From Thriving Domestic Travel To Chanderi Sarees, MP Has It All

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has taken several initiatives, including rural and agritourism, to boost local and inbound tourism

- Himakshi Panwar

Stating that COVID is a bygone thing and has no impact on the tourism sector, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary and Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, mentioned the state had the best tourist season in the last two years. “Tourism in MP has picked up with a record arrival of domestic tourists,” he said.

A sector-wise analysis of the economic survey 2022-23 shows that the tourism sector has been one of the significant contributors to MP’s economy in the post-pandemic phase. Data suggests a 122 per cent increase in tourism at religious places and a 58 per cent increase in other tourist places compared to the previous financial year. “However, when it comes to inbound tourism, the progress is still slow,” said Shukla.

INBOUND TOURISM STILL SLUGGISH 

“There are multiple factors responsible for slow growth in inbound tourism. Economic developments worldwide play a major part. The international scenario is complex, dependent on many factors, resulting in ripple effects in various domains, including tourism,” said Shukla.