Madhya Pradesh Tourism builds overseas push at WTM London 2026

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board used WTM London 2026 to court international operators, media and potential partners at ExCeL London from Nov. 3-5. The state says the effort is part of a broader push to grow its presence in the UK and other overseas markets.

Why it matters: - Madhya Pradesh is trying to widen its footprint in international travel markets and drive more overseas visitation. - The state is also pushing a broader tourism mix, including heritage, wildlife, spiritual travel, rural experiences and crafts. - More international trade relationships could help place Madhya Pradesh in new itineraries and travel programs.

What happened: - Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board concluded its participation at World Travel Market London 2026, held Nov. 3-5 at ExCeL London. - The board used a dedicated pavilion at Stand N11-209 to meet travel trade buyers and promote the state. - Dr. Abhay Arvind Bedekar, Additional Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, led the delegation. - Mr. Rakesh Goliya, Manager, Events & Marketing, joined the delegation. - Ten tourism stakeholders from hotels, destination management companies, travel agencies, wildlife tourism and other segments also participated. - Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, and Smt. Sudha Murty, Member of Parliament and founder of Infosys Foundation, inaugurated the pavilion.

The details: - The pavilion featured destination displays and promotional films on Madhya Pradesh’s heritage, wildlife, cultural experiences and lesser-known attractions. - Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board officials held more than 70 B2B meetings with international tour operators, travel agents, destination management companies and other trade representatives. - The meetings focused on destination itineraries, possible travel circuits and ways to feature Madhya Pradesh more prominently in international programs. - Participating tourism stakeholders also held many B2B meetings and reported interest and inquiries across the state’s tourism offerings. - The delegation gave more than eight media interviews with outlets including Globetrotter Magazine, Travel Gossip, Lyca Radio and WTM TV. - Those interviews were used to highlight the state’s tourism narratives and raise visibility across international media. - Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board and Friends of Madhya Pradesh, UK Chapter, hosted “The Madhya Pradesh Chronicles – An Evening of Untold Narratives” on Nov. 3 at TH@51 Restaurant & Bar, St. James’s Court, A Taj Hotel, London. - The event brought together 32 storytellers from the international media and creative community. - Dr. Abhay Arvind Bedekar presented the state’s tourism offerings. - Vidhi Beri of Art Ichol, Maihar, discussed the state’s art and craft traditions. - Wildlife photographer Saleel Tambe showed images of Madhya Pradesh’s wildlife and landscapes. - Mythologist and storyteller Seema Anand attended the gathering.

Between the lines: - Madhya Pradesh is positioning itself as more than a single-attraction destination. - The state is emphasizing lesser-known places alongside established sites to encourage more immersive travel and spread tourism beyond a few locations. - The mix of trade meetings, media outreach and a cultural event suggests a coordinated effort to build both business leads and destination awareness.

What's next: - Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is expected to use the contacts and interest generated at WTM London to deepen partnerships with overseas operators. - The board will likely continue promoting the state under its brand line, “The Heart of Incredible India.” - Future outreach may focus on adding Madhya Pradesh to more international travel circuits and program offerings.

The bottom line: - Madhya Pradesh used WTM London 2026 to sell a broader tourism story and strengthen its international pipeline with trade, media and stakeholder engagement.