TravTalk India Online Magazine
Madhya Pradesh, known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, is emerging as a MICE destination. As the state continues to refine and expand its tourism offerings, the IATO Annual Convention serves as a pivotal moment in showcasing the state’s potential as a premier MICE destination.
Janice Alyosius
The 39th IATO Annual Convention, hosted in the state, marks a significant step in showcasing Madhya Pradesh’s potential as a key player in the MICE sector. Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh, underscored the event’s importance in enhancing the state’s tourism strategy. “Hosting the IATO Convention aligns perfectly with our vision to highlight Madhya Pradesh as a top destination for MICE and travel. This event is more than just a conference; it’s a gateway to showcase our infrastructure, rich cultural legacy, adventure tourism, wildlife sanctuaries, and historical sites,” Shukla remarked.
The convention, which drew over 1,000 participants, highlighted the state’s capabilities to host large-scale events.
The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is actively working on converting heritage sites into luxury accommodations and expanding its hotel network. Over the next five years, more than six new hotels will open, with existing properties in Indore, Sagar, and Kuno-Palpur. “By expanding our hotel infrastructure and enhancing connectivity, we aim to offer a seamless and enriching experience for visitors. Our goal is to make MP a top choice for MICE and tourism, both domestic and internatonal,” Shukla added.
The state’s modern convention facilities, such as the Maharaja Chhatrasal Convention Centre in Khajuraho and the Brilliant Convention Centre in Indore, offer state-of-the-art amenities that complement MP’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. “We are committed to providing a unique blend of business and leisure for delegates,” Shukla said.
MPTB is also actively engaging with travel agents and MICE planners to enhance the state’s tourism profile. Incentive programmes, training sessions, and workshops are being conducted to better understand and promote MP’s potential. Collaborations with travel platforms, such as MakeMyTrip and RedBus, aim to diversify promotional channels and include homestays in the tourism mix.
Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, praised infrastructure in MP, saying, “Our convention showcased MP as a prime destination for hosting large-scale events seamlessly. The state’s hotels, convention centers, and natural heritage sites, all with excellent connectivity, demonstrate its potential and capability to host not only events but also to accommodate visitors effectively.”
He added, “The new initiatives integrated into the business sessions promise to bring a new dimension to the convention, particularly in how the host state presents its strategic vision,” Mehra said.
Mehra believes that IATO played a crucial role in collaborating with policymakers to restore tourism to pre-COVID levels and in attracting MICE events to the state. With its evolving infrastructure, rich heritage, and strategic focus on both traditional and emerging tourism sectors, MP is on its way to become a top choice for international conferences, events, and travellers for both business and leisure.
