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Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart (MPTM) 2026 introduced AI-based interactive technology for tour planning, highlighted sustained cheetah growth, newly designated tiger reserves, a network of experiential homestays, and AI adaptation for its historic and spiritual sites.

NiVU AI, a travel assistant and multilingual conversational platform where tourists can scan a QR code at a landmark to access real-time assistance in 130+ languages, was officially launched at MPTM26. Its best feature is community-driven, user-generated content from millions of travellers, alongside standard search engine data.

Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Tourism Minister, Madhya Pradesh (MP), said: “MPTM is a platform to bring together our unique attractions closer to international buyers. I invite the world to come and experience MP that has a mix of all kind of attractions of history, culture, architecture and nature. We have established homestays in remote places and have provided infrastructure to access, for visitors to experience India’s culture.”

Village vibes at MPTM26

The state has 30 per cent forest cover, is teeming with wildlife, and is known as India’s tiger capital. 12 national parks and 26 wildlife sanctuaries give visitors plenty of opportunities to experience forests, grasslands, hills, and rivers. Veerangana Durgavati, Ratapani, and Madhav tiger reserves, added in the last three years, bring the total to 9, each with a unique landscape and biodiversity. Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, and Panna are popular for jeep safaris and tiger sightings; Satpura offers boat safaris, canoe rides, and walking tours. Boating under the full moon around vulture breeding habitats in the Chambal region brings visitors closer to nature and wildlife. Sanjay-Dubri offers an insight into tribal culture.

Smart & colourful displays at MPTM

Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, noted that cheetah conservation at Kuno showed how MP has improved forest management and wildlife conservation. Prem Kumar, Naturalist, Kuno National Park, said: “8 cheetahs from Namibia were introduced here in 2022. 12 from South Africa were added in 2023, and 8 more were introduced from Botswana this year. Significantly, 41 cubs have now been born in India. Brahmi from South Africa recently gave birth to 5 cubs. Cheetahs are attracted to humans, and hence there’s a very good sighting.” Newly opened Kuno Forest Retreat by the river has 21 operational cottages, with 21 more under construction.

The State is focusing on linking conservation initiatives with new, responsible tourism experiences. L. Krishnamurthy, CEO, Madhya Pradesh Ecotourism Development Board, said: “Wildlife tourism is no longer limited to sightseeing. Travellers today seek distinctive and memorable experiences. Our focus is on visitor safety, professional training of guides and drivers, and active participation of local communities in strengthening the tourism ecosystem”.

Prateek Hira, Un DMC at MPTM

Chandrashekhar C R, 5 Senses Tours, Bengaluru, said: “Our company focuses on local culture, local food and local experiences through offices across India. Am here looking for new responsible tours from Madhya Pradesh.”

The state has 800 experiential homestays across four categories, including those near the forests. A dedicated Rural Tourism enclave at the Mart offered a fascinating peek into village life with folk music and traditional art. Across the state, the government encourages, supports, and markets more than 150 registered rural homestays. 1000 homestays are targeted by year-end.

Madhya Pradesh, also known as the heart of India, still retains much of its ethnic identity, thanks to the absence of mega cities and the Government’s deliberate decision to support ethnic communities that have sustained practices through generations. Dr Ilayaraja T, Secretary Tourism and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, said: “Our emphasis is not just on adding numbers but on improving service standards at existing ones. We have adopted the principle of connect, create, collaborate, facilitate and conserve.” Tourism Board’s Investment policy provides subsidies for building and setting up homestays and extends support in marketing the facility.

Kuno booth at MPTM

Prateek Hira, Un DMC, said: “MP Tours is our new venture with an office in Bhopal. We are promoting authentic local experiences from the rich culture of India’s central region. Benchmark is on how old cities are projected through new experiences.” MP Tours’ ‘Golden Arc’ tour covers Gwalior, Khajuraho and Panna and surrounding attractions in a 5-day package. Srijan Singh, Product Development Manager, MP Tours, said: “Delhi to Gwalior flight is 90 minutes. Gwalior has the biggest fort; nearby Bhateshwar has a mega complex of 64 temples. Khajuraho is popular for its temples with intricate carvings, and one can go on safaris at Panna tiger reserve. We also include a peek into ethnic traditions. After experiencing MP, one can fly back from Khajuraho to Delhi or Agra.”

The Mart adopted paperless operations, clay cups, a single-use-plastic-free environment, and electric vehicles for transport as responsible measures. Art and craft showcase included Bagh print, Chanderi sarees, Bhil art, Batik art, and other indigenous traditions. Delegates received locally sourced jute and fabric kits.

AI-powered, digitally interactive technology featuring ‘Mowgli’ (from the popular jungle boy character) was available to delegates for quick information on tourism destinations and to create potential itineraries based on their personal preferences.