Cruise, Offbeat and Rural tourism to be integral part of 2024 trajectory In an effort to boost tourism the Madhya Pradesh government has mapped an innovative strategy for 2024. Besides introducing new elements, the government plans to revamp and broaden the existing schemes to add more vibrancy to the sector. Cruise tourism, all women rides, safety of women, wellness and rural vacations will be an integral part of the 2024 trajectory. Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla Principal Secretary Tourism said, “We designed a multi-pronged strategy for tourism in 2023. In 2024, the plan is to make it more holistic, inclusive, sustainable, eco-friendly and adventure packed.” Cruise Tourism, New Trails Mr. Shukla who is also the Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board said, “We have a buoyant plan for cruise tourism in 2024. The main attraction will be the nearly 130 km inter-state cruise on river Narmada from the Statue of Oneness in Omkareshwar to the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. The multi-option, multi-destination cruises, will be punctuated with rural experiences in between the two destinations. Elaborating on other cruise projects lined up for 2024 Shukla said that plans were afoot to link the Rajhat Dam near Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh to Deogarh in Uttar Pradesh. “Long distance, intra-state cruises will be a new attraction for 2024,” he added. 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 also on the anvil. The Tawa-Madhai cruise will be given a facelift by adding new experiences. Identifying and developing new trekking trails in various buffer zones of National Parks/Sanctuaries …
Read More »Gwalior: UNESCO Music City and Home to the Greatest Musicians
Gwalior (Music) and Kozhikode (Literature) were amongst the only cities from India which were included in this illustrious Bhopal. UNESCO has included Gwalior as the city of Music under the Creative Cities Network (UCCN). 55 cities from all over the globe joined the UCCN. Gwalior was acknowledged for its strong commitment to harnessing culture and creativity as part of UNESCO’s development strategies, and displaying innovative practices in human-centred urban planning. The project was led by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board in cooperation with the Municipal Corporation of Gwalior, Gwalior Smart City Development Corporation Limited, Raja Mansingh Tomar Music & Arts University, music artists and other stakeholders. The Network now includes 350 cities in over one hundred countries, representing seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts and Music. Since 2019, continuous efforts have been made including multiple stakeholder consultations and a dedicated feasibility study of the city to map the potential for UCCN membership followed by the drafting of the application. Gwalior serves as an exemplary example of living cultural heritage and it houses one of the biggest annual music festivals of India; The Tansen Sangeet Samaroh to celebrate the rich culture of Madhya Pradesh. Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla (IAS), Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Department and Managing Director, MP Tourism Board quoted ‘Inclusion of Gwalior by UNESCO under the creative cities network is definitely a big shot in the arm which goes a long way to tell the whole world about the cultural richness of Madhya Pradesh. Gwalior being the city of Tansen, Baiju Bawra, the birthplace of Dhrupad Music form and Gwalior Gharana, which are world known for musical practices and traditions which are …
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