“Madhya Pradesh Tourism has been consistently trying to promote sustainable tourism which enables socio-economic development, generates employment opportunities and establishes Madhya Pradesh as a destination that provides complete tourism experience.” Said Sheo Shekhar Shukla, IAS, Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board & Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture & Public Relations Department, Government of M.P.
Q. Tell us about the journey of Madhya Pradesh Tourism to revive from the wave of COVID 19.
Madhya Pradesh Tourism has been actively promoting tourist destinations in the State through Social and Digital media. We have launched many of the social media campaigns like #MPMonsoonMagic to promote the monsoon destinations of Madhya Pradesh. #BufferMeSafar to promote the buffer areas of Tiger Reserves to the potential wildlife enthusiasts. #IntezaarAapka carried out through a series of Social Media Posts covering various destinations of Madhya Pradesh. #Intezarkhtamhua a traveller centric campaign with two influencers on a road journey in a caravan.
The pandemic has changed the travel preferences of the tourist. Hence the ‘AasPaas Tourism’ campaign was launched to cater to the changing tourist needs of short-haul visits connecting Madhya Pradesh’s tourist destinations with neighbouring states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, with a renewed emphasis on health safety of the visitors.
We are in the process to build the confidence and trust amongst the travellers through all social media platforms and Handles to ensure them that all the norms for safety against COVID-19 i.e. wearing of mask, social distancing, hand sanitizing, temperature checking and other safety measures are followed. Hotel staff has been trained to handle the Guest with minimal contact.
Q. What is the long term vision for Madhya Pradesh Tourism?
Madhya Pradesh Tourism endeavours to position Madhya Pradesh as preferred tourism destination by integrated marketing strategies and promotional campaigns. The special elements of promotional efforts undertaken include participation in Fairs and exhibitions, conducting roadshows, organizing events like JalMahotsav and other promotional campaigns like heritage run, heritage walk, cycle safari, Tigress on the trail. In addition to that, advertising in print and electronic media, radio, cinema as well as active promotion on social and digital media handles.
The long term plan is to attract Domestic Travellers from neighbouring States to the beautiful tourist destinations in our State & offer new emerging trends in tourism, such as Experiential Tourism, Wellness Tourism and Rural Tourism.
Q. “Madhya Pradesh Tourism promoting Film Tourism” Comment.
Films showcase the natural and cultural heritage of the state which inspires and influences tourists to visit this location, it also the reopening of Film Shooting in Madhya Pradesh will definitely contribute in State’s Tourism revenue, Employment generation and increase in tourist footfall. Beautiful locations attract filmmakers and tourists both to visit destinations where films are being shot.
With the help of recently launched Film Tourism Policy, film making in Madhya Pradesh has increased many folds.
Q. Year 2021 will be the year of domestic tourism in India. What you would like to say about it.
Keeping in mind the New Normal our Focus is more on the destinations that fit into the frame of experiential activities. Responsible Tourism, Wellness and mindful tourism. We are also focusing on promotion of Homestays, Gramstays and Farmstays as safe and culturally richstay options for the guests to experience the rich Rural Culture, Food and Traditions of the State. We have special interest itineraries created for source markets to promote Destination Madhya Pradesh.
Q. What are the key points of promoting Madhya Pradesh Tourism in the present scenario?
Madhya Pradesh Tourism is very much into promoting its tourism products; we are in the process of conducting both virtual and physical Road Shows for all our stake holders in our source market cities in the Country.
MP Tourism also gradually started organizing virtual and physical events from 15th December 2020 to 15 January 2021 -JalMahotsav and now planning to organize virtual Madhya Pradesh travel mart to showcase and promote tourism products of our State.
Madhya Pradesh Tourism has been consistently trying to promote sustainable tourism which enables socio-economic development, generates employment opportunities and establishes Madhya Pradesh as a destination that provides complete tourism experience.
Q. Madhya Pradesh is always considered as a destination of international traveller’s choice but it hit badly due to COVID 19. What are your plans to boost that international traffic back to Madhya Pradesh?
Madhya Pradesh has very rich wildlife tourism, the State is crowned with “The Tiger State of India” and now also “the Leopard State”. Besides Wildlife the State has 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and very well preserved History and Architecture. We would continue promoting our State in all major international trade shows and through road shows in our potential source markets & we believe once International tourism will resume we will receive good number of international tourists.