MP working to diversify its tourism offerings, attract wider range of visitors

The Madhya Pradesh government has mapped out an innovative strategy for 2024 to boost tourism. Besides introducing new elements, the government plans to revamp and broaden the existing schemes to add more vibrancy to the sector. Cruise tourism, all-women rides; safety of women, wellness, and rural vacations will be an integral part of the 2024 trajectory. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Government of Gujarat to boost cruise tourism in Madhya Pradesh. Two floating jetties (pontoons) from Kolkata have been sent to Kukshi under this MoU.

Speaking to Bizz Buzz exclusively, Bidisha Mukherjee, IAS, Additional Managing Director (AMD), Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, said that innovations are being made to promote tourism in the state and under this, cruise tourism is being started. Cruise tourism will not only give new wings to tourism, but will also give tourists an opportunity to enjoy the local culture, traditions, lifestyle and cuisine. An adventurous and comfortable journey will take place amidst the picturesque landscapes of Narmada River.

Pontoons, a floating platform installed on a pier or shore will be installed along the ghats. It does not sink and can carry the weight of several people simultaneously. Through this, tourists will be able to travel safely and comfortably on the cruise

Where does MP Tourism stand today vis-a-vis other locations and how do you position it?

Madhya Pradesh is aptly termed as the heart of Incredible India as its diverse and thrilling tourist destinations spread the essence of culture, spirituality, adventure, tribal tales, natural scenic beauty, wildlife, spirituality and cuisines. The state successfully gained surge in tourist footfalls with multifaceted and high-reaching initiatives. The introduction of a range of new tourist circuits, adventure activities, and improved air connectivity lured travellers from other Indian states and internationally. In an effort to boost tourism the Madhya Pradesh government has mapped an innovative strategy for 2024. Cruise tourism, all women rides; safety of women, wellness and rural vacations will be an integral part of the 2024 trajectory.

It looks like the tourism industry, as a whole and MP tourism, in particular has got over the pandemic shock. Isn’t it?

After battling an inclement weather due to the pandemic, tourism in Madhya Pradesh bounced back in 2023, thanks to the steadfast efforts made by the state government. Introduction of new circuits, festivals and setting of tent cities at offbeat destinations, providing rural experiences were some of the hallmarks of 2023. The first editions of Kuno and Chanderi festivals got a good jumpstart while the Mandu and the Gandhi Sagar Floating Festival made novel ways to attract visitors including the sprawling ultra-luxurious tent cities built around these destinations. We are trying to knit tourism with culture and wild life and the feedback from the tourists has been quite encouraging.

You mentioned about cruise tourism as one of your thrust areas. How is Cruise Tourism picking up in India?

The GoI has taken initiatives like upgrading infrastructure, port fee rationalisation, removing ousting charges, granting priority berthing to cruise ships, and providing e-visa facilities to boost the cruise tourism industry in the country. The vast coastline with major ports to accommodate large cruise ships is an advantage for the industry in India. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is also progressively planning to boost cruise tourism in the state.

What is the MP government doing to promote cruise tourism in its state?

The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Government of Gujarat to boost cruise tourism in Madhya Pradesh. Two floating jetties (pontoons) from Kolkata are sent to Kukshi in Madhya Pradesh under this MoU which will be used as a terminal for a pontoon cruise. M.P. Cruise Tourism is an MPTB initiative to promote tourism in the state.

What are locations/stretches identified by the MP government to promote cruise tourism?

Innovations are made to promote tourism in the state. Under this, cruise tourism is being started to attract more tourists and offer them a lifetime experience. An adventurous and comfortable journey will take place amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Narmada River. In the context of the inter-state cruise, projects lined up for 2024 and plans were afoot to link the Rajghat Dam near Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh to Deogarh in Uttar Pradesh. Also, long-distance, intra-state cruises will be a new attraction for 2024.

Among the intra-state cruises planned during the upcoming year include those from Maikal Resort in Bargi near Jabalpur to Tindini in Mandla district, Dharaji in Dewas to Sailani Tapu east of Omkareshwar, Sanjit village to the tent city of Gandhi Sagar. The Tawa-Madhai cruise will be given a facelift by adding new experiences.

What are the facilities/amenities being offered by MP Tourism to attract cruise tourists?

We have a buoyant plan for cruise tourism in 2024. The main attraction will be the nearly 130 km inter-state cruise on river Narmada from the Statue of Oneness in Omkareshwar to the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. Floating jetties are put in place for this. The multi-destination cruises will be punctuated with rural experiences in between the two destinations.

What was the number of inbound cruise tourists in India last year? How had the number grown?

Cruise tourism in India has rebounded from the pandemic and reached an all-time high of 4,70,000 visitors in FY24, which is higher than pre-pandemic levels. Domestic tourists account for almost 80 per cent of these visitors, around 85 per cent increases from 2019-20.

What is the projected number of cruise tourists 5-10 years down the road? What needs to be done to promote cruise tourism in India?

Cruise Tourism is a rising tourism experience, gaining popularity among different age groups. The travellers are keen on experiential tourism and the number of cruise tourists will increase twice at least in upcoming years. Therefore, the Ministry of Tourism has identified Infrastructure and circuit enablement, market development, skill development, ease of doing business, integrated tourism, investment promotion, institutional structure and governance as key strategies to promote cruise tourism.

Besides cruise tourism, what will be your other focus or thrust areas?

Moves are already afoot to connect atleast 10 unexplored destinations with the mainstream tourism within 2024. The process for tapping the offbeat destinations had kick-started in 2023 and in 2024 this will take a more robust shape. While the contours of rural tourism were sketched during pandemic days, this will be widened in 2024. The number of home stays would be increased to more than 500 in 2024. MP Tourism would be introducing new village life experiences that are innovative and in sync with the rural life.