Madhya Pradesh is rapidly emerging as a frontrunner in rural tourism, with Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav asserting its power to drive self-reliance and cultural pride at the state-level festival ‘Grameen Rang – Paryatan Sang’ in Bhopal. In a major boost to tourism infrastructure, CM Dr. Yadav virtually inaugurated 241 new homestays across various villages and launched a dedicated microsite under the Responsible Tourism Mission, facilitating online homestay bookings and immersive rural travel experiences. This is part of the state’s larger goal of developing 1,000 homestays rooted in India’s hospitality ethos, ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, to promote authentic village stays and uplift local economies.
To strengthen tourism development, four significant MoUs were signed during the event. These include a collaboration with Patanjali’s Divya Yog Mandir Trust to drive rural development and empower women, an agreement with Signify Innovations India Ltd. to install solar-powered streetlights in 61 tourism villages, a tie-up with Scope Global Skills University to train youth in tourism and filmmaking, and a partnership between MP Tourism Board and MPSTDC to connect rural homestays with leading online travel agencies.
Dr. Yadav also announced the upcoming launch of helicopter services in the state, modeled after Uttarakhand’s tourism strategy, to improve access to remote pilgrimage, wildlife, and wellness destinations. This initiative is expected to further boost spiritual, medical, and eco-tourism.
Madhya Pradesh recorded a staggering 526% growth in tourist arrivals in 2024 compared to 2020. Key destinations like Orchha, Khajuraho, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench contributed significantly to this rise. The state, home to India’s largest tiger population, is also leveraging homestays to provide visitors with traditional cuisine, folk music, and a taste of rural life.
Notably, 10,000 women have received hospitality training, and self-help groups are now supplying handicrafts to luxury hotels across India. The state is also working to make tourist destinations more inclusive by developing facilities for Divyang (specially-abled) tourists.
Outstanding contributions were recognized across districts and institutions. District collectors from Panna, Rewa, Sehore, and Niwari, among others, were felicitated for meeting homestay development targets. Six homestays received awards in various categories, including Grand Homestay (Umaria), Surwahi Social Eco Estate (Balaghat), and Bundeli Kothi (Tikamgarh). Villages such as Madla (Panna) and Ladpura Khas (Niwari) were honored by the Government of India as national model tourism villages.
In addition, support organizations like Hunnarshala Foundation (Bhuj) and NGOs involved in waste management projects near Panna National Park were also felicitated. The Clean Destination Project, supported by Coca-Cola India Foundation and Sahas, is developing 30 model villages with sustainable waste systems.
Madhya Pradesh is not only setting benchmarks in inclusive and sustainable tourism but also ensuring that the benefits of the industry reach the grassroots. With strong leadership, community involvement, and innovative policy interventions, the state is well on its way to becoming India’s leading rural tourism hub.
