The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board will actively participate in the upcoming India Travel Mart (ITM), scheduled to take place from October 17 to 19 at Deendayal Hastkala Sankul in Varanasi. Five key stakeholders from Madhya Pradesh’s tourism sector will also join the event, which aims to enhance tourism collaboration between Madhya Pradesh and other Indian states.
The ITM event will serve as a vital platform to promote Madhya Pradesh’s tourism offerings, with discussions focusing on improving connectivity to tourist destinations both within and outside the state. Shiv Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary of the Department of Tourism and Culture and Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, emphasized the state’s commitment to elevating its tourism sector. “Our participation in events like India Travel Mart gives us the opportunity to prominently showcase our tourism products and facilities,” Shukla said. He added that both Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, culturally and spiritually rich states, have immense potential for religious tourism.
Shukla also highlighted the impact of the Mahakal Express, which directly connects Kashi (Varanasi) and Ujjain, a key religious hub. This rail route allows travelers to easily access other popular destinations like Indore and Omkareshwar, thereby boosting religious tourism and enhancing connectivity across the state.
To further promote tourism between Madhya Pradesh and Varanasi, the state has developed two major tourist circuits. One route offers travel from Varanasi to Sanjay Dubri, Maihar, Rewa, Mukundpur, and Chitrakoot by road, while the second circuit connects Varanasi to Orchha, Khajuraho, Panna, and Chitrakoot. These circuits will offer tourists a diverse blend of religious, cultural, and natural experiences, encouraging interstate tourism. International tourists can also explore routes from Gwalior, Orchha, Khajuraho, Panna, and Rewa to Prayagraj and Varanasi.
As part of Madhya Pradesh’s efforts to improve tourism infrastructure, air connectivity has been a key focus under the guidance of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. The inauguration of Rewa Airport by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 21 is expected to significantly bolster air travel to the region, making it easier for tourists to explore destinations across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Principal Secretary Shukla remarked, “The inauguration of Rewa Airport will make travel between the tourism regions of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh easier and more accessible. This will be a crucial step in developing interstate tourism circuits between the two states.”
