Tag Archives: Sheo Shekhar Shukla

New Records Set in 2024 as Madhya Pradesh, the Heart of India, Becomes a Tourism Hotspot Madhya Pradesh, rich in diversity and heritage, continues to emerge as one of India’s most vibrant tourism destinations. Known for its cultural legacy, historical monuments, natural beauty, and rich wildlife, the state has become the preferred choice for travellers. In 2024, Madhya Pradesh witnessed an unprecedented rise in tourism, recording 134.1 million tourist arrivals — a remarkable increase of 19.6% from 2023, approximately 50.6% from 2019, and an astounding 526% from 2020. Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts & Endowments Department, and Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board stated, “Madhya Pradesh is a culturally and ecologically diverse state that offers a complete travel experience to visitors. The arrival of 134.1 million tourists in 2024 is proof that Madhya Pradesh is not only making its mark nationally but is also emerging strongly on the global tourism map. This achievement is the result of visionary policies, development of robust infrastructure, and active participation of local communities.” Foreign Tourist Arrivals In 2024, Madhya Pradesh also welcomed 167,000 foreign tourists. Khajuraho recorded 33,131 foreign arrivals, Gwalior 10,823, and Orchha 13,960. Urban destinations also saw a rise in foreign tourists with Indore receiving 9,964 and Bhopal 1,522. Wildlife parks attracted global visitors too, including Bandhavgarh (29,192), Kanha (19,148), Panna (12,762), and Pench (11,272), reflecting the state’s growing global appeal. Major Tourism Attractions Religious Tourism: A New Centre of Faith in India Madhya Pradesh’s religious destinations attracted 107 million visitors in 2024, a 21.9% increase over 2023. Six out of the state’s top ten tourist destinations were religious sites. Ujjain led with 73.2 million tourists, a …

Highlights: Hosting the 21st World Rose Convention is a matter of pride for us – Principal Secretary Shukla Sushil Prakash elected President of World Rose Society Official flag ceremoniously handed over to Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board represented India at the 20th Convention held in Japan India to host the convention for the first time; over 700 international delegates expected The 21st World Rose Convention will be held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh in 2028, as announced by the World Federation of Rose Societies (WFRS) at the recently concluded 20th World Rose Convention in Fukuyama, Japan. The event will mark the first time India hosts the prestigious international gathering, which will bring together more than 700 delegates from across the globe. With its scenic backdrop of lakes and gardens, Bhopal is set to provide an ideal setting for the convention with thematic gardens, technical sessions, cultural performances, and a showcase of tourism experiences from across the state. The official announcement was made at the 20th World Rose Convention, where Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) represented India. The delegation was led by Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts & Endowments Department, and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board. During the closing ceremony, Shukla was ceremoniously handed over the WFRS flag, formally bestowing Madhya Pradesh with the responsibility of hosting the next edition of the convention. In a significant milestone, Sushil Prakash was elected as the new President of the World Federation of Rose Societies. He becomes the first Indian to be appointed to this prestigious post, further strengthening India’s global footprint in the horticultural and floriculture sector. At the closing ceremony of the 20th convention, the WFRS …

Madhya Pradesh Tourism showcased the states varied and lively tourism options during the recent TRES 2025 event, which took place in Delhi on May 1st and 2nd, 2025, at the Andaz Aerocity. By providing Madhya Pradesh Tourism with a great forum to exchange travel-related knowledge and prospects, the TRES helped the industry grow by establishing important business-to-business relationships. “We are thrilled to have had the chance to showcase Madhya Pradesh’s beauty and diversity to a global audience,” said Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla (IAS), Principal Secretary of the Department of Tourism and Culture and Managing Director of the MP Tourism Board, who expressed gratitude for the enormous turnout and enthusiasm of attendees at the TRES Delhi event.  Our stall’s objective was to convey the essence of Madhya Pradesh’s tourism potential, and we are thrilled by the interest and appreciation that visitors have shown.  This is an opportunity for us to interact with our stakeholders and let them know about the unique experiences that Madhya Pradesh has to offer. A highlight of the festival, the Madhya Pradesh stand at TRES Delhi garnered a lot of attention for its beautiful and diverse goods. On exhibit was the state’s tourist industry, which is well-known for its diverse cultural experiences, breathtaking wildlife, heart-pounding adventure options, and lively cultural past. Madhya Pradesh is the perfect place for environment lovers and wildlife photographers because of its lush forests, which are home to a diverse range of species. Many architectural marvels, including 18 UNESCO sites including the three permanent sites Bhimbetka, Sanchi Stupa, and Khajuraho Group of Monuments, can be found in Madhya Pradesh. Numerous locations with significant spiritual value can be found throughout the state, including Devi …

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board participated in the 55th IFFI (International Film Festival of India) in Goa from 20th – 25th November 2024, promoting the state’s film shooting facilities and the Film Tourism Policy. A knowledge series was also organised on 21st November 2024 by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board featuring discussions on boosting film production in state. The series on ‘Lights, Camera, Collaboration: Government and Industry partnership for filming in Madhya Pradesh’ included insights from Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Department & Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Film Director Mr. Amar Kaushik, CEO Aamir Khan Productions Ms Aparna Purohit, Actor Mr Abhishek Banarjee, Actor Ms. Nitanshi Goel, Actor Mr. Sparsh Shrivastava & Actor and Producer Ms Vani Tikoo Tripathi. Principal Secretary Mr. Shukla informed about the various aspects of the MP Film Tourism Policy with the aim of promoting film shooting in the state, how government initiatives can help streamline processes and foster collaboration between various stakeholders in the industry and establishing the state as a major film-making destination. Filmmakers appreciated the Madhya Pradesh Film Tourism Policy showed interest in future projects in the state. Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla said “Madhya Pradesh is proudly two times national award winner of most film friendly state 2017 & 2020. The state is undoubtedly a must-visit state for film shooting. The state government has created the Film Facilitation Cell to promote filmmaking and shooting within the state. Madhya Pradesh is undeniably a naturally stunning offbeat multispecialty destination and paradise for filmmakers seeking picturesque locations. The state’s diverse locations from rich cultural heritage, vibrant wildlife and sacred spiritual destinations provide a visually stunning film set making it a perennial favourite among filmmakers. Madhya Pradesh boasts excellent …

Speaking at the 39th IATO Convention, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary,  Culture and Tourism, Madhya Pradesh, said that the state will develop 50 offbeat destinations to boost tourism along with training over 40,000 women in tourism-related jobs to boost employment.

Madhya Pradesh Tourism recently organised a virtual roadshow for travel agents and tour operators of Pune. “We are hoping that this roadshow will stimulate their curiosity, and they in turn will lead their guests to explore and experience MP,” said Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary – Tourism, Govt of MP and Managing Director, MPTB.

The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) has resumed water sports activities in the state, which were stopped in view of COVID-19. Besides boating, river rafting, kayaking and canoeing have also been permitted. Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary, Tourism & MD, MPTB said that relevant guidelines have been issued to the managers of the boat clubs in the state. It has been decided to run all boats on 50% occupancy. Speed Boats will now carry three persons instead of six, pedal boats, two instead of four, raft boats four instead of eight and cruise boats, 30 instead of 60. MP Tourism runs boat clubs at several places in the state including Bhopal, Halali, Udaygiri, Tawa, Bargi, Bhedaghat, Hanuwantia, Tighra, Gandhisagar dam, Shivpuri and Orchha.