be measured by its contribution to nature conservation and the benefits it delivers to local communities.
He highlighted opportunities linked to:
- Cheetah conservation in Kuno.
- Dolphin and vulture conservation in the Chambal region.
- Nature-based tourism experiences.
- Greater participation of local communities in tourism activities.
Tourism Secretary and Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Managing Director Ilaiya Raja T. reiterated the state’s commitment to conservation-led tourism. He also referred to the birth of five cubs to a cheetah born in India and the development of Ratapani as a tiger reserve.
Experts stressed the importance of improving local hospitality, tourist safety and guide training, particularly by helping guides communicate the stories and ecological significance of destinations effectively.
Indore and Bhopal Discussed as Major MICE Destinations
The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) and Creative Economy roundtable explored opportunities to position Indore and Bhopal as major national and international event destinations.
Union Tourism Ministry Joint Secretary and India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB) Chairman Harikishore S. said India’s MICE market was valued at approximately ₹37,576 crore.
He highlighted the growing demand in Tier-2 cities and suggested establishing a City MICE Promotion Bureau to strengthen the event infrastructure and marketing capabilities of Indore and Bhopal.
Wizcraft co-founder Sabbas Joseph identified the following destinations as promising locations for destination weddings:
- Orchha.
- Khajuraho.
- Maheshwar.
- Mandu.
He emphasised the need to develop comprehensive wedding packages combining venues, accommodation and local experiences.
A separate roundtable on adventure tourism explored opportunities to expand the sector. Ilaiya Raja T. also proposed observing 2027 as the Year of Adventure to promote adventure-based tourism in Madhya Pradesh.
Rural Tourism and International Networking Gain Momentum
The travel mart offered rural homestay operators an opportunity to connect directly with international buyers.
Participants included:
- Rizwan Mawji, director of R-12 Africa from Kenya.
- Navneet Mittal from Australia.
- Suraj Yadav from Kalakund in Indore.
- Kapil Gupta from Khitauli near Bandhavgarh.
- Jainli Samram from Dindori, representing tribal culture and rural hospitality.
International tourism representatives described the event as a valuable platform for networking, while homestay operators highlighted the opportunities created by direct interaction with tourism professionals.
The event showcased how rural homestays and community-based tourism can help distribute tourism-related income beyond established destinations.
Green Initiatives and Local Experiences at Travel Mart 2026
The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board adopted several measures to make the event environmentally responsible.
The initiatives included:
- Reducing paper use and promoting paperless operations.
- Avoiding single-use plastics.
- Promoting traditional earthen cups.
- Using electric vehicles for guest transportation.
Delegates also participated in local experiences designed to showcase Bhopal’s heritage and natural attractions.
The activities included:
- Heritage walk: 149 delegates participated at Kamla Park.
- Shikara boat ride: 120 guests enjoyed a ride on the Upper Lake.
- Bird walk: 70 participants visited Van Vihar.
- Yoga sessions: Organised for participating delegates.
- Helicopter joyrides: Offered as an additional local experience.
These activities allowed visiting tourism professionals to experience the state’s hospitality and destination offerings firsthand.
Traditional Cuisine and Cultural Showcase Highlight Madhya Pradesh’s Heritage
The culinary programme, ‘Maa Ki Rasoi’, introduced domestic and international delegates to traditional Madhya Pradesh dishes.
The menu featured:
- Kodo-methi rice.
- Buttermilk potatoes.
- Chakki ka saag.
- Malwa’s dal-bafla.
- Roasted brinjal preparations.
- 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 showcased the cultural and spiritual significance of:
- Bhimbetka.
- Khajuraho.
- Mahakaleshwar.
- Omkareshwar.
- The Narmada Aarti.
- Simhastha Kumbh 2028.
The performance highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s cultural heritage and spiritual traditions.
₹3,963 Crore Private Investment Attracted Over the Past Decade
Madhya Pradesh has attracted ₹3,963 crore in private investment in tourism over the past 10 years through the leasing of 91 government land parcels and 12 heritage properties.
According to information released by the tourism authorities, these investments have contributed to:
- ₹3,963 crore: Private investment attracted over 10 years.
- 91: Government land parcels leased.
- 12: Heritage properties leased.
- 9,608: Additional rooms created.
- 38,432: Employment opportunities generated.
- 18: Operational five-star hotels in the state.
- 15: Additional five-star hotels targeted by 2027.
The state’s long-term strategy focuses on expanding accommodation capacity, improving tourism infrastructure, attracting private investment and creating employment across established and emerging destinations.
Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart 2026 Concludes with Public Outreach
The final day of the seventh edition opened the exhibition to the general public and students, extending the event’s outreach beyond industry professionals.
Key areas covered during the travel mart included:
- Wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism.
- Adventure tourism and safety standards.
- MICE and the creative economy.
- Digital tourism and AI-based visitor assistance.
- Rural homestays and community participation.
- Public-private partnerships and tourism investment.
- Media engagement, familiarisation tours and influencer activities.
An influencer meet featuring celebrity chef Ranveer Brar was also organised to improve the visibility of the state’s tourism destinations. Familiarisation tours and the participation of media and social media influencers further supported promotional efforts.
With ₹3,729 crore in proposed investments, 10,263 B2B meetings and growing participation from international and domestic tourism stakeholders, Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart 2026 provided a platform for the state to pursue its wider tourism development goals.
The proposed projects and partnerships are intended to strengthen hospitality infrastructure, promote sustainable tourism, improve the visibility of emerging destinations and expand economic opportunities for local communities.
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