Madhya Pradesh Tourism Day: Celebrating a Record-Breaking Year of Growth and Achievement

On 24 May, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Day, the state celebrates welcoming over 11 crore visitors in 2023, surpassing pre-COVID levels. Key destinations like Ujjain saw significant tourist influx, highlighting the state’s appeal in spiritual tourism. Improved infrastructure and strategic initiatives have boosted Madhya Pradesh’s standing as a top travel destination.

Arumita Gupta

Today, Madhya Pradesh proudly celebrates Madhya Pradesh Tourism Day, marking the foundation day of the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC). This special occasion is particularly significant this year, as the state has set a new tourism record by welcoming over 11 crore (110 million) visitors in 2023, surpassing pre-COVID levels and establishing itself as a premier tourist destination in India.

From January to December 2023, Madhya Pradesh saw an unprecedented influx of 11.21 crore (112.1 million) tourists. This growth is a remarkable leap from the 3.41 crore (34.1 million) visitors in 2022, showcasing the state’s successful recovery and strategic efforts to boost tourism.

Ujjain, a city steeped in spiritual significance, emerged as the state’s most popular destination, attracting over 5.28 crore (52.8 million) tourists. The state’s top ten destinations also include Maihar, Chitrakoot, Omkareshwar, and Salkanpur, all of which are renowned for their religious and cultural importance. This trend highlights the growing appeal of spiritual tourism in Madhya Pradesh.

Key projects like Mahakal Lok in Ujjain and Ektma Dham in Omkareshwar have been instrumental in attracting visitors. These developments, along with improved infrastructure and enriched visitor experiences, have significantly contributed to the state’s tourism success.

Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary, Tourism & Culture & Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, expressed his pride in the state’s achievements on this auspicious day. “The record-breaking tourist arrivals are a testament to Madhya Pradesh’s immense appeal as a diverse and enriching travel destination. Our focus on developing infrastructure, promoting religious tourism, and showcasing our unique cultural heritage has been key to attracting visitors from across India and the globe,” he said.

He emphasized the state’s conscious efforts to enhance spiritual and religious sites, providing both adequate infrastructure and enriching experiences around these destinations. “We have created a comprehensive strategy to promote our cultural heritage globally. With 10 destinations included under UNESCO’s tentative list in the last two to three years, we now have 14 UNESCO sites, three on the permanent list, and the rest on the tentative list. We are continuously working towards getting them on the permanent inscription list.”

Shukla also highlighted the importance of improved connectivity, infrastructure, and amenities in making Madhya Pradesh accessible and appealing to a broader range of visitors. He pointed out that the state’s campaigns showcasing its beauty during monsoons and the peak tourism season from October onwards have been successful in attracting both domestic and international tourists.

The rise in tourism has positively impacted Madhya Pradesh’s economy, generating employment opportunities, boosting local businesses, and contributing to infrastructure development. The state’s diverse offerings, from ancient forts and serene temples to captivating wildlife sanctuaries and vibrant cultural festivals, cater to a wide range of travelers, ensuring an unforgettable journey.

As Madhya Pradesh celebrates Tourism Day, it warmly invites travelers to explore its unparalleled beauty, culture, and hospitality. The state’s commitment to enhancing its tourism offerings ensures that Madhya Pradesh remains a top choice for travellers seeking memorable and enriching experiences.

On this Madhya Pradesh Tourism Day, the state reaffirms its dedication to promoting and enhancing its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, inviting the world to experience the best of what Madhya Pradesh has to offer.

Top 10 Destinations in Madhya Pradesh (2023):

1.            Ujjain – 52,841,802 tourists

2.            Maihar – 16,849,000 tourists

3.            Indore – 10,119,030 tourists

4.            Chitrakoot – 9,001,126 tourists

5.            Omkareshwar – 3,475,000 tourists

6.            Jabalpur – 2,669,869 tourists

7.            Salkanpur – 2,565,000 tourists

8.            Narmadapuram (Pachmarhi, Madhai, Narmadapuram, Adamgarh) – 2,283,837 tourists

9.            Raisen (Bhimbetka, Sanchi, Bhojpur) – 2,137,058 tourists

10.          Bhopal – 1,950,965 tourists

Tourist Numbers Over the Years:

•              2023: 11,21,29,094 tourists

•              2022: 3,41,38,757 tourists

•              2021: 2,55,95,668 tourists

•              2020: 2,14,00,693 tourists

•              2019: 8,90,35,097 tourists

•              2018: 8,46,14,456 tourists

•              2017: 5,88,62,584 tourists