Five out of the top ten most visited destinations in the state were the religious sites including Ujjain, Maihar, Chitrakoot, Omkareshwar, and Salkanpur, highlighting the growing appeal of spiritual tourism. The surge in tourism has had a positive impact on state’s economy as well, the MP Tourism official said.
The state of Madhya Pradesh welcomed over 11 crore (110 million) tourists in 2023, as per the information shared by state’s tourism board. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Madhya Pradesh’s tourism industry, surpassing pre-COVID levels and establishing the state as a premier tourist destination in India.
The year 2023 witnessed an influx of 11.21 crore (112.1 million) tourists to Madhya Pradesh, showcasing a growth compared to 2022’s 3.41 crore (34.1 million) visitors. Ujjain, one of India’s holiest cities, emerged as the most popular tourist destination in Madhya Pradesh, attracting over 5.28 crore (52.8 million) pilgrims and tourists.
Five out of the top ten most visited destinations in the state were the renowned religious sites, including Ujjain, Maihar, Chitrakoot, Omkareshwar, and Salkanpur, highlighting the growing appeal of spiritual tourism. Landmark projects like Mahakal Lok in Ujjain and Ektma Dham in Omkareshwar have played a pivotal role in attracting more visitors to the state. It is noteworthy that May 24 is the foundation day of Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC), which is also celebrated as Madhya Pradesh Tourism Day.
“The record-breaking tourist arrivals are a testament to Madhya Pradesh’s immense appeal as a diverse and enriching travel destination. Our unwavering focus on developing infrastructure, promoting religious tourism, and showcasing our unique cultural heritage has been instrumental in attracting visitors from across India and the globe. We are committed to further enhancing our tourism offerings and ensuring that Madhya Pradesh remains a top choice for travellers seeking memorable and enriching experiences,” said Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary, Tourism & Culture & Managing Director, MP Tourism Board.
As Madhya Pradesh continues to shine on the global tourism map, the state warmly invites travellers to embark on a journey of discovery and experience the unparalleled beauty, culture, and hospitality that Madhya Pradesh has to offer.
A look into the numbers:
Among its notable destinations, Ujjain stood out with a staggering influx of 52,841,802 tourists, drawing visitors to its ancient temples and cultural events. Following closely was Maihar, with 16,849,000 tourists, as per the MPTB stats.
Indore, known for its historical landmarks and culinary delights, welcomed over 10 million tourists, making it a prominent destination in the state. Chitrakoot attracted 9,001,126 tourists seeking solace and spiritual enlightenment.
Omkareshwar witnessed a considerable footfall of 3,475,000 tourists whereas Jabalpur saw 2,669,869 tourists exploring its myriad attractions.
Salkanpur recorded 2,565,000 tourists, Narmadapuram, encompassing Pachmarhi, Madhai, Narmadapuram, and Adamgarh, witnessed 2,283,837 tourists and Raisen, boasting attractions like Bhimbetka, Sanchi, and Bhojpur, welcomed 2,137,058 tourists.
Bhopal, the capital city, attracted 1,950,965 tourists.
Over the years, the tourism landscape of Madhya Pradesh has also witnessed significant growth, evident from the escalating numbers of visitors, as shared by the tourism board. In 2023, the state registered a surge with 111,291,094 marking a substantial increase compared to previous years. This growth trajectory was seen as 2022 recorded 34,138,757 tourists, 2021 saw 25,595,668 tourists, and 2020 observed 21,400,693 tourists.
“The surge in tourism has had a positive impact on Madhya Pradesh’s economy, generating employment opportunities, boosting local businesses, and contributing to overall infrastructure development. The state government’s commitment to enhancing tourism infrastructure, promoting cultural heritage, and showcasing the state’s natural wonders has been instrumental in driving this growth,” Shukla added.
