MP Tourism Hosts Lucknow Roadshow to Foster Inter-State Bonds and Spotlight MP Travel Mart 2025

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board organised a roadshow at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Lucknow on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. This event forms part of the preparations for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart – Bhopal, scheduled from October 11 to 13, 2025, as well as regional tourism conclaves in Rewa, Gwalior, and Indore throughout July, August, and September 2025.

The event was honoured by the presence of Rajendra Shukla, Deputy Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, as the Chief Guest, with Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Minister of State for Culture, Tourism, Religious Trusts and Endowments, serving as Guest of Honour. Also in attendance were Jaiveer Singh, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh; Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary of Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts & Endowments; Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh; Prateek Hira, Chairman of FICCI Tourism Committee – Uttar Pradesh; Mahendra Pratap Singh, Chairman of FICCI Tourism Committee – Madhya Pradesh; and renowned Indian actor Pankaj Tripathi.

Forging Strategic Partnerships
A key highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Tourism, Government of Madhya Pradesh, and the Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh. This collaboration aims to jointly promote tourism, develop thematic circuits, and improve infrastructure and connectivity, recognising the diverse and complementary attractions of both states, from cultural heritage and spiritual sites to natural landscapes.

Sheo Shekhar Shukla remarked, “Madhya Pradesh is a land of extraordinary richness and diversity in tourism. The state’s cultural legacy, natural beauty, historic heritage, and wildlife diversity provide visitors with a truly holistic experience. The state has already made an indelible mark on the global tourism map. Tourism is not just about economic growth; it is also a bridge for cultural connection and social inclusion. It is an enabler that empowers local communities, generates employment, and presents our cultural heritage on the world stage. In Madhya Pradesh, tourism is not just about visiting destinations; it is about discovering experiences. We welcome you not only as visitors but as partners in this journey. Your collaboration is vital in strengthening Madhya Pradesh’s standing on the world tourism map.”

Engagement and Cultural Highlights
The roadshow facilitated lively discussions between tour operators, hoteliers, and other tourism stakeholders from both states, fostering regional growth and contributing to the national tourism objectives.

Attendees experienced a presentation of Madhya Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage, with depictions of its natural, historical, religious, and rural attractions. The state welcomed 134.1 million visitors in 2024. Notable sites such as Baba Mahakal, Omkareshwar, Chitrakoot, Maihar, and Amarkantak (the source of the Narmada River) continue to attract pilgrims and spiritual visitors.

Madhya Pradesh is home to 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites (three inscribed and fifteen tentative), including the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, and Sanchi Stupa. The state is affectionately known as the Tiger State, Leopard State, Gharial State, Cheetah State, and Vulture State for its remarkable wild habitats and natural reserves. Ecotourism hotspots include Pachmarhi, Amarkantak, Bhedaghat, Hanuwantiya, Gandhi Sagar, Tamia, Sailani Island, and Sarsi Island.

The event also featured traditional dance performances by the Gond tribal community, a press conference, and a B2B networking workshop.

Enhanced Connectivity from Uttar Pradesh
Travel between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh has never been easier. Major cities such as Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra, Kanpur, and Prayagraj now benefit from excellent air links to Gwalior, Khajuraho, Bhopal, Indore, and Jabalpur. Rail services connect Rewa, Orchha, Gwalior, and Khajuraho, complemented by a comprehensive road network, making journeys smoother than ever.