As the New Year rings in, tourists’ wait to enjoy a much-touted inter-State cruise on the Narmada River, from the Statue of Oneness in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh, to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat, covering nearly 130 km, is all set to end. “Floating jetties are already being put in place for this,” said Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary of Culture and Tourism.

The Madhya Pradesh Government is banking heavily on this innovative project, hoping to bolster the economy of the region and introduce a fresh tourism product to attract inbound tourists, particularly those seeking religious and adventure trips.

“The multi-option, multi-destination cruises will be punctuated with rural experiences between the two destinations,” added Shukla.

There is more on the platter, much to the delight of adventure and thrill-seeking tourists, whose numbers are on the rise. Elaborating on other cruise projects lined up for 2024 in the state, also known as the Incredible Heart of India, Shukla mentioned that plans are afoot to link the Rajhat Dam near Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh to Deogarh in Uttar Pradesh.

“Long-distance, intra-State cruises will be a new attraction for 2024,” he added as he enlisted new projects.

Intra-State cruises, from Miakal Resort in Bargi near Jabalpur to Tindini in Mandla district and from Dharaji in Dewas to Sailani Tapu east of Omkareshwar, as well as from Sanjit village to the tent city of Gandhi Sagar, are also in the works. The Tawa-Madhai cruise will be revamped with new experiences.

The MPTB has outlined an innovative strategy for 2024, aiming to make it more holistic, inclusive, sustainable, eco-friendly, and adventure-packed. Identifying and developing new trekking trails in various buffer zones of National Parks/Sanctuaries will be part of the 2024 tourism strategy.

The State will be promoted through different biking trails and car rallies. Additionally, a special attraction “The Queens on the Wheel,” an all-women seven-day biking event slated for February 2024, will take riders on an adventurous journey from Bhopal to Orchha, passing through Chanderi, Kuno, Gwalior, Mitawali, Padavali, Bateshwar, Orchha, and Khajuraho.

“We have elaborate plans to develop many new off-beat destinations, thereby leveraging the unique selling proposition of our State,” said the Principal Secretary of Culture and Tourism.

In an effort to enhance connectivity between various destinations, the tourism department is working to reintroduce small aircraft under a Public-Private Partnership.

“This is the best time to restart this initiative, as the tourism sector has now bounced back after a post-pandemic lull,” adds Shukla. The 2024 calendar will include retreats for yoga and meditation.

Wellness vacations offer much beyond diet and physical nurturing. The retreats will feature a variety of creative offerings. I am confident that this endeavor will elevate the tourist graph of the state,” informed Shukla.

The plan is to host 12 such retreats in the first year, followed by 24 and 36 in the second and third consecutive years. The retreats will be hosted in select hotels owned by the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation.

All-women rides, safety for women, wellness, and rural vacations will be integral parts of the 2024 trajectory. “Safe destinations for women will be a priority, and various initiatives are underway for mass skilling of women in hospitality-related job roles to increase their presence in various frontline jobs. The Board has already trained more than 4000 women, and in 2024, we propose to absorb more of them into the hotel and travel industry,” said Shukla.

Maintaining that the number of homestays will be increased to more than 500 in 2024, he said, “We will be introducing new village life experiences that are innovative and in sync with rural life.