Tourism Breaking News
Madhya Pradesh, the “Heart of Incredible India,” is a multifaceted destination known for its breathtaking national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and rich cultural heritage. The state’s vibrant traditions, colorful festivals, and exquisite handicrafts make it a treasure trove of experiences. More than just a tourism hub, Madhya Pradesh is paving the way for sustainable tourism, rural development, and women’s empowerment.
On this International Women’s Day, it is essential to highlight the remarkable strides taken by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) in fostering gender-inclusive tourism. The board is not just promoting travel; it is creating opportunities for women to thrive through its innovative rural and tribal tourism initiatives. Women in rural communities are at the forefront of this transformation—building traditional mud homestays, crafting intricate hand-painted artworks, and contributing to sustainable tourism ventures.
Rural Tourism: Women as Change makers
Madhya Pradesh is emerging as a model for community-led tourism, with women playing a pivotal role in redefining rural and tribal experiences. The state’s rural tourism projects have encouraged local women to take charge, creating employment opportunities and preserving indigenous art forms. By supporting homestay initiatives, craft production, and cultural showcases, the tourism board ensures that women are not just participants but leaders in the tourism ecosystem.
Safe Tourist Destinations for Women: A Landmark Initiative
The Safe Tourist Destination for Women project, an initiative by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, stands as a milestone in making the state a secure and welcoming place for women travelers. Recognized by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, under the Nirbhaya Scheme, this initiative aims to enhance the travel experience for women by ensuring their safety and encouraging independent exploration.
The project’s core objectives include:
- Conducting safety audits of popular tourist destinations
- Training tourism stakeholders and hospitality workers
- Raising public awareness about women’s safety
- Providing self-defense training to women and girls
With an ambitious vision, the project plans to empower 40,000 women and girls with self-defense training, equip 10,000 women with professional skills, and create employment opportunities for 5,000 women in tourism-related roles. The initiative involves collaboration with multiple government agencies to ensure its success.
Creating Livelihoods Through Art & Craft
A shining example of women’s empowerment through tourism is the recent initiative involving women artisans from the Nimar and Ujjain regions. Under the Safe Tourist Destination for Women project, these skilled women crafted beautiful souvenir bags that showcased the cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh. Made entirely by hand using natural colors, these bags depicted iconic tourist attractions across the state and were prominently distributed at the Global Investment Summit, Madhya Pradesh.
This initiative, supported by the Nirbhaya Fund under the Department of Women and Child Development, has not only provided women with a source of livelihood but has also integrated them into the tourism industry as service providers. Today, women trained under the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board are actively engaged in over 48 tourism-related job roles, creating handcrafted products that reflect more than 24 traditional art forms.
Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts & Endowments Department, and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to empowering women through tourism. “Our goal is to make Madhya Pradesh’s destinations safe and tourist-friendly, especially for women. By training 10,000 women in hospitality-related roles and actively involving them in sustainable tourism projects, we are not only enhancing their livelihoods but also ensuring their direct participation in the tourism sector.”
As we celebrate Women’s Day, Madhya Pradesh stands as a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating how tourism can be a catalyst for women’s empowerment and rural prosperity. Through innovative policies, skill development programs, and community engagement, the state is redefining responsible tourism and setting a benchmark for gender-inclusive development in India.
With women leading the way, the future of Madhya Pradesh’s tourism is not just promising—it’s revolutionary.
