Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board organises ‘Interactive Trade Meeting’ with industry stakeholders

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board organised a ‘Travel Trade Meeting’ at Minto Hall Bhopal on the of July 19, 2022. It was a first-of-its-kind, hybrid meeting with stakeholders of tourism in the state of Madhya Pradesh post the COVID-19 meltdown.

Travel industry stakeholders from across the state of Madhya Pradesh were linked virtually to those present at the venue. The objective of the meeting was to share the tourism initiatives, promotional strategies, difficulties faced and support required to promote tourism in Madhya Pradesh.

The meeting was chaired by Usha Thakur, Honorable Tourism Minister, Government of Madhya Pradesh. Also present on the dias were Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, S. Vishwanathan, Managing Director, MPSTDC, and Vivek Shrotriya, Additional Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board. Yuvraj Padole, Deputy Director, Events, Marketing and Film, welcomed the dignitaries and shared the objectives of the meeting.

A comprehensive presentation was made by MPTB. Speaking at the meeting, Sheo

Shekhar Shukla highlighted the vast potential that Madhya Pradesh offered for natural tourism, historical-archaeological tourism, religious, wellness, rural, and responsible tourism. He said all these possibilities will have to be worked on with mutual cooperation.

He requested industry stakeholders to increase their participation with MP Tourism, and promote MP Tourism’s TVCs, and promotional videos through their website and social and digital media and actively participate with MPTB in national and international events and exhibitions. He further highlighted the opportunity offered by the hosting of the Pravasi Bharti Divas and G20 Ministers Meetings in the state.

MPSTDC also made a detailed product presentation highlighting its property portfolio and addressed issues faced by its General Sales Agents, and welcomed their suggestions.

The international marketing and PR agency made their presentation and explained international travel and tourism trends, position, and participation of the State, in upcoming events.

Vivek Shrotriya concluded the session. He explained that MP Tourism is actively working to promote not only MPSTDC properties but to promote the tourism sector of Madhya Pradesh. He stressed the need to regularly connect with stakeholders through meetings and social media platforms. He also shared information about the oldest Ganesh statue in the Udaigiri caves and the biggest Natraj Statue discovered in Vidisha.

In her address, Usha Thakur said, “There are many holy and unique places in the state like the ancient river, Maa Narmada, two Jyotirlingas in Ujjain and Omkareshwar. The birthplace of Rahu Griha Kukshi which is famous all over the world. Tourists can also be attracted by showcasing and highlighting these heritage and religious sites.”