Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart 2026 Showcases 177 Tourism and Hospitality Stalls
Chief Secretary Ashok Barnwal and Union Tourism Secretary Bhuvnesh Kumar inaugurated the exhibition, highlighting investment opportunities, digital innovation, rural tourism and the state’s rich cultural heritage.
Madhya Pradesh strengthened its position as a diverse tourism destination with the inauguration of the exhibition at the 7th edition of Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart (MPTM) 2026. Chief Secretary Shri Ashok Barnwal and Union Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar, inaugurated the exhibition on the second day of the event at Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre in Bhopal.
Highlighting the state’s tourism potential, Chief Secretary Shri Ashok Barnwal said that Madhya Pradesh was witnessing sustained growth in tourist arrivals. He emphasised the importance of expanding domestic and international business opportunities to give the state’s hospitality and tourism economy greater global recognition.
The exhibition brings together key stakeholders from the travel and hospitality sectors, providing a platform to build partnerships, explore business opportunities and identify avenues for investment and tourism growth.
During his visit, Shri Barnwal toured the exhibition and interacted with travel and tour operators, hoteliers and homestay operators from India and abroad. He discussed their tourism packages, business plans and the emerging potential of Madhya Pradesh as a destination. Encouraging the participants, he described travel and hospitality professionals as brand ambassadors for the state and urged them to promote its cultural heritage, wildlife, natural attractions and distinctive rural experiences internationally.
177 Stalls Showcase Madhya Pradesh’s Tourism Potential
MPTM 2026 featured 177 travel and hospitality stalls representing tour operators, hotels, homestays, art and craft, table spaces and rural tourism. The exhibition aims to strengthen business networking, encourage strategic partnerships and create opportunities for investment while supporting the continued growth of tourist arrivals to the state.
The Madhya Pradesh Pavilion offers an immersive introduction to the state’s tourism destinations. Large digital screens showcase its historic forts, wildlife sanctuaries and scenic landscapes, while interactive kiosks allow visitors to explore destination information according to their interests. AI-based digital initiatives and other technology-enabled displays add an innovative dimension to the visitor experience.
Tourism Village Panchvati Brings Rural Experiences to the Fore
A major attraction at the exhibition is a specially created replica of Tourism Village Panchvati, showcasing rural tourism initiatives implemented by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board.
The experience introduces visitors to the culture and traditions of rural Madhya Pradesh through homestays, stargazing, bullock-cart rides, cycling, tribal folk dances, traditional music, archery and handicraft demonstrations.
The showcase also features national parks, natural waterfalls and Gond paintings. Members of tribal communities present their traditional lifestyles, cultural practices and stories, offering visitors an insight into the state’s living heritage and community-based tourism experiences.
Traditional Arts and Crafts Take Centre Stage
Dedicated art and craft stalls celebrate Madhya Pradesh’s distinctive artistic traditions, including Bagh Print, Chanderi sarees, Bhil art, Bhairava craft and Batik print.
The showcase provides artisans and craftspeople with opportunities to reach wider audiences, promote indigenous art forms and explore new markets. It also highlights the role of traditional craftsmanship in preserving cultural heritage while supporting local livelihoods.
Through its combination of business networking, technology-led destination promotion, rural tourism and traditional crafts, MPTM 2026 seeks to strengthen Madhya Pradesh’s visibility in domestic and international tourism markets and generate wider economic opportunities for the state’s tourism ecosystem.
The inauguration was attended by Dr. Ilayaraja T., Secretary, Tourism and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board; Shri Dileep Kumar Yadav, Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC); Dr. Abhay Arvind Bedekar, Additional Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board; Shri Mahendra Pratap Singh, Chairman, FICCI Madhya Pradesh; and other senior officials, travel and tour operators, exhibitors and hoteliers.
