MPTB plans to push cruise tourism, add new destinations

Indore: The tourism department is mulling over adding more water adventure activities, short and long distance cruises and upgrading infrastructure at tourist locations in the ongoing financial year, thanks to increased budget allocation in FY 2025 to the tourism department.
The department is also planning to add more hotels and improve infrastructure at religious and cultural places like Ujjain, Orchha among others amid high tourist footfall.Madhya Pradesh govt in the budget 2024-25 made a provision Rs 1,081 crore for the culture department and Rs 666 crore is proposed for tourist facilities.
Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is planning to start retreats for yoga and meditation, village life experiences and develop new trekking trails in various buffer zones of National Parks and sanctuaries this year. “Increased budget allocation will give a huge impetus to the tourism sector. This year, we are planning to add new destinations, amenities, cruise rides and make all such efforts to place MP on the international map as a tourist destination. We are working on adding more attractions around water bodies, short and long distance cruises,” said Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture, Sheo Shekhar Shukla.
According to the tourism department, intra-state cruises from Miakal Resort in Bargi near Jabalpur to Tindini in Mandla district, Dharaji in Dewas to Sailani Tapu east of Omkareshwar, Sanjit village to the tent city of Gandhi Sagar are being worked upon. The Tawa-Madhai cruise is also expected to be given a facelift by adding new experiences. “Cruise tourism, all women rides, safety of women, wellness and rural vacations will be an integral part this year as we plan to make a more holistic, inclusive, sustainable, eco-friendly and adventure packed tourism experience, said Shukla. The board is also working to connect atleast 10 unexplored destinations with the mainstream tourism in the state. Shukla said that safe destinations for women will be a priority and various initiatives were underway for mass skilling of women in hospitality related job roles to increase their strength in various front line jobs.