Madhya Pradesh eyes Rs 1,300 cr investment in tourism sector

Madhya Pradesh is expecting Rs 1,300 crore investment, from both private and public sector, this financial year for upgradation of tourism infrastructure.
"Upgrading infrastructure is a continuous process and we are looking at doubling our rooms inventory in next five years, in the three-star and above category. We are also planning to build over 300 wayside amenities every 50 km. Overall, for upgradation of infrastructure in the the tourism sector we are looking at Rs 1,300 crore investment, from government as well as private sector this financial year," Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Additional Managing Director Tanvi Sundriyal told PTI here.
At present the state offers 5,400 rooms in the three-star and above category.

Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation will give franchises to private players for constructing over 300 wayside amenities including cafes, restrooms, parks, parking facilities, etc., every 50 km, she said.
Besides the religious tourism, the state Government is focusing on wildlife tourism as Madhya Pradesh has six sanctuaries. It is seeking to promote rural tourism around these sanctuaries, heritage wedding destinations, and meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions (MICE) segments.
"We are planning to develop rural tourism around the heritage sites that will give tourists an authentic feel of the state," Sundriyal added.

The state was developing Khajuraho and Orcha as international MICE destination, she said.

The state has not had any tie-ups with neighbouring states for joint promotion of tourism circuits, but it is on the agenda for the future, she said.
Madhya Pradesh, which received around eight crore tourists, both domestic and international, in 2015, is expecting 20 per cent growth in numbers this year.
The state is currently conducting roadshows across the country to facilitate direct B-2-B (business-to-business) contact between the private service providers and the tour operators.