By Anish Singh

Greater Noida, Jan 20 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) is working hard to attract more foreign as well as domestic tourists in a bid to become one of the favourite destinations for travelers who can spend their quality time.

The state is trying to bank upon adventure, religious and rural tourism. A number of adventure and rural tourist destinations have been created across the state, including Satpura, Panchmarhi, Madhei, Indore, Khajuraho, Orcha and Panna region.

In 2017, a total number of 7.8 crore domestic travelers visited the centrally located state while nearly four lakh foreign tourists experienced the homestay throughout the state.

Talking to UNI, MPTB Deputy Director (Events and Marketing) Yuvraj Padole said, "This year we are looking for about 15-20 per cent increase in the tourist arrivals. Though, the number of overseas visitors is less as compared to other states but we are trying to attract them through regular roadshows in countries like Germany, UK, US among others."

In 2018, the state had hold Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) event in Bhopal. For the first, it was held not only in India but in Asia.

Mr Padole also said every tourist who visits Madhya Pradesh is the brand ambassador.

"Madhya Pradesh is one of the leading states in the country. Every tourist who comes to Madhya Pradesh is our brand ambassador. They publicise about the state through word of mouth," the MPTB officer said.

Creation of tourism infrastructure would help in creating jobs, he said.

"We are involving the local population in creating infrastructure for tourism sector; it will help in employment generation which would eventually raise the standard of the people," said Mr Padole.

On connectivity, the MPTB officer added, "We have better connectivity in the state. Our air connectivity is very good, in road networks we have improved a lot. We are known as heart of India as we are centrally located. Every day, over 450 trains cross from our state and we will try to make Madhya Pradesh as first tourist state in the country."

On safety and security issues, he said that there is no issue of law and order. Everything is in place. "MP is a fully safe destination for travelers. We have also launched safe destination for women."

Last year, the state stood at eighth position in attracting domestic travelers while was out of 10 in foreign visitors.

UNI ASH ADG 1518