Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart 2026: State Set to Become a Major Hub for MICE and Adventure Tourism; Indore, Bhopal to Emerge as Key MICE Hubs
On Thursday, the second day of the Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart (MPTM) 2026, two crucial sessions were held in the capital, Bhopal, aimed at elevating the state's tourism sector to new heights. During roundtable discussions focused on 'Adventure Tourism' and 'MICE and Creative Economy,' renowned experts, policymakers, and industry representatives from across the country engaged in in-depth deliberations on strategies to establish the state as a premier future tourism hub.
Immense Potential for Events in Indore and Bhopal
Speaking at the roundtable session titled "MICE and Creative Economy: Drivers of Economic Growth – Building Madhya Pradesh's Event Economy," Hari Kishore S., Joint Secretary at the Union Ministry of Tourism and Chairman of the India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB), noted the rapid expansion of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and live events sector in the country.
India's MICE market has reached approximately ₹37,576 crore, and the live events sector is projected to grow to ₹19,600 crore by 2028. Given the rising demand in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, Indore and Bhopal hold immense potential to emerge as major international and national event hubs. He suggested establishing a 'City MICE Promotion Bureau' in the state, drafting a 'State MICE Strategy,' and developing large convention venues.
During this session, Sabbas Joseph, Chairman of the FICCI MICE Tourism Committee and Co-founder of Wizcraft Group, highlighted that historical and cultural cities such as Orchha, Khajuraho, Maheshwar, Mandu, and Gwalior are excellent locations for unique destination weddings and special events.
Developing Safe and Comprehensive Adventure Hubs
Discussions on positioning the state as a leader in adventure tourism took place during the 'Adventure Tourism 2030' roundtable. Dr. Ilaiyaraja T., Tourism Secretary and Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, stated that to give a new direction to adventure tourism potential in the state, special efforts would be made to promote adventure activities by celebrating the year 2027 as the "Adventure Year."
Keynote speaker Padma Shri Ajeet Bajaj (Former Chairman, ATOAI) suggested that adventure parks and infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh should be developed using the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. He emphasized the importance of creating comprehensive adventure hubs rather than just isolated activity spots.