CM Dr Mohan Yadav Inaugurates the Two - Day Regional Tourism Conclave in Rewa, MP

Known more for its white tigers and lesser-known Purva and Chachai waterfalls and beautiful scenic views than for any tourist buzz. Rewa, one of Madhya Pradesh’s most underrated offbeat destinations today found itself in the spotlight. Hosting the Regional Tourism Conclave (RTC) under the theme ‘Wildlife and Offbeat Destinations’, the Vindhya region drew a surge of attention from investors, policymakers, tourism officials, and industry leaders, all united by one mission: to unlock the undiscovered tourism potential of Rewa and Shahdol. There were a total of investment proposals worth over Rs 3,000 crore.

Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr Mohan Yadav, took the charge to inaugurate the two-day conclave and declared it a historic moment. “This is not just a conference, it's a cultural and economic leap forward for Vindhya,” he said. “We are walking in mission mode, from heritage to development, and the road begins here in Rewa.”

He further said, “Madhya Pradesh is the heart of India, and Vindhyachal is close to everyone’s heart. The soil here has produced leaders for the nation. The white tigers roam freely in these forests. The region is rich in minerals and iron ore. Rewa and Singrauli, the energy hubs of India, are in this region. Even Delhi’s metro runs on the electricity generated here.” He added that with the opening of Rewa Airport, connectivity has greatly improved.

The government is supporting this transition with strong incentives. A Rs 30 crore subsidy is on offer for projects investing Rs 100 crore in tourism infrastructure. Health tourism ventures like wellness centres will receive support of up to Rs 4 crore, while employment-centric projects are eligible for monthly assistance of Rs 5,000 for men and Rs 6,000 for women employees, for ten years.

Dr Jyotsna Suri of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group praised the state's initiatives in responsible tourism, crediting CM Dr. Yadav for bringing Rewas tourism potential to the world stage. She thanked the government for promoting offbeat destinations.

Strong Investor Response

As per the information shared during the conclave, from heritage hotels to nature camps, investors showed keen interest across tourism segments;

• Flyola proposed Rs 700 crore,
  

• Vindhya Pride & RCRPL committed Rs 500 crore,
  

• Sandadiya Builders brought in another Rs 500 crore,
  

• Manvendra Singh Shekhawat (Rajasthan Fort & Palace) announced Rs 100 crore for a heritage property,
  

• And several others including Jungle Camp India, Tathastu Resort and Eco Park developers put forward proposals ranging from Rs 10 crore to Rs 150 crore.

In an important move, Letters of Allotment were issued for four new hotel/resort projects in Raisen, Vidisha, Jabalpur and Narsinghpur, reflecting not just intent, but active facilitation.

New Platforms and Cultural Anchoring

In a move improve accessibility and booking ease, the CM Yadav launched the PM Shri Tourism Air Service booking portal (hosted on IRCTC), and a Homestay Online Booking Portal connecting rural homestays to platforms like MakeMyTrip, EaseMyTrip, and Yatra.com.

He also laid the virtual foundation stone for spiritual tourism works at Raghav Ghat and Bharat Ghat in Chitrakoot under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, with a total project cost of Rs 27 crore. Rewa’s Venkata Bhavan is set to undergo conservation, backed by a Rs 20 crore investment in partnership with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.

On the skill development front, the CM inaugurated the Shahdol Food Craft Institute, a government-affiliated facility offering hospitality diploma courses and free vocational training to local youth.

During the conclave MoUs were also signed for the construction of art and craft centers in Mandla, Dindori, Singrauli, Sidhi, and Seoni with Gram Sudhar Samiti, MM Foundation, and Samarth Sanstha. These initiatives will provide training, livelihood, and promote local handicrafts under the Responsible Tourism Mission.

The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board signed MoUs with Barcode Entertainment and Quicky Digital to amplify the state’s cultural and tourism assets on digital platforms. An LoA was issued to the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts for the conservation of Rewa’s Venkata Bhavan at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore.

‘This Is Just the Beginning’

Yadav reiterated that the state’s new tourism policy reduced NOCs, single-window approvals, and dedicated film tourism incentives is designed to encourage confidence among investors. “Vindhya nourishes Madhya Pradesh spiritually, culturally and now, economically,” he said.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi described CM Yadav as a “man of ideas and action.” He said 13.41 crore tourists visited MP in 2024. Under the new tourism policy, NOCs have been reduced from 30 to 10, and a single-window system introduced. The film tourism policy offers subsidies up to Rs 2 crore, and MP has earned the “Most Film-Friendly Award.”

Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts & Endowments Department, and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Sheo Shekhar Shukla emphasized the state’s deep cultural roots. “Our traditional arts attract global tourists. If you invest here, we have the best policies,” he said. Outlining the benefits of the tourism and film policies, he stated that investors are welcomed with a red carpet. He added that these investments will play a pivotal role in bringing Rewa and Shahdol’s natural and cultural richness onto the global map, while generating employment and strengthening the local economy.

Therefore, The Rewa conclave is a curtain-raiser to the Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart (MPTM) set for October 11–13, 2025 in Bhopal. Before that, similar regional conclaves will be held in Gwalior (August) and Indore (September) each one tailored to amplify the unique tourism offerings of their zones.