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Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) delegation concluded its successful participation at the IFTM Top Resa 2022 showcasing its rich and diverse tourism attractions held at the Indian Embassy in Paris. This comes days after five Cheetahs from Namibia were released in the wild at the Kuno national park in Madhya Pradesh on September 17, earlier this month, which is bound to prove a must wildlife tourism attraction.
Speaking on the occasion Principal Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh and Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, spoke about ties between Madhya Pradesh and France dating back to the Bourbon era. He also spoke about the various new initiatives that have been introduced in the state such as skill-training for women in the field of tourism which will have the dual advantage of offering women a livelihood while improving safety of female travellers, both solo and group.
He also spoke about film tourism which offers a single window clearance for films and TV shooting units who choose Madhya Pradesh for their productions. He also added that financial subsidies area available for films shot in the state. An audio-visual presentation was followed by a cultural program showcasing folk and classical dances of MP such as Matka, Badhai and Kathak. Special delicacies from the state such as Poha Jalebi, Bhopali Lamb Korma, Kuno Dal Handi and Shikanji were served to the guests at the event.
Later in the day, the delegation met with Indian Ambassador to UNESCO, Vishal V. Sharma, to discuss the various upcoming projects in the state. Sharma appreciated the initiatives taken by the Madhya Pradesh government in the conservation of heritage and was particularly happy with the various TV commercials promoting MP which are memorable and highly creative. This was followed by a meeting with senior officers of UNESCO including Jyoti Hosagrahar, Deputy Director for the World Heritage Centre.
Shukla summarized the outcome of the delegation’s fruitful visit to France by stating: “Madhya Pradesh is a central Indian state that has much to offer to the French traveller, including staples which are heritage and culture. The focus now is to ensure that our responsible tourism initiatives are highlighted and rural, Agri and eco-tourism programs are made popular in this market which is sensitive to the ecology and is generally appreciative of efforts made in this direction. We are excited and enthused by the positive response our tourism products have received in France and are quite sure that the number of tourists from this region will grow exponentially in the coming years.”
The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board held more than 60 meetings with travel trade partners, media and consumers over the course of the three-day event.
Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh and Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board led the delegation that comprised some prominent tour operators from the state.
Meetings with important tour operators such as TUI, Sita, ASIA, Marco Vasco, etc., were very fruitful and will lead to the addition of more Madhya Pradesh based itineraries. media companies included Desirs De Voyage, National Geographic, France TV and Marie France and other leading publishing houses.
An event showcasing the various facets of Madhya Pradesh Tourism was held at the Embassy of India in Paris on September 23. Ambassador of India to France and Monaco, Jawed Ashraf, spoke about the multifarious tourism products that Madhya Pradesh offered such as the spectacular wildlife, heritage and culinary offerings of the state in his opening remarks.
