Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan declared that 2015 would be celebrated as Tourism Year in the State and said that during the year Madhya Pradesh’s tourism potential would be displayed before the world. The Chief Minister was inaugurating the Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart here on Saturday.
The Chief Minister further said that Madhya Pradesh would be developed as pioneer State in tourism sector and added State had immense potential for tourism. The State Government had chalked out a pro-active policy. Impressive tourism infrastructures were being constructed in the State, he added.
New tourist circuits were being developed. The State had also immense potential of religious tourism. Sanchi, Khajuraho and Bhim Bhetka were world heritage. Madhya Pradesh has also a number of National Parks and sanctuaries. The state government wishes to develop tourism facilities for every section so that people can spend some peaceful time in present-day complex life.
Minister of State for Tourism Surendra Patwa said that Madhya Pradesh is progressing rapidly in every sector. During last 8 years, number of tourists coming to the state has increased from one crore to 6.40 crore. Effective tourism facilities are being developed in the state. Infrastructure works costing about Rs 350 crore are underway in tourism sector. Secretary Tourism Hari Ranjan Rao informed about tourism potential in the state. He informed that the state has 3 world heritages, 9 national parks and 25 wildlife sanctuaries. The state government has chalked out a progressive tourism policy.
Secretary-General of Federation of Indian Tourist and Hospitality Agency Subhash Verma said that the state government is undertaking laudable efforts in tourism sector. President of Indian Association of Tour Operators Sarvjeet Singh said that better facilities are being made available to tourists in Madhya Pradesh.
At the programme, the Chief Minister also unveiled air-conditioned buses to be operated under PPP mode by Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation. He inspected an exhibition put up on the occasion. Managing Director of Tourism Development Corporation Raghavendra Singh proposed a vote of thanks.
Representatives of travel agents and travel media from 9 countries and all major travel associations, travel agents and travel media of the country are participating in the 3-day travel mart.