Bollywood, Experiences and Homestays: Inside Madhya Pradesh’s Tourism Overhaul
Photo Credit: India has 42 world heritage sites, including the Khajuraho Group of Temples in Madhya Pradesh. MP Tourism
Skift Take
Madhya Pradesh’s tourism strategy shows how Indian states are combining experiential elements to attract more travelers. While recent growth is promising, addressing infrastructure and accessibility challenges will be key to sustaining momentum.
Madhya Pradesh recorded an over 50% surge in tourism last year, compared to pre-pandemic levels. The state welcomed 134 million tourists in 2024, up from 89 million in 2019, according to the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board.
Sheo Shekhar Shukla, managing director at Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, in a conversation with Skift attributed this growth to the state’s shift away from traditional, site-centric tourism toward a more diversified, experience-driven strategy.
Diversifying Beyond Landmark Destinations: Shukla said visitor interest is expanding beyond marquee destinations like Khajuraho and Orchha to emerging hotspots such as Kanha, Pench, and Bandhavgarh, where hotel chain The Leela is developing a new luxury property near Bandhavgarh National Park.
Over the past few years, Madhya Pradesh has introduced initiatives including luxury tent cities, eco-safaris, river cruises, adventure tourism, film tourism, and rural homestays to broaden its appeal.
