MP Travel Mart: Travel and Hospitality Stalls Set Up—Charm of Rural Homestays Showcased at Tourism Village Panchvati Stall
MP Travel Mart: Chief Secretary Ashok Barnwal and Union Tourism Secretary Bhuvnesh Kumar inaugurated the exhibition on the second day of the seventh edition of Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart 2026 (MPTM) at Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre in Bhopal.
CS Barnwal said that tourism in Madhya Pradesh is witnessing sustained growth, with the number of visitors increasing steadily. Special emphasis is being laid on promoting business opportunities at the domestic and international levels to give the state’s hospitality and tourism economy a global identity.
The exhibition at Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart provides a global platform for stakeholders, including tour operators, hoteliers and homestay operators, to expand business opportunities. CS Barnwal toured the exhibition and reviewed interactive digital displays and AI-based digital initiatives showcasing the state’s tourism offerings.
CS Interacts with Travel-tour Operators and Hoteliers
Chief Secretary Barnwal visited various stalls and interacted directly with travel and tour operators, hoteliers and homestay operators from India and abroad. He said representatives of the tour and hospitality sectors are playing the role of brand ambassadors for Madhya Pradesh tourism. He encouraged them to effectively showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife and unique rural tourism experiences on the global platform.
A total of 177 travel and hospitality stalls have been set up at MPTM 2026, providing a major platform for the state’s tourism sector. The event aims to further accelerate the steady growth in tourist arrivals to Madhya Pradesh.
Madhya Pradesh Pavilion Showcases State’s Tourism Diversity
The Madhya Pradesh Pavilion presents the state’s major tourism destinations in an attractive format. Large display screens provide visitors with an immersive glimpse of its historic forts, wildlife sanctuaries and natural landscapes.
Interactive kiosks equipped with advanced technology allow visitors to independently explore comprehensive information about tourism destinations based on their interests, making the experience more engaging, modern and convenient.
Tourism Village Panchvati Offers an Authentic Rural Experience
Under the rural tourism programme operated by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, visitors are being offered unique and authentic experiences of rural life. To recreate this experience at the Travel Mart, a special replica of Tourism Village Panchvati has been developed at the exhibition venue.
The vibrant showcase offers visitors a range of experiences, including homestays, stargazing, bullock-cart rides, cycling, tribal folk dances, traditional musical performances and archery and handicraft demonstrations. A glimpse of a national park, natural waterfalls and Gond paintings further enhance the experience. Tribal villagers are also presenting their lifestyle and traditional stories, making Panchvati one of the major attractions of the event.
Rich tradition of art and crafts showcased
Special art and craft stalls highlight Madhya Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage, traditional handicrafts and handloom traditions. Major attractions include Bagh Prints, Chanderi Sarees, Bhil Art, Bhairava Craft and Batik Prints. The stalls are providing the state’s traditional art forms with a global platform while also creating opportunities to preserve, promote and strengthen the work of local artists and artisans.
Secretary Tourism and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Dr. Ilaiyaraaja T.; Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC), Shri Dileep Kumar Yadav; Additional Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Dr. Abhay Arvind Bedekar; FICCI Madhya Pradesh Chairman Shri Mahendra Pratap Singh, along with senior officials, travel and tour operators, exhibitors and hoteliers, were present.