Madhya Pradesh has been conferred six national awards in tourism sector. The prestigious awards were given away by President Pranab Mukherjee to Minister of State for Tourism Surendra Patwa in New Delhi on Friday. Union Minister of State for Tourism Mahesh Sharma was also present on the occasion.
Madhya Pradesh has been conferred second prize for overall tourism development and Gwalior Best Heritage City Award. Maheshwar town of Khargone district has been conferred first prize for best public amenity management at B Category tourist destinations, Habibganj Tourist Friendly Railway Station Award, Bhojpur’s Shiv Mandir Best Maintained Disabled Friendly Monument Award and Tourism Development Corporation’s unit Sair-Sapata, Bhopal has been conferred Most Innovative and Unique Tourism Project Award.
Madhya Pradesh got second prize for all-round tourism development for making available air taxi facility by Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation for tourists. The state also carved out its identity as pioneer in case of bus facility between major cities. For basic tourism amenities, 70 hotels are being operated in the state. Of these, 12 hotels have got ISO Certificate. State’s achievement of providing 3-star hotels, heritage hotels and other facilities has been adjudged outstanding.
Gwalior has been adjudged Best Heritage due to presence of Mausoleum of Shan Mohammad Ghauas, Gawalior Fort, Jai Vilas Palace, Tansen’s Mausoleum, Gujri Mahal, Chaturbhuj Mandir etc.
Maheshwar is famous as city of Holkar dynasty’s queen Maharani Ahilya Bai. Speciality of Best Tourist Friendly Railway Station Habibganj is that it has ultramodern facilities including air-conditioned rooms, bio-toilets and retiring room for tourists.
Best Maintained and Disabled Friendly Shiv Mandir at Bhojpur was built by Parmar King Raja Bhoj. Speciality of Sair-Sapata of Bhopal adjudged Most Innovative and Unique Tourism Project is that it is regarded as best sight-seeing spot for tourists.