Madhya Pradesh has rapidly emerged as one of India’s most dynamic and diverse tourism destinations, blending heritage, culture, wildlife, and immersive experiences. In an exclusive interview, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, shared insights into the state’s vision of positioning itself as the “Heart of Incredible India.”

The tourism strategy is guided by sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation—emphasizing eco-tourism, rural homestays, heritage conservation, and technology-driven experiences such as AR/VR storytelling and AI-powered guides. Madhya Pradesh has pioneered immersive tourism through collaborations with global partners while launching impactful digital campaigns like Dilfluencer to showcase its culture, festivals, and wildlife.

Post-pandemic, the state focused on connectivity upgrades, new spiritual circuits, cultural festivals, and extensive community training, empowering over 10,000 women in tourism services. Public–private partnerships under the Tourism Policy 2025 have further accelerated growth, with projects ranging from luxury resorts and eco-wellness retreats to tent cities, heli-tourism, and ropeways.

These initiatives have generated 34 lakh jobs, created over 10,000 hotel rooms, and attracted ?4,468 crore in investment proposals. With tourism projected to contribute up to 10% of the state’s GDP by 2047, Madhya Pradesh is redefining tourism as a people-centric, globally admired ecosystem where heritage, nature, and communities thrive together.

To know more, read the full interview in the October issue of Whispers in the Corridors magazine.