MoU Signed Between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to Promote Tourism
Successful Conclusion of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board’s Roadshow in Lucknow
Stakeholders from Tourism Businesses, Tour Operators, and the Hotel Industry Participated
Dharmendra Lodhi, Tourism Minister and Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary Tourism Highlight the State’s Tourism Strengths
With the objective of fostering cooperation and partnerships among tourism businesses, tour operators, travel agents, and hotel industry stakeholders of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board successfully organised a roadshow at Hotel Taj Mahal in Lucknow on Wednesday, June 25.
The event was held in the context of preparations for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart and the Regional Tourism Conclave. The roadshow was graced by Rajendra Shukla, Deputy Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh as the chief guest, with the distinguished presence of Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture, Tourism, Religious Trusts and Endowments, Government of Madhya Pradesh, and Jaiveer Singh, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh. Pankaj Tripathi, Renowned actor, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts & Endowments Department, and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, along with Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, lent further prestige to the event. On this occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to promote tourism, with a special focus on the research and development of Shri Ram Path Gaman, Shri Krishna Pathey, and the Buddhist Circuit.
Rajendra Shukla, Deputy Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh remarked that when a region witnesses an industrial revolution, a green revolution, and a tourism revolution, its development gains unprecedented momentum. Such regions create abundant employment opportunities. Under the guidance of PM Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, systematic and integrated efforts are being made through infrastructure development, conservation and promotion of traditional culture, and encouraging private sector participation in the tourism sector. These efforts have transformed Madhya Pradesh into a region of immense potential and an attractive destination for tourism investment.
Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism, Culture, Religious Trusts and Endowments, observed that tourism is the backbone of any nation’s economic and social development. At present, the tourism industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global economy. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, continuous efforts are being made for the development of tourism infrastructure and amenities. Madhya Pradesh is renowned for its natural, historical, archaeological, cultural, and religious heritage. Discussing the state’s tourism policy and investment opportunities, he invited all to visit Madhya Pradesh and contribute to the growth of its tourism sector.
Jaiveer Singh, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh stated that Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh share deep cultural ties. Our customs, festivals, cuisine, and familial bonds are similar. The journey from Maa Ganga to Maa Narmada will not only provide visitors with a delightful experience but also strengthen the bond between our states.
New pathways in tourism through the Ganga-Narmada Corridor
Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture and Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board highlighted that Madhya Pradesh is a state rich in diversity and heritage from a tourism perspective. There are striking similarities in the tourism offerings of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Both Baba Mahakal and Baba Kashi Vishwanath attract devotees from across the world. The Kashi Vishwanath Mahakal Express already connects these two revered Jyotirlingas. Under the proposed Ganga-Narmada Tourism Corridor project, major religious and tourism destinations of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh will be linked. This corridor, passing through Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Omkareshwar, and Mahakaleshwar, will enhance tourism cooperation between the two states and offer visitors a rich and diverse experience, fostering religious, cultural, wellness, and heritage tourism.
Shukla remarked that the state’s cultural heritage, natural wealth, historical monuments, and wildlife diversity provide visitors with a holistic experience. Madhya Pradesh has already marked its impressive presence on the international tourism map. Tourism is not merely an economic driver but also a medium for cultural connection and social inclusion. It is a sector that empowers local communities, generates employment, and showcases the state’s heritage on the global stage. In Madhya Pradesh, tourism is not just a journey of destinations, but of experiences. Madhya Pradesh welcomes you not merely as a destination, but as a partner. Your support is vital in establishing Madhya Pradesh on the world tourism map.
Stakeholders engage in meaningful dialogue
Tour operators, hoteliers, and tourism stakeholders from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh engaged in bilateral dialogue and discussions on business prospects. This session proved significant not only for the development of regional tourism but also from the perspective of national tourism prosperity.
Madhya Pradesh’s Rich Cultural Heritage The roadshow showcased Madhya Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage. Glimpses of the state’s natural, historical, religious, and rural tourism sites were presented. Notably, 13.41 crore tourists visited Madhya Pradesh in 2024. Destinations such as Baba Mahakal, Omkareshwar, Chitrakoot, Maihar, and Amarkantak—the source of the Narmada—continue to captivate pilgrims and tourists alike. Madhya Pradesh boasts 3 permanent and 15 tentative UNESCO heritage sites, including the temple group of Khajuraho, the caves of Bhimbetka, and the stupa of Sanchi. The state is known as the ‘Tiger State,’ ‘Leopard State,’ ‘Gharial State,’ ‘Cheetah State,’ and ‘Vulture State,’ reflecting its extraordinary biodiversity. With the largest forest area in India, Madhya Pradesh’s natural beauty is a treasured draw for visitors. Sites such as Pachmarhi, Amarkantak, Bhedaghat, Hanuwantiya, Gandhisagar, Tamia, Sailani Island, and Sarsi Island are major hubs for nature tourism. The tribal arts of the Gond, Bhil, and Mandana traditions are popular among visitors. The state has also carved a niche in film tourism.
Seamless connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh
Travel from Uttar Pradesh to Madhya Pradesh has become more convenient than ever. Major cities in Uttar Pradesh—Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra, Kanpur, and Prayagraj—are well connected by air to Gwalior, Khajuraho, Bhopal, Indore, and Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. Rail links connect Rewa, Orchha, Gwalior, and Khajuraho. Once in Madhya Pradesh, tourists benefit from a robust road network facilitating easy and swift travel to key destinations.
World-class hospitality—From luxury to homestays
Madhya Pradesh offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit varied preferences. Luxury resorts of renowned brands such as Taj, Marriott, Radisson, Ramada, The Park, and Clarion Inn are present in major cities like Bhopal, Indore, and Jabalpur. Heritage hotels housed in grand havelis and royal palaces offer majestic experiences. Homestays have been developed to provide tourists with the charm of rural living. The state’s many attractions include 2 Jyotirlingas, 12 national parks, and 9 tiger reserves that continue to draw visitors.
Immense Investment Potential in Tourism and Hospitality The state’s new Tourism Policy 2025 offers incentives and transparent processes to attract investors. Land parcels, wayside amenities, and heritage properties are allocated through e-tender processes, with land available on a 90-year lease. Investors receive reimbursement of stamp duty and registration charges. For ultra-mega tourism projects with investments of ₹100 crore or more, the government may directly allocate land.
A hub for film production
To promote film tourism, a Film Facilitation Cell (FFC) has been established, offering single-window clearances. Since the implementation of the policy, over 350 film projects have been shot in the state. Film permits are issued within stipulated timelines under the Public Service Guarantee Act.
Comprehensive Assistance for Tourists The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department offers detailed travel plans and lists of approved tour operators on its official website. Experienced travel experts guide tourists, ensuring their journey is pleasant, easy, and memorable.
